A fistula is a tunnel-like connection between two organs or cavities that shouldn’t be joined directly. Fistulas can develop anywhere, but they most commonly form around the anus and rectum- called the anorectal fistula. This passageway sometimes causes bodily fluids to leak from one area into the other.
They could appear because of chronic tissue inflammation- result of an injury or untreated illness. Prolonged inflammation, particularly if pus formation has happened, could eventually infect the surrounding tissues.The most prevalent kind, an anal fistula, often develops as a result of an anal abscess. An infected wound that leaks pus from the anus is called an anal abscess. An opening is made through the anus into the skin’s outer layer by this draining abscess.
Fistulas are difficult to manage and they show multiple symptoms depending on their location, severity, and what organs are closest to the problem area.
drainage of mucus, blood, pus, or any bodily fluid.
Inflammation in the surrounding area. Fistulas could cause intense throbbing pain and increase the sensitivity of the surrounding skin.
Fever due to infection. If the fistula is infected, you can get feverish and nauseous.
Abdominal cramps associated with Crohn's disease can occur based on where the fistula is located in the digestive system. It obstructs your bowel motions, leading to constipation or persistent diarrhoea.
An opening in the GI tract that allows stomach secretions to seep into other organs or cavities is known as a gastrointestinal fistula. Symptoms that are frequently observed include pain when peeing, irregular vaginal discharge, and abdominal ache.
If the fistula is at the anorectal junction, patients may experience pain during bowel movements. Itching is also a common symptom in this condition.
To treat a fistula, whether it be internal or externally located, surgery is almost always a given. Some procedures are less invasive than others. Fistula treatment options in Pune at KKCare vary between individuals, some of the procedures are as follows:
1. Fistulotomy: The most common type of surgery for anal fistulas is a fistulotomy. The fistula is cut open throughout its whole length during this treatment, allowing it to heal into a flat scar. For many anal fistulas, a fistulotomy is an effective option; nevertheless, this procedure is typically reserved for mild fistulas with lower incontinence risk. This approach cannot be used to treat complex fistulas. It is necessary to take precautions because there is a possibility that the anal sphincter may become damaged. Patients looking for advanced Fistula Treatment in Pimpri Chinchwad can explore this option under expert guidance at KK Care Clinic.
2 . Fistula-tract Laser Closure: A minimally invasive procedure called fistula-tract laser closure preserves the anal sphincter. Using a laser, the fistula is carefully removed using this technique. A flexible fibre-optic probe is introduced from the outside into the fistula’s passageway.
3. LIFT: The term “ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract” (LIFT) is an acronym. This refers to the closure (ligation), usually with stitches, of a fistula that runs between two anal sphincter muscles. Next, your surgeon may either scrape away the contaminated tissue within or remove the entire fistula tract from this area.
Fistulas always require medical intervention and even surgery in most cases. If they do heal spontaneously, the fistula is highly prone to reopening due to infections and abscesses that recur. On the other hand, if your fistula is uninfected and the result of inflammatory bowel illness, it may occasionally heal with medical intervention.
But it is to see a specialist for fistula care and advanced fistula treatment.
If there are branches or a large amount of muscle involved, or you have underlying medical issues that increase your risk of surgical complications- then your fistula is classified as complex. Multiple procedures may be necessary to repair such complex fistulas.
Healthcare professionals use a lighted scope, such as an anoscope or proctoscope (a longer scope that can be inserted in the rectum), to locate the internal cause of the fistula. In order to identify the infection at the fistula’s origin, medical professionals occasionally inject hydrogen peroxide into the external aperture. When the peroxide and infection interact, foam or bubbles are produced at the location. The fistula can be confirmed by locating the internal source.
Dr. Shrikant Kurhade is an expert gastroenterologist in Pune. His experience and skills allow him and his team to utilise state-of-the-art technology for advanced fistula treatment.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). An MRI is a noninvasive imaging test that provides high detail. This can help providers map the path of the tunnel and also see how it interacts with your muscles and other organs in cases where the fistula is completely internal. A colonoscopy also helps with the diagnosis and ruling out the possibility of IBD (inflammatory bowel disorder) which can be the cause of recurring fistulas.
Both physical examination and digital imaging allow for a more accurate diagnosis that is possible at KKCare.
After a thorough examination, our Fistula specialist in pune provide the most precise diagnosis. We recommend treatment programs that work best for you and produce favourable outcomes. These cutting-edge surgical treatments are carried out by our highly qualified team under the direction of Dr. Shrikant Kurhade to guarantee the best results.
A support system is always necessary because we recognize that having surgery is a sensitive treatment. We believe that having surgery should be safe and secure. KKCare’s staff is here to guide you throughout your healing journey- from primary consultations to post-operative rehab. Your health is our top priority, hence as a part of our treatment, we focus on your long-term recovery.
Contact KKCare Hospital to schedule a consultation and learn about fistula treatment options from the fistula specialists in Pune. You should always do your own research in addition to expert opinion to make the right choice for your health.
Fistulas are typically treated by a colorectal surgeon or a general surgeon with expertise in this area. These fistula specialists in Pune have the necessary training to diagnose and treat fistulas effectively, utilising both medical and surgical approaches depending on the severity and location of the fistula.
The best surgery for a fistula depends on its type, location, and complexity. Common surgical options include fistulotomy, seton placement, advancement flap procedures, and ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT). Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your specific condition.
While some minor fistulas may heal with conservative treatments such as antibiotics or draining abscesses, most fistulas require surgical intervention for a complete cure. Non-surgical treatments often serve as temporary measures or adjuncts to surgery.
The latest treatments for fistulas include minimally invasive techniques such as Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT), fibrin glue injections, and stem cell therapy. These advanced methods aim to reduce recovery time and improve healing outcomes compared to traditional surgeries.
Fistulas can be caused by various factors, including chronic inflammation, infection, trauma, surgery, or conditions such as Crohn’s disease. Anorectal abscesses that do not heal properly are a common cause of anal fistulas.
To reduce the risk of developing a fistula, it is important to manage underlying conditions such as Crohn’s disease and to promptly treat infections or abscesses. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding trauma to the affected area, and following a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent fistulas.
A gastroenterologist can diagnose and manage the underlying conditions that may cause fistulas, such as Crohn’s disease. However, the surgical fistula treatment is typically performed by a colorectal surgeon or a general surgeon. The gastroenterologist may work in conjunction with these specialists to provide comprehensive care.