Fistula Laser surgery is a technique used in fistula operation. In Anal Fistula operation by Laser, a highly flexible laser optic fiber is inserted through the external opening of the fistula. The laser removes the membrane lining the fistula tract [see image] with a good degree of accuracy and control.
The special optic fibers that deliver the laser light are flexible, meaning the laser fistula surgery technique can be used in somewhat tortuous anal fistulas. It can also be used for low anal fistulas and some high anal fistulas.
During laser fistula surgery, the surgeon sometimes uses other techniques and methods to treat the internal fistula opening. Alternatively, other techniques such as ultrasound dissection or electro-diathermy may be used. Regardless of the method or technique used, the surgeon must avoid damaging the anal sphincter muscle, which is responsible for bowel self-control, to prevent fecal incontinence or loss of control.
Seton
This is a technique that uses a special medical bandage to gradually cut the fistula tract. The Seton can be used in two ways: a tight seton and a loose seton, depending on the case. Surgeons may use a seton for a variety of reasons, including if the anal fistula is high or elevated. This helps preserve the function of the anal sphincter muscle and lessen complications such as incontinence.
Anal Fistulotomy or excision
The surgeon cuts the fistula tract and curate the lining of the fistula tract using one of the techniques mentioned above. While these techniques are simple, the surgeon must be careful and knowledgeable enough to avoid damaging the anal sphincter muscle, which is responsible for voluntary bowel motion. In cases of high or branched fistulas, the surgeon usually uses other concomitant techniques to preserve the anal sphincter muscle.
Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT)
In this technique, the surgeon removes the fistula lining using a thin-caliber endoscope with a special video camera [see image]. It helps preserving the anal sphincter muscle. The surgeon may also use other concomitant methods to treat the internal fistula opening.
Fistula (Plug) procedure
It is a technique for treating fistulas by inserting a plug made of a special medical or biological material into the fistula tract, after curettage and cleaning of the fistula tract. The internal fistula opening is also sutured/stitched closed.
Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT)
The surgeon ligates and closes the fistula tract between the internal and external anal muscles. He also scrapes tract by special tool and suture close the internal opening.
Dear reader, we apologize for the maybe-difficulty in understanding some of the methods above. We hesitated a lot to write this page to avoid complicating the topic. However, we received many inquiries in this regard. We tried as much as possible to provide a brief view of various methods & procedure to treat anal fistulae.
Therefore, we recommend discussing these methods with your doctor to understand more. Note that many of these techniques may not be familiar to your doctor unless he or she is experienced in treating these conditions and is up-to-date on recent developments in this field.
