Last Updated on December 8, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts of the body. It can happen between two organs or vessels in the body and can be in various parts of the body. Some of the common ones are anal, urinary tract and gastrointestinal fistulas.
The first line of treatment is through medications, such as antibiotics. There are various types of fistula treatment. In this article, we have discussed those types.
What are the different ways to treat fistula?
Fistulectomy is a surgical procedure in which the fistula tract is completely removed under general anesthesia. The doctor removes the fistula tract and leaves the remaining groove to heal. Whereas Ksharsutra is an ancient Ayurvedic technique. Here, the fistula is treated through a special thread. This thread is coated with ayurvedic preparations. Then, it is inserted into the fistula tract.
The Crohns Colitis Foundation states that various surgical options can treat fistula. The options also include closing the fistula with a medical plug and allowing it to heal. Another option is using a thin surgical cord, called seton. The seton is put inside the fistula to drain the infection and promote healing. Sometimes, doctors open up the fistula through an incision, allowing it to heal and, finally, using medical glue to close it.
VAAFT refers to Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment. With VAAFT, the surgeon is able to see inside the anal fistula tract. The surgeon then located the internal opening with the help of an endoscope light. It affects the fistula tract. This procedure preserves sphincter muscle function and fecal continence.
The NHS defines the LIFT procedure, or the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure, as the procedure that passes through the anal sphincter muscles. This is done when a fistulotomy poses a high risk. During LIFT, a cut is made in the skin above the fistula, and the sphincter muscles are moved apart.
Fistula laser closure (FiLaC™) is a procedure done to save the sphincter while treating the anal fistula. The track is primarily closed through a laser, which is emitted by a radial fibre connected to a diode laser.
Distal Laser Proximal Ligation (DLPL) is a sphincter‐saving procedure for treating complex anal fistula. Primary closure of the track is achieved using laser energy emitted by a radial fibre connected to a diode laser. The energy causes shrinkage of the tissue around the radial fibre, aiming to close the track.
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