Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fistula Surgery?

Anal Fistula surgery is a surgical procedure of removing the anal fistulas and is an effective way of treating anal fistula. An anal fistula is an infected tunnel that develops between the anus and the skin behind the anus. This results in the formation of the abscesses and drainage of the pus or blood from the fistula.  This surgery helps in reducing the anal fistula symptoms such as pain, anal abscesses, swelling around the anus, bleeding, etc. Fistula Surgery includes different types of methods to treat fistula and they are:

1. Fistulotomy
2. Advancement rectal flap
3. Collagen plug
4. Seton placement
5. LIFT procedure [Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract]

There are four types of anal fistulas and they are:

1. Intersphincteric fistula
2. Transsphincteric fistula
3. Suprasphincteric fistula
4. Extrasphincteric fistula

What are the advantages of Fistula Surgery?

Some of the advantages of Fistula Surgery are:

1. Reduces pain
2. No sphincter damage
3. No longer infection at the anus
4. Shorter healing time
5. Prevents the drainage from the fistulas

What are the indications of Fistula Surgery?

Fistula Surgery is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Severe Chron's disease with infections
2. Pain and swelling around the anus
3. Drainage of the pus or blood from the fistula
4. Presence of large fistula

What is the preparation for Fistula Surgery?

1. The patient should tell all the past and present medical and medications history to the doctor.
2. Discuss with the doctor about all the benefits, risks and complications associated with Fistula Surgery.
3. Should stop taking certain medications 1 week before the surgery date.
4. Should drink more liquids such as plain water, coffee, and tea without milk and cream, etc.
5. The patient will be given laxatives a few days before the procedure.
6. The patient should stop smoking.
7. Should sign a consent form prior to the surgery.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Fistula Surgery?

1. After completion of the procedure, it takes an hour to recover from the sedation; so avoid driving.
2. If pain is severe, then take the painkillers given by the doctor.
3. Carefully wash and dry the anal area after passing the stools.
4. Don't sit or walk for long periods.
5. Avoid lifting weights.
6. Should eat fiber-rich food items.
7. Drink water to avoid dehydration.
8. Make follow-up appointments with the doctor to check the medical condition.

Who can perform Fistula Surgery [Right specialist type for Fistula Surgery]?

Fistula Surgery can be performed by:

1. A General Surgeon who is well experienced in Fistula Surgery.
2. Colorectal Surgeon

What is the cost of Fistula Surgery?

Cost of Fistula Surgery depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. The medical condition of the patient
5. Type of surgery planned to be performed
6. Post-surgical complications that are involved
7. Type of hospital
8. The admission room that you opted for

Minimum cost in Bangalore starts from Rs. 40,000

Average expenses in Bangalore is approximately Rs. 74,095

Maximum amount to be paid in Bangalore rises up to Rs. 1,15,000

Is Fistula Surgery major surgery or minor surgery?

Fistula Surgery can be either major or minor surgery depending on the patient's medical condition and the type of method performed.

What is the eligibility criteria for Fistula Surgery?

People who can undergo Fistula Surgery are:

1. Individuals suffering from pain and swelling around the anus.
2. People who have drainage of pus or blood from the fistula
3. Individuals suffering from fistulas and cannot be treated with medicines.
4. People with recurrence of fistula.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Fistula Surgery?

People who cannot undergo Fistula Surgery are:

1. Individuals who are suffering from fistulas and can be treated with medicines.
2. People who underwent recent colorectal surgery.
3. Individuals who are allergic to anesthesia.

What are the risks and complications associated with Fistula Surgery?

Risks and Complications associated with Fistula Surgery are:

1. Blockage of the bowel
2. Infection
3. Bleeding
4. Recurrence of fistula
5. Bowel incontinence
   

How long does it take to complete Fistula Surgery?

Fistula Surgery may take almost 1-2 hours to complete and sometimes it may take more than the usual time depending on the condition of the patient and size of the fistula.

What is the recovery time?

Individuals who undergo Fistula Surgery may take 1-2 weeks to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Fistula Surgery?

The success rate of Fistula Surgery depends on the following factors:

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Type of surgery performed

However, the success rate of Fistula Surgery maybe 73% to 94%.

Is Fistula Surgery painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under anesthesia.

Is Fistula Surgery Permanent?

This is a permanent surgery however, the results may not be permanent.

What are the long-term results of Fistula Surgery?

Some of the long-term results of Fistula Surgery are:

1. Reduces the pain and swelling around the anus
2. Decreases the drainage of pus and blood from the fistula
3. Fecal incontinence

Can Fistula Surgery be detected in the future?

Fistula Surgery may or may not be detected in the future depending on the type of surgery performed.

What are the options if Fistula Surgery fails?

If Fistula Surgery fails, then the doctor may recommend revision surgery.

What are the alternatives for Fistula Surgery?

Fistula Surgery is the only effective way to treat severe fistulas. Some alternatives to Fistula Surgery are:

1. Medicines
2. Fibrin glue