About Intestinal Fistula Repair
Key Highlights
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Closes an abnormal, leak-causing connection between the intestine and another organ or the skin.Prevents chronic infection, sepsis, and severe fluid/nutrient loss.Restores normal digestive function and anatomy.Can be performed using open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic techniques depending on the case.Aims to significantly improve the patient's quality of life and nutritional status.
Who is this surgery for?
- Enterocutaneous fistula (intestine to skin), causing persistent drainage and skin breakdown.
- Enteroenteric or entero-colonic fistula (between different parts of the intestine).
- Enterovesical fistula (intestine to bladder), leading to recurrent urinary infections or fecal matter in urine.
- Enterovaginal fistula (intestine to vagina).
- Fistulas caused by Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, or complications of previous abdominal surgery.
- Fistulas resulting from abdominal trauma, radiation therapy, or cancer.
- Fistulas that do not heal with conservative management (nutritional support, antibiotics).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive imaging (CT scan, fistulogram, MRI) to map the fistula tract precisely.
- Nutritional optimization, which may include total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to improve healing.
- Treatment of any active infection with appropriate antibiotics.
- Bowel preparation may be required to empty the intestines.
- Pre-operative counseling and informed consent detailing the procedure and risks.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery.
- Management of other medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Risks & possible complications
- Recurrence of the fistula.
- Infection at the surgical site or within the abdomen (abscess).
- Bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Damage to nearby structures like blood vessels, ureters, or other parts of the bowel.
- Formation of new adhesions (scar tissue) that can cause future bowel obstruction.
- Anastomotic leak (leakage from the repaired intestinal connection).
- Reactions to anesthesia.
- Delayed wound healing, especially in malnourished patients.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and IV fluids/nutrition.
- Gradual advancement from clear liquids to a soft diet as bowel function returns.
- Incision/wound care instructions to prevent infection.
- Activity restrictions, avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks.
- Close monitoring for signs of complications like fever, increased pain, or drainage.
- Follow-up appointments to assess healing and nutritional status.
- Long-term management of the underlying condition (e.g., Crohn's disease) to prevent recurrence.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering intestinal fistula repair in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for intestinal fistula repair in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, 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 intestinal fistula repair. 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 intestinal fistula repair compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Intestinal Fistula Repair in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing intestinal fistula repair.
I was a total wreck before...
I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Ram just listened, didn't rush me, and explained everything in a way that actually calmed me down. The hospital is huge and a bit overwhelming, but he made it feel okay. Left feeling like I could breathe again.
General surgeons for Intestinal Fistula Repair
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform intestinal fistula repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Laparoscopic surgeon
Gem Hospital Perungudi
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 12 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 12 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 2 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Gem Hospital Aminjikarai
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway