ObjectiveTo summarize the latest research progress of intersphincteric fistula ligation in the treatment of anal fistula. MethodsThrough the retrieval of CNKI and PubMed literature database, the principle, clinical application and related improvement of LIFT were reviewed. ResultsLigation of intersphincteric fistula tract is a sphincter preserving surgery in recent years. Because it has the advantage of ensuring the integrity of the sphincter, less damage to the anal function after operation, the wound healing quickly and so on, it has been accepted by domestic and foreign scholars. ConclusionLIFT to cure anal fistula while ensuring the anal function integrity, is the development trend of anal fistula surgery, is worthy to be popularized.