Anal FISTULA SURGERY
Swelling and redness in the skin down there? Get rid of it in just 30-Mins with advanced fistula surgery. QuickHealthKare offers advanced laser treatment for fistula in Delhi NCR. Our expert doctors will take care of the minimally invasive fistula treatment with round-the-clock assistance from the medical coordinators in Delhi NCR.
About
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FAQ's
What is an Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel-like connection between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. It usually develops as a result of an infection in an anal gland that leads to an abscess. If the abscess does not heal completely, it may form a fistula.
Anal fistulas are typically painful and can cause discomfort, swelling, and discharge of pus or blood. If left untreated, they can result in recurrent infections and complications.
Types of Anal Fistula
1
Anal Fistula
A connection between the anal canal and the surrounding skin.
2
Rectovaginal Fistula
An abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina.
3
Enterocutaneous Fistula
A fistula between the intestines and the skin.
4
Urinary Fistula
A connection between the urinary tract and another organ.
Causes of Anal Fistula
Fistulas may develop due to various factors, including:
- Chronic infections or abscesses
- Inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease
- Post-surgical complications
- Prolonged childbirth (obstetric fistula)
- Radiation therapy side effects
- Trauma or injury
Symptoms of Anal Fistula
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Swelling and redness around the affected area
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Difficulty in controlling bowel movements
.
Fever and general discomfort (in case of infection)
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Persistent pain and discomfort
Diagnosis of Anal Fistula
A doctor will typically diagnose an anal fistula through a combination of:
Physical Examination: Identifying the external opening and assessing drainage.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): Checking for internal openings or abscesses.
MRI or Ultrasound: To determine the extent of the fistula and its connection to the anal canal.
Fistulography or Colonoscopy: In some cases, these tests help to rule out underlying conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Treatment Options for Anal Fistula
1. Traditional Surgical Procedures
Fistulotomy: The most common procedure where the fistula is cut open and left to heal naturally.
Seton Placement: A surgical thread is placed to help drain the infection before further treatment.
Advancement Flap Surgery: Involves covering the internal opening with a tissue flap.
LIFT (Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract): A sphincter-preserving surgery for complex fistulas.
2. Laser Surgery for Anal Fistula
Laser surgery is a modern, minimally invasive technique for treating anal fistulas. It is an effective and safe option with several advantages over traditional procedures.
How Laser Surgery Works
A laser fiber is inserted into the fistula tract.
The laser energy seals the tract by coagulating and destroying unhealthy tissue.
The fistula gradually heals from the inside without the need for large incisions.
Advantages of Laser Surgery
Minimally Invasive: No major cuts or stitches are required.
Less Pain and Discomfort: Patients experience minimal post-operative pain.
Faster Recovery: Healing time is significantly reduced compared to traditional surgery.
Lower Risk of Incontinence: The sphincter muscles remain intact, reducing the risk of bowel control issues.
Outpatient Procedure: Most patients can go home the same day.
Risk and delay in treatment for anal fistula
- Recurrence of fistula
- Anaemia
- Unbearable Anal Pain
- Development of multiple anla fissures
- Extension of anal Fissures
- Anal Stenosis
- Fecal incontinence
- Strangulation
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
After any fistula treatment, proper post-operative care is essential:
Maintain hygiene and keep the area clean.
Follow a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.
Stay hydrated to ensure smooth bowel movements.
Take prescribed antibiotics or pain relievers as directed.
Follow up with your doctor for regular check-ups.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Fistula treatment is mainly covered under your health insurance. Most of the time, your insurer will cover a particular amount for fistula and related diseases. However, the amount of coverage you will have depends on the type of policy.
It is important to know that medical treatment for fistula will not be covered under your insurance policy, it will only cover the cost or expenses of the surgical treatment, but to claim this, you will have to be hospitalized for 24 hours.
Know more about Fistula
Causes of Recurrence:
When it comes to laser anal fistula surgery, a successful procedure is defined as the complete healing of the anal wound without any residual tract, external openings, or perianal discharge.
In most cases, laser anal fistula surgery is considered to be the best and the most effective surgical treatment for anal fistula. However, due to various reasons, your condition may reoccur even after surgery. Some of the most common postoperative causes of anal fistula recurrence are given below:
- Poor Hygiene of the Surgical Site: Poor hygiene and an unclean environment can expose your surgical wound to various types of bacteria and germs. Such contamination, especially after surgery, can lead to an infection and may also result in ineffective treatment of the fistula. Hence, maintaining good hygiene around the anal wound after your anal fistula surgery is imperative.
- Failure to Comply with Follow-up Instructions: After your anal fistula surgery, your anorectal specialist will likely instruct you to follow some guidelines to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible. Following these guidelines will also ensure that the chances of any postoperative complications are as low as possible. However, failure to comply with these guidelines can often lead to incomplete recovery and could cause your anal fistula to reoccur.
- Persistence of Preoperative Factors: Treatment of an anal fistula goes beyond just surgery. It is also important to make certain changes in your lifestyle to minimize the chances of its recurrence. However, if the factors that initially lead to your condition are still present after the surgery, your anal fistula may reoccur and require treatment.
Anal fistula is a painful condition that requires prompt medical attention. With advancements in medical technology, laser surgery has emerged as a highly effective and less invasive treatment option. If you suspect you have an anal fistula, consult a QuickHealthKare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes anal fistula?
An anal fistula most often happens from an anal gland that has developed a pus-filled infection (abscess). A fistula can also happen with certain conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. Or it may happen after radiation therapy for cancer. Injury to the anal canal and surgery can also cause anal fistulas.
How do you know if you have a fistula?
Endoscopic ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves, can identify the fistula, the sphincter muscles and surrounding tissues. Fistulography is an X-ray of the fistula that uses an injected contrast to identify the anal fistula tunnel. Examination under anesthesia.
Is fistula a serious problem?
Fistula tracts must be treated because they will not heal on their own. There is a risk of developing cancer in the fistula tract if left untreated for a long period of time. Most fistulas are simple to treat. Either the tract or fistula can be opened or the tract and the pocket inside are completely removed.
Can a fistula burst?
It is rare for a fistula /graft to bleed excessively after dialysis, but it does happen and can lead to rupture. The good news is that there are often warning signs.
What is the cost of Laser Fistula Surgery?
The exact cost is dependent upon the following factors:
- Specific Hospital
- Surgical Method, whether Laser or Open
- The Grade & Stage of Fistula
- Age and Health Condition
- Pre and Post-surgery medications and follow-ups are required etc.