Fistula Treatment

A fistula (commonly, anal fistula) is an abnormal connection between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus. It usually results from an infection or abscess that didn’t heal properly. Fistulas don't go away on their own and typically require medical or surgical treatment. Here's a complete overview of fistula treatment services:

1. Diagnosis Services

Accurate diagnosis is crucial to choose the right treatment:

• Physical Examination: Inspection of the anal area for fistula openings or discharge.

• Proctoscopy: Visual inspection of the anal canal.

• Imaging Tests:

  • MRI Fistulogram: To map the full tract of the fistula.

  • Endoanal Ultrasound: To identify internal openings.

  • CT Scan: In complex or recurrent cases.

2. Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For early, superficial, or low-risk cases (rare):

• Antibiotics: To manage infection.

• Sitz Baths: Warm water soaking to relieve pain and promote drainage.

• Dietary advice: High-fiber diet and hydration to ease bowel movements.

• Fibrin Glue: A non-invasive procedure where medical glue is used to seal the fistula tract (low success rate).

These are mostly temporary or supportive methods, not curative for most fistulas.

3. Surgical Treatment Options

a. Fistulotomy

• The most common and effective surgery.

• The fistula tract is opened and cleaned.

• Healing occurs from the inside out.

• Suitable for simple, low-level fistulas.

b. Seton Placement

• A surgical thread (seton) is placed through the fistula to allow drainage.

• Used for complex or high-risk fistulas (to avoid damaging the sphincter muscle).

• May be followed by further procedures after some healing.

c. Laser Treatment (FILAC or LIFT-Laser)

• Minimally invasive.

• Laser energy is used to close the fistula tract.

• Less pain, quick recovery, no cuts or stitches.

• Suitable for both simple and some complex fistulas.

d. LIFT Procedure (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract)

• Advanced method to close internal openings while preserving sphincter muscles.

• Good success rate for complex fistulas.

e. VAAFT (Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment)

• Endoscopic technique to identify and treat the entire fistula tract.

• Minimally invasive with faster recovery.

4. Post-Treatment Care Services

• Wound care and dressing

• Pain and infection control

• Bowel movement management

• Dietary and hygiene instructions

• Regular follow-ups to check healing

5. Advanced Hospital Services

• Laser surgery for day-care treatment

• Insurance support and cashless claims

• Private recovery rooms

• Online consultations for follow-ups

• 24/7 emergency services (for infected or painful fistulas)