About Laser Fistulectomy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions.Precise targeting of the fistula tract with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Reduced intraoperative bleeding due to the laser's coagulating effect.Lower risk of damage to the anal sphincter muscles, helping preserve continence.Typically performed as a day-care surgery, often avoiding an overnight hospital stay.Generally less post-operative pain compared to conventional techniques.liFaster recovery and return to daily activities./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic or recurrent anal fistula that has not healed with conservative management.
- Simple or complex trans-sphincteric fistulas (where the tract crosses the sphincter muscles).
- Fistulas that are causing persistent pain, discharge, or recurrent infections.
- Patients seeking a sphincter-preserving option to minimize the risk of incontinence.
- Fistulas that are not suitable for simple lay-open (fistulotomy) due to a high risk of compromising sphincter function.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation, including history and physical examination by the surgeon.
- Pre-operative imaging such as an MRI fistulogram or endoanal ultrasound to map the fistula tract.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (usually spinal or general anesthesia).
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure as instructed.
- Bowel preparation may be advised, such as a laxative or enema, to empty the rectum.
- Informing the surgeon about all current medications, especially blood thinners.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hematoma formation at the surgical site.
- Infection or abscess recurrence.
- Pain or discomfort in the anal region.
- Temporary difficulty with bowel control (incontinence to gas or stool), though risk is lower than with traditional surgery.
- Urinary retention, especially after spinal anesthesia.
- Fistula recurrence if the tract is not completely ablated.
- Rare risks associated with anesthesia and laser use.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Patients can usually go home the same day after observation.
- Oral pain medications and antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Sitz baths (sitting in warm water) 2-3 times a day are recommended to promote cleanliness and comfort.
- A high-fiber diet and stool softeners are advised to prevent constipation and straining.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting for the first 1-2 weeks.
- Light gauze dressing may be needed to manage minimal discharge.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and ensure the fistula has closed.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Typically day-care)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering laser fistulectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for laser 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 laser 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 laser fistulectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Laser Fistulectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing laser fistulectomy.
Pooja Saxena, a 42-year-old senior accountant...
Pooja Saxena, a 42-year-old senior accountant and mother of two, had been suffering from a recurrent perianal abscess for over a year. It would drain painfully, provide temporary relief, then flare up again, causing throbbing pain, swelling, and constant soiling. It made sitting through long work meetings and playing with her children agonizing. Her general surgeon, Dr. Mehta, explained that the abscess had formed a fistula, a tiny tunnel connecting the infected gland to the skin. He recommended a Laser Fistulectomy, describing it as a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to precisely seal the fistula tract, offering a higher chance of a permanent cure with less pain and faster recovery than traditional surgery. During the 30-minute procedure under spinal anesthesia, Pooja felt no pain. The recovery was remarkably smooth. She experienced mild discomfort managed with oral painkillers and was back to her desk job in three days. After two weeks, the wound had healed completely. Emotionally, Pooja had felt trapped in a cycle of pain and embarrassment, which affected her confidence as a professional and parent. After the successful procedure and recovery, she felt a profound sense of liberation and relief, finally free from the constant worry and discomfort.
General surgeons for Laser Fistulectomy
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform laser fistulectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
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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