General & Laparoscopic Surgery · Jaipur Hospital
Fistula Surgery in Jaipur
Recurring pain and discharge disrupt daily life. We assess your fistula and give you a clear treatment plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Procedure time
- 20 to 60 minutes
- Anaesthesia
- Spinal or general anaesthesia
- Recovery
- Back to desk work in 1 to 2 weekswound healing takes 4 to 8 weeks
- Price
- ₹30,000 to ₹90,000typical range in India; ask us for an estimate
A tunnel that will not close
An anal fistula is a tunnel that keeps draining and hurting
An infection near the anus creates a tunnel to the skin. It drains pus, causes pain when you sit or pass stool, and does not heal on its own.
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Pain that returns
Sitting, walking or passing stool becomes painful and the discomfort comes back after temporary relief.
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Ongoing discharge
Pus or mucus leaks onto clothing, causing soreness and itching around the area.
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Home care does not work
Antibiotics or sitz baths may ease symptoms for a while, but the tunnel remains and the problem returns.
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Worry about control
You may fear that any operation could damage the muscles that hold stool, leading to leakage.
Surgery is the only way to close the fistula tract because it does not heal by itself.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You are tired of the pain, the stained clothes and the days off work, and you want a straight answer without being rushed.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Call or visit OPD for a surgeon consultation
- 2 Get examined and have any scans done in-house
- 3 Agree on the technique and receive a cost estimate
- 4 Have surgery and follow the wound-care plan at home
How the operation is done
Surgery is done under spinal or general anaesthesia and usually takes 20 to 60 minutes. The surgeon chooses the method based on how much of the sphincter muscle the fistula crosses.
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Fistulotomy
The tract is laid open to heal as a flat scar; used for simple fistulas that do not involve much sphincter muscle.
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Seton
A surgical thread is placed in the tract to drain infection or slowly cut through it over several weeks.
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LIFT
The tract is tied off between the sphincter muscles through a small cut above the fistula.
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VAAFT and laser (FiLaC)
A scope or laser fibre seals the tract from inside, aiming to spare the sphincter muscles.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 3 General & Laparoscopic Surgery consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
What research shows about this treatment
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1 to 2 weeks
Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks after surgery.
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about 18 in 100
Studies report a weighted mean recurrence rate of roughly 18% across different techniques.
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about 5 in 100
The weighted mean complication rate across studies was approximately 5%.
If it is left untreated
Without surgery the tunnel stays open. Infection can spread, abscesses may form repeatedly, and the sphincter muscles can be damaged over time, making later repair harder.
Life after treatment
Most people return to normal routines within a couple of weeks while the wound continues to heal over the next month or two.
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Back at work
Desk work usually resumes in one to two weeks; heavy lifting waits a bit longer.
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Wound care at home
Daily warm baths, gentle cleaning after passing stool and pads for drainage become part of the routine for a few weeks.
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Follow-up on your terms
Routine visits are not always needed; you contact the team if something changes within the first six months.
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Normal bowel habits
Laxatives and painkillers before passing stool help keep things comfortable while the area heals.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about fistula surgery
What does fistula surgery involve?
In short
Fistula surgery at Jaipur Hospital involves opening or closing the abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and the skin. The procedure takes 20 to 60 minutes under spinal or general anaesthesia. Most patients go home the same day or stay one night. The surgical team chooses the technique based on the fistula type and sphincter involvement.
In detail
The main techniques include fistulotomy, where the tract is laid open to heal as a flat scar; seton placement, where a surgical thread drains the tract or slowly cuts through it; LIFT, which ties off the tract between the sphincter muscles; and sphincter-sparing options such as VAAFT and laser (FiLaC).
Evidence shows fistulotomy is the most effective treatment for many simple fistulas, while LIFT and advancement flap are considered when the fistula passes through a significant portion of the sphincter and cutting carries a higher risk of incontinence.
The weighted mean recurrence rate across studies is about 17.7%, and the main risks include infection, recurrence, and bowel incontinence, though severe incontinence is rare.
- The weighted mean recurrence rate across studies is about 17.7%, and the main risks include infection, recurrence, and bowel incontinence, though severe incontinence is rare.
A common belief
Many people think every fistula is just cut open.
What actually happens
In reality, cutting the sphincter can risk bowel control, so for complex tracts the team uses sphincter-sparing methods like LIFT or VAAFT instead. The choice depends on your anatomy, not a single standard approach.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will meet your surgeon in the OPD for an examination and discussion of the technique suited to your fistula. Pre-operative tests may include blood work and imaging such as MRI or endoanal ultrasound.
Plan for an attendant to stay with you for 24 hours after discharge. Desk work usually resumes in one to two weeks, while wound healing takes four to eight weeks.
Which tests and scans do I need before fistula surgery?
In short
Before fistula surgery at Jaipur Hospital, you will typically need a clinical examination, often under anaesthesia, to assess the fistula tract. Imaging such as MRI or endoanal ultrasound is commonly used to map the tract and its relationship to the sphincter muscles. The internal opening is detected in about 85.7% of patients with imaging.
In detail
MRI and endoanal ultrasound have combined sensitivities around 0.87 for fistula detection, with specificities of 0.69 and 0.87 respectively. These scans help the surgeon decide whether the fistula is simple or complex, low or high, and whether it branches.
This determines if a fistulotomy is suitable or if a sphincter-sparing technique like seton, LIFT, advancement flap, or VAAFT is needed. Blood tests such as complete blood count, blood sugar, and coagulation profile are usually done for anaesthesia fitness.
If you have conditions like diabetes or are on medications, additional tests may be required. The surgeon may also ask you to do an enema on the morning of surgery.
A common belief
Patients sometimes think a physical exam alone is enough.
What actually happens
But without imaging, the surgeon can't see the full tract or branching, which changes the operation completely. MRI and ultrasound have high sensitivity for detection, and they guide whether you need a simple fistulotomy or a sphincter-sparing approach.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will order the necessary tests during the OPD consultation. Fasting instructions will be given if general anaesthesia is planned — typically no food the night before and no fluids four hours before.
Arrange for an attendant to stay with you for 24 hours after discharge. Recovery to desk work usually takes one to two weeks.
How painful is fistula surgery and the early recovery?
In short
Fistula surgery is done under spinal or general anaesthesia so you do not feel pain during the operation. After surgery the wound area is usually sore for a few days. Jaipur Hospital gives pain relief medicines and advises warm baths to keep you comfortable while the wound heals.
In detail
Evidence shows pain varies with the size of the incision and the technique used. A fistulotomy may cause more discomfort than sphincter-sparing methods such as LIFT or laser because more tissue is cut.
Most patients need regular painkillers for the first week and can take them 15 to 20 minutes before passing stool to reduce discomfort.
The surgical team will prescribe suitable analgesia and may give antibiotics such as metronidazole; if so, alcohol must be avoided until two days after the course finishes.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Expect the first few days to be the most uncomfortable. Keep the area clean with warm water only, wear a pad for drainage, and avoid heavy activity for a week. Desk work can usually resume in one to two weeks. Full wound healing takes four to eight weeks.
How long does recovery usually take after fistula surgery?
In short
Recovery after fistula surgery at Jaipur Hospital usually means you can return to desk work in one to two weeks. The surgical wound takes four to eight weeks to heal completely. Most people go home the same day or stay one night in hospital.
In detail
Evidence shows a fistulotomy may affect your daily routine for up to two weeks. It may take several months for the surgical wound to heal fully. Most people can leave hospital on the same day as the surgery.
If your fistula is complex with branches you might need to stay in hospital overnight. You need a family member or friend to travel home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
Keep the area clean and gently bathe your wound in a warm bath each day. Do not use soap or perfumed products until healed. Avoid heavy activity such as lifting exercise or running during the first week.
Do not go swimming until the wound has healed. You can have sex as soon as you feel comfortable. The surgeon may ask you to digitate the wound daily to prevent the skin from healing too quickly.
A common belief
People often think they will be bedridden for weeks.
What actually happens
In reality you move around the next day and the main limitation is avoiding heavy lifting and swimming until the wound closes.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Plan for one to two weeks off work depending on your job type. Use prescribed painkillers regularly and take them before bowel movements. Complete any antibiotic course. Use pads for discharge and change them often.
Contact the hospital if you have increasing pain fever or heavy bleeding. No routine follow-up is needed unless the surgeon specifies but you can initiate follow-up within six months if concerned.
How is an anal fistula different from piles, a fissure, or an abscess?
In short
An anal fistula is a tunnel connecting the anal canal to the skin, while piles are swollen blood vessels, a fissure is a tear in the lining, and an abscess is a pus collection. At Jaipur Hospital, the surgical team distinguishes these conditions because each needs a different treatment approach.
In detail
Piles (haemorrhoids) are enlarged vascular cushions that may bleed or prolapse. A fissure is a painful crack in the anal mucosa, often from hard stools. An abscess is an acute infection with pus that usually needs urgent drainage.
A fistula forms when an abscess drains but the track stays open, causing recurrent discharge. Evidence shows that fistulas do not heal without surgery, whereas piles and fissures often improve with medicines and lifestyle changes.
An abscess is the emergency stage; a fistula is the chronic aftermath. The examination and sometimes an MRI fistulogram confirm which condition you have.
A common belief
Patients often confuse them because all cause anal discomfort.
What actually happens
Treating a fistula like piles with creams will not close the tunnel. Correct diagnosis avoids wrong treatment.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you have a painful lump, bleeding, or discharge, visit the OPD at Jaipur Hospital for an examination. The surgeon will identify the problem and explain the treatment. Fistula surgery typically takes 20 to 60 minutes with same-day or one-night stay.
How will the surgeon decide whether an operation is necessary?
In short
The surgeon at Jaipur Hospital decides on surgery after confirming the fistula tract, its depth, and how much of the anal sphincter it involves. An examination under anaesthesia is often needed to see the full path before a final decision is made.
In detail
Clinical guidelines say the most suitable option depends on the position of the fistula and whether it is a single channel or branches. If the tract crosses little sphincter muscle, a fistulotomy may be suitable.
When a significant portion of the sphincter is involved, the surgeon may start with a seton to drain infection and protect continence, then plan a second stage such as LIFT or an advancement flap. Imaging like MRI or endoanal ultrasound helps map complex tracts.
A common belief
A simple external check is not enough.
What actually happens
Hidden branches or deep tracks can be missed without an examination under anaesthesia or imaging. Skipping this step risks recurrence or incontinence.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will attend an OPD visit for history and examination, then possibly a short anaesthetic assessment. The surgeon will explain the findings and the recommended approach.
Why might my doctor recommend fistula surgery?
In short
Your doctor at Jaipur Hospital may recommend fistula surgery because anal fistulas do not usually heal by themselves. Surgery aims to eradicate the infection, close the tract, and preserve sphincter function. Without treatment, the fistula can cause recurrent abscesses, pain, and ongoing discharge that affects daily life.
In detail
Evidence confirms that surgery is the only way to resolve the condition definitively. Non-surgical options such as fibrin glue exist but have lower success rates and are generally less effective for simple fistulas. The management of fistula-in-ano balances fistula closure with preservation of continence.
For simple, low fistulas, fistulotomy has a high success rate. For complex or high fistulas involving the sphincter, techniques like seton, LIFT, advancement flap, or VAAFT are used to reduce the risk of incontinence.
Recurrence can occur, with studies reporting a weighted mean recurrence rate of about 17.7%, and factors such as high transsphincteric fistulas and prior anal surgery are associated with higher recurrence.
- Recurrence can occur, with studies reporting a weighted mean recurrence rate of about 17.7%, and factors such as high transsphincteric fistulas and prior anal surgery are associated with higher recurrence.
A common belief
Some patients hope antibiotics or home remedies will work.
What actually happens
Evidence shows they only manage symptoms; the tunnel remains. Glue or plugs avoid cutting muscle but have lower closure rates. Surgery remains the definitive option, with the technique chosen to balance healing and continence.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you have persistent drainage, pain, or recurrent abscesses, your surgeon will assess the fistula anatomy and discuss the most appropriate technique. You will receive guidance on pre-operative preparation, including any required fasting and bowel preparation. Recovery typically allows a return to desk work in one to two weeks.
How should I prepare in the days before fistula surgery?
In short
Jaipur Hospital advises you to arrange an attendant for the day of surgery and the first night at home. Your surgeon may ask you to do an enema on the morning of the procedure. Keep the anal area clean and follow any specific bowel preparation instructions given at your pre-operative visit. Plan for one to two weeks off desk work.
In detail
Preparation focuses on reducing infection risk and ensuring safe anaesthesia. Evidence shows you will receive spinal or general anaesthesia so you will not feel pain during surgery.
If you receive general anaesthesia, your surgeon may tell you to stop eating the night before and stop drinking fluids four hours before.
An initial examination under anaesthetic is sometimes needed to confirm the fistula anatomy and choose the right technique such as fistulotomy, seton, LIFT or a sphincter-sparing option. The surgical team will review your regular medicines and may adjust blood thinners or diabetes drugs before the operation.
A common belief
Many people think they can just turn up on the day.
What actually happens
In reality, safe anaesthesia needs fasting rules, and the surgeon may need to adjust your regular medicines beforehand.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Buy prescribed antibiotics, laxatives and painkillers from the chemist before admission. Pack loose cotton underwear and pads for wound drainage. Confirm your attendant can stay with you for at least 24 hours after discharge. Reach the hospital at the appointed time with your insurance or scheme cards.
What are the common side effects and the less common serious complications of fistula surgery?
In short
Common side effects after fistula surgery include wound discomfort, a small amount of bleeding, and mucus leakage if a seton is placed. The area may feel sore and itchy. Jaipur Hospital monitors every patient for these expected effects and provides dressings, laxatives and antibiotics when needed.
In detail
Less common but serious complications include wound infection that may need antibiotics or hospital care, recurrence of the fistula, and bowel incontinence. Evidence shows incontinence is a potential risk with most types of anal fistula treatment, although severe incontinence is rare.
Surgeons make every attempt to reduce this risk by preserving sphincter muscles. Other rare reactions can occur if metronidazole is given and alcohol is consumed, causing nausea, flushing, headaches or palpitations.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will receive clear instructions on wound cleaning, medication schedules and when to seek help. Complete any antibiotic course as directed and avoid alcohol during metronidazole treatment. Most people go home the same day or after one night. Contact the hospital if you develop fever, heavy bleeding, worsening pain or signs of infection.
Which symptoms are expected after fistula surgery, and which need urgent medical attention?
In short
After fistula surgery at Jaipur Hospital, you can expect some pain, discomfort, and a small amount of bleeding or mucus discharge for the first few days. The area may feel sore and itchy as it heals. These symptoms usually improve steadily with prescribed painkillers and wound care.
In detail
Evidence shows the affected area can be quite painful for the first couple of days and pain may seem to get worse before it gets better. You might have discomfort and a little bleeding when you first pass stool.
Mucus leakage can make the skin sore and itchy. Urgent signs include heavy bleeding that does not stop, fever, increasing swelling or redness, foul-smelling discharge, or inability to pass urine. These may indicate infection or other complications needing prompt review.
A common belief
Many people think any bleeding or fever is normal.
What actually happens
Heavy bleeding, fever, bad-smelling discharge, or not being able to pass urine are not normal. They need a doctor quickly.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Take painkillers regularly as prescribed, especially 15 to 20 minutes before bowel movements. Keep the area clean with warm water baths. If you notice heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, or signs of infection, contact the hospital or your surgeon without delay.
A follow-up is usually arranged if the surgeon specifies, otherwise you can initiate a review within six months if concerns arise.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about fistula surgery
When you contact us
Get your assessment and plan
Contact Jaipur Hospital for a surgeon consultation, in-house tests if needed, a clear explanation of options and a cost estimate before you decide.
- A consultation with a general and laparoscopic surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Fistula Surgery: what to know
What is an anal fistula and how does it happen
- Tunnel forms
- Between skin and anal canal
- Starts with infection
- Gland fills with pus
- Surgery needed
- Only way to close tunnel
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the skin near your anus and the inside of your anal canal. It usually starts when a gland inside the anus gets infected and fills with pus.
When the pus drains away, either on its own or after a doctor opens it, the channel can stay open and become a fistula. The tract may be a single straight channel or it can branch in different directions.
The main goal of any treatment is to close the fistula while keeping the anal sphincter muscles working well so you stay in control of your bowels. Surgery is the only way to close the tunnel permanently. Home remedies may ease symptoms for a short time but they do not fix the underlying tunnel.
Symptoms of anal fistula and when to seek urgent care
- High fever
- Increasing redness and swelling
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop
- Cannot pass urine
Common symptoms include pain around the anus that can be constant or worse when you sit, walk or pass stool. You may see pus or a small amount of blood on your underwear or on the tissue after wiping. The skin around the opening can become sore and itchy because of leaking fluid. Some people feel a tender lump near the anus.
You should seek medical care on the same day if you develop a high fever, increasing redness and swelling around the anus, heavy bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or if you cannot pass urine. These signs may mean a spreading infection or another problem that needs quick attention.
Causes of anal fistula and factors that raise your risk
- Infected gland
- Abscess bursts or is drained
- Crohn's disease
- Common cause of complex fistulas
- Prior surgery
- Linked to higher recurrence
- High tract
- More sphincter muscle involved
Most fistulas begin with an infected anal gland that turns into an abscess. After the abscess bursts or is drained, the tunnel can remain. Certain conditions make a fistula more likely or more complex. Crohn's disease is a common cause of complex or recurring fistulas. Previous surgery near the anus, radiation therapy, tuberculosis, and HIV infection are other known risk factors.
Studies show that a high fistula tract that goes through a large part of the sphincter muscle is linked to a higher chance of the fistula coming back after treatment. Having had anal surgery before is also associated with a higher recurrence risk.
Gender, smoking, age, diabetes, obesity and alcohol use have not been shown to change the recurrence risk in a clear way.
How anal fistula is diagnosed: examination and tests
- 86 out of 100 patients Clinical examination
- 87 out of 100 cases MRI pelvis
- 87 out of 100 cases Endoanal ultrasound
Your surgeon will ask about your symptoms and examine the area. They look for the external opening of the tract and may gently feel inside the anal canal to find the internal opening. In studies, the internal opening was identified in about 86 out of 100 patients during examination.
If the fistula is complex or the internal opening is not clear, imaging helps plan the operation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis can show the full path of the tract and any branches. In research, MRI detected the fistula in about 87 out of 100 cases.
Endoanal ultrasound is another option; it found the tract in about 87 out of 100 cases in studies. Sometimes the surgeon needs to examine you under anaesthesia in the operating theatre to map the tract accurately before deciding on the procedure.
Non-surgical options for anal fistula and when surgery is advised
Anal fistulas do not usually heal on their own. The only non-surgical option described in guidelines is fibrin glue, which is injected into the tract under anaesthesia to seal it. This avoids cutting the sphincter muscles but the healing rate varies widely and is often lower than surgery.
A bioprosthetic plug made from animal tissue can also be placed to block the internal opening, though results vary and the plug can fall out in some people.
Surgery is advised when the fistula causes ongoing pain, repeated infections, or drainage that affects your daily life. The choice of operation depends on where the tract lies and how much sphincter muscle it crosses. Your surgeon will explain the options that fit your anatomy and aim to protect your bowel control.
Preparing for fistula surgery
Do
- Bring medicine list
- Bring an attendant for 24 hours
- Pack underwear, medicines, charger
Your surgeon will explain the operation and ask about any medicines you take. Blood thinners, diabetes tablets, or steroids may need to be adjusted before the procedure. Bring a list of all current medicines, including those from a chemist, to your pre-operative visit.
You may need blood tests or an MRI to map the fistula tract before the day of surgery. If you are having a general or spinal anaesthetic, you will usually be asked to stop eating solid food six hours before the operation and stop clear fluids two hours before.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an attendant who can stay with you for the first 24 hours after you go home. Pack a change of underwear, any regular medicines, and a phone charger. The hospital provides a gown and basic toiletries.
How fistula surgery is done
- Anaesthesia given Spinal or general so you feel no pain
- Technique chosen Based on tract and sphincter involvement
- Same-day discharge Overnight stay for complex cases
Fistula surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia so you do not feel pain during the operation. The procedure usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tract. Your surgeon will choose the technique based on where the fistula lies and how much of the sphincter muscle it involves.
For a simple fistula that does not pass through much sphincter muscle, a fistulotomy is often used: the tract is laid open to heal as a flat scar.
If the fistula passes through a significant portion of the sphincter, a seton (a surgical thread) may be placed first to drain the tract and allow inflammation to settle; tighter setons can later cut through the fistula slowly.
For complex fistulas where cutting the sphincter carries a high risk of incontinence, sphincter-sparing options include the LIFT procedure, where the tract is tied off between the sphincter muscles, or VAAFT and laser (FiLaC) which seal the tract from inside. Your surgeon will discuss which option suits your anatomy.
On the day, you will be taken to the modular operation theatre, given anaesthesia, and the chosen procedure will be carried out. You may have a dressing over the wound afterwards. Most patients go home the same day; an overnight stay is needed for complex cases.
Risks and possible complications of fistula surgery
- 17.7% Weighted mean recurrence rate
- 4.8% Weighted mean complication rate
All operations carry some risk. The main risks of fistula surgery are infection, recurrence of the fistula, and bowel incontinence. Infection may need a course of antibiotics; severe cases may require hospital treatment. Recurrence can happen despite surgery. In studies, the weighted mean recurrence rate across different procedures was about 17.7%.
Bowel incontinence is a potential risk with most types of anal fistula treatment, although severe incontinence is rare and every effort is made to prevent it. The level of risk depends on the fistula location and the specific procedure. High transsphincteric fistulas are associated with a higher recurrence risk. Prior anal surgery is also linked to higher recurrence.
Pain and discomfort are common while the wound heals. You may have some bleeding from the wound. If a seton is placed, mucus may leak and cause soreness or itching.
If you are given metronidazole antibiotics, you must avoid alcohol while taking them and for two days after finishing the course, otherwise you may get:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Headaches
- Palpitations
The weighted mean complication rate in studies was about 4.8%.
Recovery and aftercare after fistula surgery
You will need an attendant to take you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Keep the wound clean: bathe the area in warm water daily, without soap, salt, or perfumed products, until healed. Clean gently after each bowel movement using water or alcohol-free wet wipes.
Your surgeon may ask you to digitate the wound — gently passing a finger along it — to prevent the skin from healing too quickly and trapping fluid. Wear a pad in your underwear for drainage and change it often. Take painkillers regularly as prescribed; taking them 15 to 20 minutes before a bowel movement can help.
Do not exceed the recommended dose. Laxatives may be given to keep stools soft and ease passing motions. Go to the toilet when you feel the urge. Avoid heavy lifting, exercise, or running for the first week. Do not swim until the wound has fully healed.
You can return to desk work in 1 to 2 weeks; wound healing takes 4 to 8 weeks. You may resume sexual activity when you feel comfortable. No routine follow-up appointment is needed unless your surgeon specifies one; you can contact the hospital if concerns arise within the first six months.
After six months, contact your GP for a referral back if needed. Call the hospital sooner if you develop fever, increasing pain, heavy bleeding, or difficulty passing urine.
Results: how well fistula surgery works
Surgery is the only way to resolve an anal fistula. A fistulotomy is the most effective treatment for many anal fistulas. In one large analysis, the procedure resolved the fistula in about 95% of people studied. For complex fistulas where the sphincter muscle is involved, sphincter-sparing procedures such as LIFT, advancement flap, VAAFT, or laser are used.
These have a lower success rate than fistulotomy for simple fistulas but avoid cutting the sphincter. In studies of non-Crohn's fistulas, the proportion of patients achieving closure with various techniques ranged widely, from about 20% to 86%. The anal fistula plug achieved closure in approximately 54% of non-Crohn's patients. Fibrin glue showed variable healing rates between 14% and 74%.
Recurrence after VAAFT may be related to previous fistula surgery and how the internal opening was closed. The condition can come back after surgery. Success depends on fistula type, previous treatments, and how well the internal opening is sealed. Your surgeon will explain the expected outcome for your specific case.
Cost and insurance for fistula surgery in Jaipur
The typical price range for fistula surgery at Jaipur Hospital is ₹30,000 to ₹90,000. This includes the surgeon's fee, hospital or facility charges, operation theatre charges, anaesthesia charges, and post-operative medications.
The final cost depends on the technique used (fistulotomy, seton, LIFT, VAAFT, or laser), whether you stay for a day or overnight, the type of anaesthesia, and any additional investigations or medicines. Laser and VAAFT procedures are generally more expensive.
Jaipur Hospital is empanelled under:
- RGHS
- MAA Yojana
- CGHS
- A panel of private insurers and TPAs
If you are covered under one of these schemes, bring your scheme card and photo ID. For private insurance, we can assist with pre-authorisation and cashless claims. Ask our team for a detailed estimate before admission.