To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thread-dragging through fistula method (TDFM) in treating patients with anal fistula.Methods: Databases such as CNKI (2005 to 2012),VIP (2005 to 2012) and Wanfang Data (2005 to 2012) etc.were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different surgical (basing on TDFM ) treatments for anal fistula,and the relevant references were also retrieved.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,we screened literature,extracted data,and critically assessed the quality of RCTs.Then the meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 4.2 software.Results: A total of 12 RCTs were included.The results of meta-analyses showed that TDFM could improve efficacy,reduce fecal incontinence,protect anal function (P<0.01).Conclusion: Current evidence shows TDFM can effectively improve efficacy,protect anal function.But this conclusion still needs to be proven by large-scale RCTs due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies.