About Fistulectomy
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment that removes the entire fistula tract to prevent recurrence.Addresses the root cause of chronic infection and drainage.Performed under anesthesia for patient comfort.Aims to restore normal anal anatomy and function.Suitable for complex, recurrent, or high fistulas.Can provide long-term relief from pain and discomfort./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Complex anal fistula (high transsphincteric, suprasphincteric, or extrasphincteric).
- Recurrent fistula after previous surgical treatment.
- Fistula with multiple tracts or branches.
- Fistula associated with chronic infection or abscess formation.
- Fistula causing significant symptoms like persistent pain, discharge, or bleeding.
- Fistula not amenable to simpler procedures like fistulotomy.
- Suspicion of fistula related to underlying conditions like Crohn's disease (after evaluation).
How to prepare
- Complete medical history review and physical examination by the surgeon.
- Diagnostic tests such as MRI fistulogram or endoanal ultrasound to map the fistula tract.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (spinal or general) and associated risks.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery as instructed.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Bowel preparation, which may include a laxative or enema the night before.
- Arranging for post-operative care and transportation home.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Reaction to anesthesia.
- Recurrence of the fistula.
- Temporary or permanent impairment of anal sphincter function, leading to incontinence (gas or stool).
- Pain, swelling, or discomfort during recovery.
- Delayed wound healing.
- Formation of a new abscess.
- Scarring or narrowing (stenosis) of the anal canal.
- Urinary retention.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically required for monitoring pain and initial wound care.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Keeping the surgical area clean and dry; sitz baths (warm water soaks) are often recommended several times a day to promote healing and comfort.
- A high-fiber diet and adequate fluid intake to prevent constipation and straining.
- Stool softeners may be prescribed to ease bowel movements.
- Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting for several weeks.
- Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor healing.
- Dressing changes as instructed by the healthcare team.
- Gradual return to normal activities as tolerated.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering fistulectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for fistulectomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform fistulectomy. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for fistulectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Fistulectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing fistulectomy.
Emily Davis, a 42-year-old elementary school...
Emily Davis, a 42-year-old elementary school teacher and mother of two, had been struggling with a painful, recurrent abscess near her tailbone for over three years. The condition, a pilonidal sinus, caused throbbing pain, swelling, and constant drainage that stained her clothes and made sitting through parent-teacher conferences or long car rides agonizing. She had undergone two previous incision and drainage procedures, but the problem always returned. Her general surgeon, Dr. Carter, recommended a fistulectomy to completely remove the sinus tract and prevent recurrence. Emily was terrified of the surgery and the recovery time, worrying about missing work and being unable to care for her young children. The procedure under spinal anesthesia went smoothly. The initial week of recovery was challenging, with pain managed by medication and requiring help from her husband for wound care and mobility. However, within a month, the surgical site healed cleanly. For the first time in years, she was pain-free, with no drainage. The emotional relief was profound. She felt a renewed sense of freedom and confidence, no longer planning her life around flare-ups, and was deeply grateful for the chance to be fully present for her family and students without constant discomfort.
General surgeons for Fistulectomy
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform fistulectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore