Laser Surgery for fistula
The fistula can be described as a painful sore in the intestinal wall or around organs, which causes discomfort. Surgery is the most popular treatment for fistula out of all treatment options. Dr Azhar Alam, a leading colorectal surgeon from Kolkata offers the laser treatment for fistula, with remarkable results.
What is fistula?
Fistula can be found in the intestinal wall , or within the organs that surround it. Inflammation in these places results in the formation of ulcers and sores that are filled with pus. The ulcers or sores form an opening and grow around the anus.
Also Read: 7 Successful Ways To Recuperate From Fistula
Signs of fistula
- Diarrhoea
- Urinary tract infection
- Bloody or cloudy in the urine
- The sensation of burning after passing urine
- The bump may be painful or it could be a boil or a bump.
- Abscess in the skin with open pores and the oozing of stool or fluid
The causes of Fistula
There are numerous glands in the anus. Due to medical conditions like constipation, poor hygiene of the perianal or trauma, or other factors, these glands become blocked and infected, which can lead the abscess.
It can be seen in people suffering from Crohn’s disease or cancer, constipation, or are receiving radiation treatment. It can also be as a result of trauma to the region of the abdomen.
Also Read: Benefits And Risks Of Fistula Surgery
Treatment for Fistula or Fistula Removal
The treatment for fistula is contingent on the location and the size. The treatment options for fistulas with antibiotics and medicines. Surgery to eliminate the fistula is recommended due to better outcomes and strategies to stop its repeat incidence. There are a variety of surgical options available , and they are performed according to the area of the fistula.
Laser Surgery For Fistula
Dr. Azhar Alam, a prominent colorectal surgeon and a laparoscopic surgeon from Kolkata who has a recommendation for laser surgery for fistulas.
Laser Surgery in the treatment of fistulas is a new treatment option to treat fistula that can provide the best results. Furthermore, it’s an all-day procedure and the patient can be discharged the same day.
In this process laser energy is delivered through radial fibers into the fistula and causes it to shrink in the internal area. Furthermore, the laser energy is used to stop or limit an increase in blood flow to the area of the fistula to stop its expansion.
The accuracy and precision that the laser delivers will ensure that the fistula will not develop again.
The advantages of laser surgery for Fistula
The majority of colorectal surgeons advocate laser surgery to treat fistulas as follows:
- It’s a day-care or outpatient procedure which can be accomplished in less than one hour
- It promises rapid recovery
- It is a painless experience
- There is a very low risk of blood loss.
- The patient can return to regular activities immediately.
- It is a minor cause of scarring.
The action of the anal sphincter is not interrupted, resulting in there is no risk of incontinence or leakage
Other options for treatment include treatment options for Fistula
A medical plug is put in to close the fistula and speed up healing. The procedure involves the inserting into a conical-shaped plug constructed from animal tissue inside the fistula. Medical plugs are also called a bioprosthetic plug.
Seton is a small surgical cord is placed inside the fistula in order to eliminate the infection and start healing. The Seton procedure is an effective alternative to avoid undergoing a fistula surgery in particular when the fistula has spread over a large part of the sphincter muscles. Additionally, several seton procedures are required to ensure full healing.
Fistulotomy – The surgeon opens the fistula along its length. The surgeon then eliminates the abscess for healing. The scars will take about an entire month or two to be healed. Fistulotomy can be performed if fistula is not affecting the muscles of the sphincter, since there may be an increased likelihood of having bowel problems. About 90% of fistula cases treated through fistulotomy.
FibrinGlue – FibrinGlue is a medical glue that is used to stop the fistula. The Fistula doctor in Kolkata will recommend this treatment alternative if the fistula is passing through the muscles of the sphincter and surgery to close the fistula is very risky. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. Then, surgeon injects fibrin glue inside the fistula tract , and closes the opening.
The Ligation Intersphincteric Fistula Tract – LIFT procedure is done to treat an infected fistula passing between the muscles of the sphincter in the anus. The surgeon cuts over the fistula, and then moves the sphincter musclesto seal both ends of the fistula cutting it open to heal as a flat scar.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
