Laser Fistula Treatment: Surgery Types, Recovery & Cost

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel-like passage that develops from the inside of the anus to the skin outside. It is usually a bothersome and painful condition that results from an infection in the anal gland.

When small glands that produce mucus inside the anus get clogged and infected, it leads to the formation of an abscess and cyst. Now, half of these abscesses have a chance of developing into a fistula.

Gone are the days when traditional fistula was the only effective option for the treatment of fistula. Now, with the advent of laser surgery, patients can have a safer and non-invasive method to get relief from fistula. It offers numerous advantages over conventional procedures and has become the preferred option for both surgeons and patients.

In this blog, we will explore laser fistula surgery in detail with a focus on surgery types, recovery and cost.

Anal Fistula: An Overview

As stated, an anal fistula is a pus-filled tunnel that develops under the skin between the anus and the anal canal. A fistula looks like a hole in the skin near the skin. At times, some patients might experience drainage like pus, blood, or poop, especially when they touch the fistula.

Symptoms of a Fistula

Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata, lists out some of the common symptoms of fistula which patients mostly experience.

• Throbbing anal pain which becomes more intense when you poop.
• Swelling and redness inside and around the anus.
• Drainage of foul-smelling pus from the anus.
• Irritation around the anal area after drainage
• Pain during bowel movements
• Bleeding
• Fever and chills
• Extreme fatigue and weakness

If you experience any one or a combination of these symptoms, get in touch with Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata, for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options for Fistula

Surgery is the most effective treatment option for a fistula. While medications or lifestyle changes do work to improve the symptoms, they typically do not resolve the condition. The main goal of surgery is to close the fistula while preserving the bowel movements and minimising the risk of recurrence.

There are different types of fistula surgery, each having its own technique. However, conventional procedures come with their side effects, which are as follows:

• Partial anal stenosis (due to fibrosis during the healing of a large perianal wound)
• Infection
• Loss of Bowel Control (incontinence)
• Fistula Recurrence

To eliminate these complications, laser surgery or FiLaC has emerged as the new technique for the treatment of fistula. As per the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata. Fistula Laser Closure (FiLaC) is an advanced procedure that utilises radial laser fibre to ablate and close the fistula tract. It is a minimally invasive technique that has several advantages over conventional techniques.

• Non-invasive and painless: It is one of the major benefits of laser fistula treatment. Instead of large incisions, laser beams are emitted into the fistula tract. This minimises tissue damage and results in less pain throughout the procedure.
• Quick recovery time: Most patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few days, thereby making it a convenient procedure for many patients.
• Reduced risk of occurrence: Laser therapy has lower recurrence rates by sealing the fistula tract, thereby reducing its chance of opening.
• Preservation of the sphincter muscles: Laser treatment preserves the sphincter muscles, ensuring that patients have a normal bowel movement.
• Outpatient procedure: It hardly takes a few minutes to 1 hour to complete the procedure. Moreover, patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day.
• No scarring: As laser surgery does not involve large incisions, it does not cause any visible scarring.

Types of Laser Fistula Surgery

Several types of laser-assisted fistula surgery ensure better outcomes for the patients.

• FiLaC: As discussed, it is an advanced procedure that utilises a radial-emitting laser fibre to close the fistula from the inside out.
• Laser-assisted LIFT: It is a procedure which treats fistulas that go through the anal sphincter muscles. Here, the surgeon cuts the fistula and removes the sphincter muscles. Both ends of the fistula are then closed. Laser technology, when used with LIFT, enhances the outcome of the treatment and promotes faster healing.
• Laser + VAAFT (Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment): It is also a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon uses an endoscope with a camera to visualise and treat the anal fistulas. Laser-assisted VAAFT allows precise closing of the fistula tract while preserving the surrounding tissues.

Recovery After Laser Fistula Surgery

Unlike conventional surgery, which takes around a few months to recover, laser surgery offers a quicker healing time. In the majority of cases, the recovery time is only a few days, and patients can return to their normal activities.

During the healing period, patients are required to take proper post-care instructions as advised by the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata.

Here are the guidelines to follow.

• Take plenty of rest to allow the body to heal.
• Incorporate fibre-rich foods into your diet.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the stool soft.
• Make sure to have the prescribed medicines as suggested by your doctor.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for some days.
• Attend all the follow-up appointments.

Cost of Laser Fistula Surgery

The cost of fistula laser surgery in Kolkata typically costs between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 75,000. However, the range can vary depending on factors such as the location, the surgeon’s expertise and the availability of hospital facilities.

Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata, accepts all types of medical insurance to make the treatment accessible to all patients.

Conclusion

Anal fistula is a distressing condition. However, with advancements in technology, its treatment has become more efficient and painless, with a shorter recovery time. If you are also considering laser fistula treatment, schedule your appointment with Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata, for expert care and long-lasting relief.