No, laser fistula is not painful as anaesthesia is given during the procedure, and the post-surgery pain is minimal due to smaller incisions and can be managed using pain management medication.

Synopsis
Laser fistula is a modern-day treatment option for treating fistulas with a minimally invasive procedure compared to traditional treatment methods. A Fistula is generally formed due to the abnormal connection between two epithelial walls. Unlike the old treatment options, a laser fistula has fewer complications and provides a speedy recovery to the patient.
Introduction
Anal Fistulas is a painful condition that occurs again and again and can negatively impact the life of a patient. The traditional treatment options, such as open surgery, might be effective but have a lot of risk factors and lengthy recovery duration. A minimally invasive procedure like that of the Laser Fistula is a less complex procedure, and there are fewer risks and challenges. The recovery period is shorter, which makes it easier for the patient to resume normal activities faster than the traditional surgery methods.
In this article, we aim to explore a laser fistula procedure, its benefits and challenges, and Gleneagles Hospital, the best hospital for fistula treatment in Chennai.
What is Laser Fistula?
A Laser Fistula Treatment, also known as Fistula Laser Closure (FiLaC), uses laser technology to close the fistula tract. A laser fibre is inserted into the fistula cavity, delivering concentrated energy waves to destroy the inner lining of the fistula while preserving the surrounding healthy tissues. This treatment option is particularly beneficial in treating complex, recurring fistulas that are not manageable with medication. It is preferred because it is less painful and invasive than traditional surgery methods.

What Are The Causes of Fistula?
A fistula can develop due to several causes, such as infection, surgery, inflammation, or an underlying disease. Different types of fistulas have different causes, and they can be cured using laser treatment. Let us now discuss the causes of different types of fistulas.
- Anal Fistula: If an anal abscess is not healed properly, then the chances of developing an anal fistula increase. There are several other causes of Anal Fistula, which include diverticulitis, tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease, and HIV.
- Arteriovenous Fistula: This kind of fistula can either be a birth defect or can be caused later in life. It is related to the arteries and veins, and the main causes are dialysis surgery, genetic conditions, or any injuries.
- Aortoenteric Fistula: This type of fistula is caused by an abnormal connection formed between the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract. The causes of an Aortoentric fistula are prosthetic graft and aortic aneurysm.
- Obstetric Fistula: This type of fistula is caused due to prolonged and unobstructed labour. A hole is formed between the bladder/rectum and the birth canal.
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Procedure of Laser Fistula
The laser fistula procedure treatment in Chennai is performed under the effect of anaesthesia. The step-by-step procedure of laser fistula therapy is discussed below.
- Preparation: The patient has to be unconscious during the procedure. A spinal anaesthesia or a general one is given based on the requirements for ensuring a comfortable procedure.
- Fistula Tract Identification: Once the patient is unconscious, a probe is used to find the fistula tract so that it can be accurately operated.
- Laser Application: Upon successfully finding the fistula, a laser fibre is sent through it, which delivers a controlled laser energy. This energy helps seal the track completely from inside and out, which promotes a speedy recovery.
- Closure of the Opening: Depending on the complexity of the opening, your surgeon would decide on whether to stitch the external opening or let it heal naturally. In some sensitive regions, stitches can’t be made; the skin has to heal itself.
- Post Operative Care: The patient has to be kept under monitoring and post-operative care for around a few hours a day, depending on the case to ensure that the procedure did not cause any complications and the patient is safe to go home.
What Conditions Can Be Cured Using Laser Fistula?
A laser fistula treatment can be used for treating a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Simple and Complete Anal Fistulas: Any severity of anal fistula can be cured using the laser fistula procedure.
- Crohn’s Disease: Fistulas caused by Crohn’s Disease or inflammatory bowel disorders can benefit from laser interventions.
- Vaginal Fistulas: Laser procedures can be used to manage fistulas developing between the vagina/bladder and the rectum, also known as rectovaginal or vesicovaginal fistulas.
- Pilonidal Sinus: A condition where cysts are formed near the tailbone is known as the Pilonoidal sinus and can be managed using laser techniques.
Benefits of Laser Fistula Over Traditional Surgery
Laser Fistula offers an assortment of benefits to the patient over conventional surgical procedures. Some of them are listed below:
- Minimally Invasive: No large incisions are made during a laser fistula removal, which results in reduced tissue damage.
- Less Painful: The smaller the incisions, the lesser the pain during the post-operative period.
- Speedy Recovery: Compared to the conventional fistulotomy, a laser fistula provides speedy healing and a shorter rehabilitation duration.
- Lower Risks: Since the procedure is minimally invasive, the risks of sphincter dysfunction and stool leakage are minimised.
- Reduced Recurrence Rates: A Laser treatment ablates a fistula from the inside, further ensuring no recurrence.
- Shorter Stay at the Hospital: As the procedure is short, most patients who have had a laser fistula done can return home on the same day of the procedure.
Risks and Challenges of Laser Fistula
While laser treatment is usually safer than traditional methods, it has slight risks and challenges that can be overcome with proper guidance and medication. Some of them include:
- Post-surgery infections can be caused if proper sanitisation measures are not taken into consideration.
- In some cases, where either the fistula is not closed properly or is opened again due to pressure, further surgical intervention would be required.
- A laser fistula procedure is generally more costly than traditional surgical methods as it requires advanced technologies and highly experienced surgeons.
- The recurrence rate is typically less in a laser procedure. However, there is a chance of developing a fistula again if proper preventive measures are not taken.
Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital for Laser Fistula?
Laser fistula treatment is a promising offer and a credible alternative to the traditional surgery option. It is a minimally invasive, highly effective therapy option and provides a speedy recovery. Consulting the right doctor for fistula laser treatment in Chennai is of paramount importance for increasing the chances of having a successful treatment. Fistula laser treatment in Chennai has continued to evolve and provides hope to patients who are seeking a less invasive treatment option for their fistula problem. Also, it has proven to be a more efficient solution for this painful condition.
Gleneagles Hospital is the best hospital for fistula treatment in Chennai and offers a plethora of benefits to patients. It not only provides the best fistula treatment in Chennai but at the same time offers a wide range of perks such as
- State-of-the-art medical facilities
- Top surgeons of the country
- Best-in-class operative care
- Patient-centric treatment approach
- Affordable Treatment Options
So, if you are looking for the best fistula treatment in Chennai, then Gleneagles Hospital is a renowned name that provides the finest level of patient care at pocket-friendly fistula laser treatment cost in Chennai.
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View allFrequently Asked Questions
The recovery period can vary for every individual, but on average, most patients recover fully within 4 to 5 weeks of the procedure.
Yes, compared to the traditional approach, the best fistula treatment in Chennai has a high chance of curing a fistula completely. In some cases where proper care is not taken, it might recur.
Yes, most patients are eligible for undergoing a laser fistula removal. However, for complex conditions and infections, consulting an expert is advised.
The success rates of a laser fistula technique are generally higher, with studies showing up to 90% success rates without any recurrence of the fistula.