Fistula Laser Treatment in Bangalore

Anal fistula is a painful condition, and if it does not heal with conservative treatment, surgery is required. This article will provide complete information about laser and open fistula surgery, their risks and benefits, and which is better. Read below to understand everything about fistula surgery.

Anal fistula can be treated using laser or open surgery. Both have their merits and demerits. Surgery is recommended when conservative treatments fail. If you feel you have a fistula, you must consult with a doctor to get the right treatment. If you want fistula laser treatment in Bangalore, you can visit the Gleneagles Hospital. The hospital provides the best laser treatment for anal fistula in Bangalore.

If conservative treatment fails to give relief, then doctors recommend surgery for an anal fistula. There are two types of surgical treatments for anal fistula:

• Laser Fistula Surgery
• Open Fistula Surgery

Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on the complexity, fistula type, general health of the patient, and personal preference.

Laser fistula surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which laser energy is used to close the fistula tract. The doctor inserts a thin laser probe into the fistula tract guided by an endoscope. Laser energy destroys the tissues surrounding the fistula tract and seals the tract effectively by creating controlled heat energy. The laser is withdrawn slowly.

Laser fistula surgery is an advanced procedure that uses a beam of laser energy to treat anal fistula. The most important benefits of laser fistula surgery are:

• Minimally invasive: It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-intensity laser energy to destroy the fistula tract. There is also a reduced risk of bleeding and infection.
• Quick recovery: Recovery time after laser fistula surgery is very short compared to open fistula surgery. Most patients recover within 2-6 weeks and can return to their normal and routine activities after 1-2 weeks.
• Reduced risk of complications: Small incisions are made during laser fistula surgery, which means there is no risk or minimum risk of complications such as infection and bleeding.
• Preservation of surrounding tissue: A laser fistula surgery is a precise treatment, and incisions are small. Therefore, the surrounding tissue is preserved during the surgery. It results in quick recovery, minimum complications, and better outcomes.
• Outpatient surgery: A laser fistula surgery can be done on an outpatient basis, and it takes only half an hour to perform the surgery. You can return home the same day after a few hours if no complications are observed after the surgery.

Laser fistula surgery is also associated with some risks and complications given below:

• Pain and discomfort: The patient may experience pain and discomfort after laser fistula surgery. The severity of the pain depends on the type of surgery. Pain can be managed easily by taking the pain medications prescribed by the doctor.
• Infection: The site can get infected if proper care is not taken. The site must be kept clean and dry. You must take medications to heal the wound quickly.
• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur rarely, but if you experience excessive bleeding, you must consult with your doctor.
• Incontinence: It is a rare complication and it occurs if sphincter muscles get damaged during surgery. Incontinence can cause an inability to control bowel movements.
• Recurrence: Reoccurrence is possible if the patient does not change lifestyle or diet. However, if recurrence happens, then further surgery is required.
• Allergic reactions: Anesthesia may cause allergic reactions in some patients. You must talk to your doctor if you are allergic to any substances or medications before surgery.
• Damage of the fistula tract: It may occur if the fistula tract is not properly identified and treated. It can cause further complications.
• Higher cost: Laser fistula surgery is more expensive than open fistula surgery as it requires expertise and proper laser equipment to perform the procedure.

Open fistula surgery is a traditional treatment method in which a large incision is made to remove the fistula tract. There are two main types of open fistula surgery:

• Fistulotomy: In this technique, the surgeon cuts open the fistula tract to allow it to completely heal from the inside out.
• Fistulectomy: In this surgical procedure, the surgeon removes the fistula tract to ensure that no infected tissue remains in the anal canal.

The most important benefits of open fistula surgery are:

• More effective for complex fistulas: Open surgery is an effective treatment method for deep, high, and complex fistulas.
• Lower recurrence rate: There is a lower risk of recurrence because the tract is removed physically.
• More affordable: It is less expensive than laser fistula surgery; therefore, it is chosen by more people.

Open fistula surgery has more risks and complications than laser fistula surgery. Common risks and complications of open fistula surgery are:

• More pain and discomfort: The patient will experience more pain and discomfort as the wound is left open to heal.
• Longer recovery time: It will take more time to heal after open fistula surgery. Generally, it takes 4-6 weeks to heal, depending on the wound size and location.
• Greater risk of sphincter damage and incontinence: There is a greater risk of sphincter damage and incontinence in open surgery as the larger incision is made to clear the fistula tract.
• Longer hospital stay: Patients with open fistula surgery have to stay for a longer period in the hospital. They may have to stay for 3-4 days in the hospital for wound care.
• Greater risk of infection: As the wound size is bigger, the risk of infection increases in the open fistula surgery. Therefore, more care should be taken to heal the wound properly.
• Risk of bleeding: The risk of bleeding also increases due to a larger wound. If bleeding occurs, you must immediately consult with your doctor.

Gleneagles Hospital is the best multispecialty hospital, offering a wide range of services. It is the best institution for fistula laser treatment in Bangalore. Some reasons to choose Gleneagles Hospital are:

• Expertise in laser fistula surgery: The hospital has highly experienced surgeons who specialise in treating fistulas using minimally invasive methods. They offer laser surgery and video-assisted anal fistula treatment for quick recovery and better outcomes.
• Advanced technology and infrastructure: The hospital is well-equipped with advanced techniques and modern diagnostic tools for making a proper diagnosis and offering the best treatment to patients. The operation theatres are well equipped with the latest machines and tools to make the procedure comfortable.
• Patient-oriented approach: The hospital uses a patient-centric approach and offers tailored treatment plans. The doctors assess the case by taking the complete medical history, general health, and age of the patient to offer the best and individualised treatment plan for achieving the best results.
• Multidisciplinary approach: The hospital uses a multidisciplinary approach. It has a team of highly experienced gastroenterologists, proctologists, and colorectal surgeons who work together to offer the best patient care and effective treatment to patients. 

Laser and open fistula surgery are surgical treatment methods for fistula. Both are effective and have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on the fistula type and patient preference. You must consult with a colorectal surgeon to evaluate your fistula type and recommend the best treatment based on your symptoms and condition.