A fistula can be described as an irregular, tube-like link that arises between two structures within the body, both of which are lined with epithelial cells. It represents an abnormal connection that develops between two bodily structures, which can include organs or blood vessels. Typically, the formation of fistulas can be attributed to factors like injury or surgical procedures. However, infections or inflammation can also contribute to the creation of these abnormal connections. Some illustrative examples of naturally occurring fistulas include those that form between the end of the bowel and the skin in proximity to the anus i.e. referred to as an anal fistula or between the intestine and the vagina known as an enterovaginal fistula. In addition to this, fistulas can also manifest between the rectum and the vagina, termed as rectovaginal fistula. While injuries or surgeries are common culprits for fistula development, they can also result from infections that lead to significant inflammation. Irrespective of the type of fistulas one is suffering from, this ailment requires medical attention to prevent serious infections or other medical health issues from developing. People suffering from fistula can seek the best treatment at Atharv Hospital, which has carved its niche in Pune, Maharashtra for its world-class healthcare treatments.
Fistulas are abnormal connections or passages that form between two different body structures or organs. There are various types of fistulas, each categorized based on their location and underlying causes. Fistulas may scare people but this ailment is curable if treated early. Different types of fistulas include:
Anal Fistula – This type of fistula occurs around the anus and is classified as anorectal between the anal canal and skin, rectovaginal or anovaginal between the rectum or anus and the vagina, or colovaginal between the colon and vagina.
Intestinal Fistula – In the context of the intestinal tract, a fistula that forms between two segments of the intestine is known as an enteroenteric fistula. Furthermore, fistulas may occasionally occur between the small intestine and the skin or between the colon and the skin.
Urinary Tract Fistula – Fistulas can also occur within the realm of obstetrics and the urinary tract. A fistula may develop between the urinary bladder and the uterus. Alternatively, holes may form between the urinary bladder and the vagina or between the urethra and the vagina
People suffering from fistula experience different symptoms depending upon the type of fistula from which they are suffering.
Symptoms of fistulas include:
Fistula is diagnosed by doctors through any of the following ways:
Fistulas typically do not undergo spontaneous healing, thus it is critical to promptly seek medical attention if you exhibit symptoms of a fistula. With appropriate care and intervention, fistulas can be effectively managed. The primary approaches to treating fistulas involve medications and surgical procedures. At Atharv Hospital, our team of experienced and certified healthcare professionals thoroughly evaluate symptoms and determine the underlying cause of the fistula to formulate a personalized treatment plan. While some fistulas may respond to antibiotic or medication therapy alone, instances where medication proves ineffective may necessitate surgical intervention, as recommended by your healthcare provider. Fistula surgery is efficiently performed at Atharv Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra by experienced and senior surgeons who are known for handling these surgeries with great success.
The surgeons at Atharv Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, specialize in employing minimally invasive approaches for fistula treatment, including robotic surgery and laparoscopic techniques. These methods entail making small incisions, typically in the abdomen or vagina. During surgery, the physician carefully assesses the affected area for signs of edema or infection and removes scar tissue to ensure proper blood supply. Our expert team considers various surgical approaches when devising a treatment plan for fistulas:
Fistulotomy – This procedure repairs anal fistulas while preserving the integrity of the anal sphincter muscles. A colorectal surgeon will make an incision through the upper part of the fistula, necessitating a small amount of muscle to be cut through.
Medical Glue – In this process, medical-grade glue is applied by the doctor to seal the fistula allowing it to heal.
Medical Plug – In this, a medical-grade plug is inserted into the fistula to close it off and promote the healing process.
Drain Insertion – A thin surgical cord known as a seton is placed into the fistula to facilitate drainage of infection.
Ileostomy – In cases where fistulas cause stool to enter the intestine, an ileostomy may be performed. This involves bringing a section of the small intestine up to the abdominal wall, and redirecting stool to exit through a medical pouch that can be periodically emptied and cleaned. An ileostomy is typically a temporary measure to aid in fistula healing.
These advanced surgical techniques allow tailoring fistula treatments to the specific needs of each patient while minimizing invasiveness and promoting successful outcomes.
The surgical procedure used to treat a fistula is referred to as a fistulotomy and has a success rate of approximately 95%. This single-session approach is the simplest and most efficient method for treating fistula. During the surgical procedure, the colorectal surgeon will make an incision through the upper part of the fistula, enabling it to heal from the bottom upward. In some cases, infected tissue may also be removed. While this process may involve cutting through a small amount of muscle, it is generally considered safe. Excessive muscle removal, however, carries the risk of compromising bowel control.
Like with any surgery, risks and complications are also associated with fistula surgery. Some common risks and complications that may result from fistula surgery include bleeding, infections, and reactions to the anesthetic. The primary risks associated with fistula surgery include:
Recurring Infection – If the infection isn’t fully eradicated from the fistula, it may persist within the healing site. In such cases, antibiotics are typically effective in treating the recurrence.
Recurring Fistula – There is a possibility of the anal fistula reoccurring after surgery if it doesn’t completely heal. This recurrence may be linked to underlying chronic conditions or the specific surgical technique employed.
Fecal Incontinence – Following anal fistula surgery, some individuals may experience a slight compromise in fecal continence. This may manifest as difficulties in controlling gas or occasional fecal leakage. It’s worth noting that these complications are less common when the surgery is performed by experienced colorectal surgeons.
The duration of recovery following fistula surgery varies based on the specific procedure and its complexity. Tailored recovery advice is typically provided by the surgical team. In most cases, wounds should fully heal within approximately 6 weeks. General postoperative guidance for fistula surgery in Pune, Maharashtra includes:
Selecting the right healthcare specialist and surgeon for fistula treatment and surgery in Pune is crucial for successful outcomes. Here are some tips to guide your choice:
Board Certification – Ensure the specialist is board-certified in the relevant field, such as colorectal surgery or urology, indicating their expertise.
Experience – Individuals should look for a surgeon with substantial experience in treating fistulas, particularly those similar to their case.
Referrals – People must seek recommendations from their primary care physician or trusted healthcare professionals for reputable specialists in Maharashtra.
Hospital Affiliation – Individuals need to check if the specialist is affiliated with a reputable hospital or medical center that is known for rendering quality care. Atharv Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra is known for rendering specialized treatment for fistula.
Reviews and Testimonials – Individuals must go through patients’ reviews and testimonials to gauge patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Advanced Techniques – People should inquire about the specialist’s proficiency in minimally invasive or advanced surgical techniques for better recovery.
Patient-Centered Care – Individuals should always prefer a specialist who prioritizes patient needs and provides personalized treatment plans.
By considering these factors, individuals can make an informed decision when selecting a specialist for fistula or anal fistula treatment and surgery in Pune, Maharashtra.
Fistula or anal fistula is quite painful and has a significant impact on a person’s health and well-being that mainly result due to infection or inflammation caused because of injury or surgery. Selecting the best hospital such as Atharv Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra for fistula treatment and surgery is crucial for the below-given reasons:
Expertise – Atharv Hospital is the best hospital in Pune having a team of experienced and skilled specialists, including surgeons, nurses, and support staff, with a proven track record in fistula treatment.
Advanced Technology – The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and technologies, facilitating accurate diagnosis and advanced surgical techniques.
Comprehensive Care – This hospital offers a full spectrum of care, from diagnosis to postoperative recovery, ensuring a seamless treatment journey.
Specialized Units – This reputed and top hospital of Pune has specialized units dedicated to colorectal, urological, or piles issues, where specialists focus exclusively on fistula management.
Research and Innovation – The hospital is involved in research and clinical trials, offering access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies.
Quality Assurance – The best hospital in Pune for fistula surgery and treatment adheres to strict quality and safety standards, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring optimal outcomes.
Patient Support – The hospital provides comprehensive patient education, support services, and follow-up care, enhancing the overall patient experience.
Choosing the best hospital for fistula treatment ensures you receive the highest level of care, leading to improved chances of successful fistula treatment and recovery.
A brief clinical history of your symptoms followed by examination of the rectum is done. Your doctor may ask you to strain or cough during the examination. A digital rectal examination is performed followed by Proctoscopy (visualisation of the rectum by inserting a scope).
Fistula Surgery is the surgical procedure to remove the muscle blob from the anal outlet. Fistulas must be timely treated as they do not heal on their own. Also, there is a risk of developing cancer in the fistula tract if left untreated for a long period.
We classify anal fistulas by their location to anal sphincter muscles, such as the following:
Inter-sphincteric Anal Fistula: Between your internal and external sphincter muscles
Trans-sphincteric Anal Fistula: Travels through both layers of anal sphincter muscles
Supra-sphincteric Anal Fistula: Passes through your internal sphincter and goes around the external sphincter
Extra-sphincteric Anal Fistula: Goes around both sphincter muscles
Superficial Anal Fistula: Travels from the lower part of the anal canal, and bypasses muscles.
The surgery for anal fistulas, also known as fistulotomy, involves cutting along the whole length of the fistula to open it up. This makes it an open scar that heals as a flat muscle.
After the fistula surgery, the pain and swelling in the anal area will vanish. You will have painless bowel movements, and notice a reduction of anal abscesses.
The treatment for anal fistulas carries several risks, such as infection from the course of antibiotics. If the severity rises, the case needs to be treated in hospital. There can also be episodes of recurrence of the fistula.
After the fistula operation, the patient can go home as soon as the effect of the anesthetic wears off. You will be able to pass urine and can be comfortable in eating and drinking. Since we employ a general anesthetic, a responsible adult must accompany you home and stay with you for 24 hours. Before discharge, you will be advised about post-operative care, as well as the painkillers and laxatives.
Most times, fistula surgery is successful if proper care is taken with operational preparations. Yes, fistula can recur multiple times post-operations also. One must take corrective measures to prevent the development of the fistula in the anal canal.
The healing will not last more than a few hours. You can start drinking water shortly after the procedure and start eating when hungry. You can get out of bed a few hours after surgery. With some pain after the procedure, we can control it with painkillers. A small amount of bleeding is expected, so wearing a pad will protect your clothes from getting soiled.
Yes, you can within a day.
Any responsible hospital will make you go through a prior consultation of your health condition before suggesting surgery. If you have any other concerning issues, then you can share them with the surgery team at Atharva Hospital, and we will take the necessary course of action for you.
Fistula is an abnormal passage between a hollow or tubular organ and the body surface, or between two hollow or tubular organs, particularly around the anal region. It is different from piles and fissures in the sense that fistulas are an opening of the anal cavity with pus discharging out of it.
No, the fistula needs to be treated properly with medication, ointment application, or in some cases, surgery.
Some of the symptoms of fistula development are swelling coming out of the anal opening, a sense of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement, constipation, Pain in the rectal region, and ulcerated causing bleeding.
There are no such effective home remedies for fistula treatment. Our advice would be not to fall for such half-cooked information, as it can be further detrimental to your health.
The doctor, depending on the severity of the condition, may suggest ointment application, and medication for the fistula treatment, in case he thinks that surgery might not be eminent in your case.
An untreated fistula can cause mundane complications such as drainage, sepsis, perforation, and even peritonitis. It is not a life-threatening condition but can trigger serious complications.
Yes, patients suffering from Fistula are suggested to drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in fiber, which supports your system in wound healing.
Antibiotics play a major role in the treatment of anal fistulas for patients with systemic symptoms. We also suggest postoperative prophylactic antibiotic therapy for 7-10 days for preventing anal fistulas after incision and drainage of perianal abscess.
Any individual facing the symptoms of anal fistula, like inflammation around the anal opening, fever, or pain in the rectum and anus, should immediately consult a qualified proctologist.
An anal fistula tunnel develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anal opening. Usually caused by an anal infection, fistula results in a collection of pus in the nearby tissue. Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor can suggest a fistula surgery.
Anal fistula surgery can be simple or complex, depending on the fistula. The most common anal fistulas are simple, inter-sphincteric fistulas, involving a small amount of muscle. Different surgical techniques employed to treat anal fistula treatment:
Fistulotomy is the most common type of surgery for anal fistula. It involves cutting the whole length of the fistula to open it up and heal it as a flat scar. A fistulotomy is the most effective treatment for many variations of anal fistulas.
Over 95% of success rate is boasted by the Atharva Hospital in the anal fistula surgery.
The potential complications associated with anal fistula surgery are:
For mobility, you can pad over the opening of the fistula to absorb the drainage. Most people can go back to their normal routine within one to two weeks of surgery. It might take several weeks to months for your fistula to completely heal.
Yes, they can if the fistula has not been completely removed or if there is still infection in the area.
In a minimum of two to three weeks
There are no long-term implications of anal fistula surgery. Although, the complete healing may require 3-4 months.
If the medications and other corrective measures are rendered ineffective and the symptoms get severe with time.
No, anal fistulas require proper treatment with medications, dietary restrictions, and in some cases operational surgery.
The common symptoms of fistula development are swelling out of the anal opening, a sense of incomplete evacuation, constipation, pain in the rectal region, and ulceration causing bleeding.
There is no such treatment as conservative for anal fistulas. Although a non-surgical option, the fibrin glue treatment can be considered a traditional option. It involves injecting glue into the fistula under a general anesthetic.
It becomes imperative in case the medication and other non-surgical options prove ineffective.
Antibiotics for the infected area around your fistula, and Infliximab or Remicade to reduce inflammation and heal fistulas
You are at a risk of developing cancer in the fistula tract if it is left untreated for a long period.
The success rate is higher for surgical treatment at a whopping 95%.
Fistula procedures are generally outpatient procedures. Post-surgery, you will have prescription pain medication to take home with you, along with some instructions for self-care, which may include:
It’s like taking a small nap! All you will feel is a small needle prick during your preparation for the procedure. The entire surgery takes about 30 minutes.
You will normally be able to start drinking water shortly after the procedure and can start eating as soon as you are hungry. You will be able to get out of bed a few hours after surgery. You are likely to have some pain after the procedure that is easily controlled with painkillers. You can expect a small amount of bleeding and wearing a pad will protect your clothes from getting soiled.
If your operation is planned as a day care procedure you can go home as soon as the effect of the anaesthetic has worn off, you have passed urine and you are comfortable, eating and drinking. Since a general anaesthetic is used, it is advisable that a responsible adult take you home and stay with you for 24 hours.Before you are discharged you will be advised about post-operative care, painkillers and laxatives.
You will normally open your bowels within 2-3 days of your operation. This may be uncomfortable at first and there could be a sense of ‘urgency’ (need to rush to the toilet). You may notice mild blood loss after each bowel movement but this will gradually reduce over the next few days. Maintain hygiene, and wash and keep the operation site clean. It is important to maintain a regular bowel movement that should be well formed but soft. You may need to take prescribed laxatives for 2-4 weeks. Eating a high fibre diet and increasing water/fluid intake will help.
