Fistula Treatment
An anal fistula is a tunnel-like passage between the skin and the anus. An infection causes the appearance of the fistula. The inside of the tunnel is connected to the infected anal gland or sac. Discharge of pus or blood occurs from a fistula that causes pain. The main cause can be an anorectal abscess. Other causes may include Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, STDs, rectal cancer, post-anorectal surgical complications, chronic constipation, and more.
Symptoms
- Swelling and tenderness in the anal region
- Itching and redness
- Moderate to severe pain while passing bowels
- Pus and/or blood discharge
Treatments
Surgical intervention can be undertaken after giving local anesthesia, like:- Fistulotomy :
In this procedure draining through the tunnel is achieved by cutting open the fistula.
- Seton technique :
A seton or surgical thread is left in the fistula for a few weeks for draining and healing. This procedure does not require any cuts or sutures.
- Advancement flap procedure :
After cutting and scraping off the fistula, a flap of tissue taken from the rectum is used to cover the fistula and then allowed to heal.
- Ligation of Inter-sphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT) :
This procedure treats fistula passing through the anal sphincter muscles. The muscles are moved apart by cutting the skin above the fistula and sealed at both ends.
- Fistula Plug :
This is a bio-absorbable synthetic plug that is placed inside the tract. Over time, it gets absorbed and new cells are formed inside, treating the fistula.
- Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC) :
FiLaC method removes the fistula without damaging the sphincter muscle. A radially emitting fiber device is inserted at the external opening of the fistula. The laser beam destroys the fistula tract. General anesthesia needs to be administered for this purpose.
- Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) :
is another treatment mode, and does not require surgery. A Futuroscope is inserted in the external opening of the tract. The inner tract is fulgurated and cleaned from the internal opening to the outside.
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