Dr. Debashish Das is one of the best Laparoscopic, Endoscopic & General Surgeon in Chembur, Mumbai, he is recognized as one of the foremost surgeons in Mumbai, for his specialization in anal fistula surgey, offering exceptional care and solutions for patients seeking anus-related surgical procedures.

What is an anal fistula?

An anal fistula is an abnormal connection between the lining on the inside of your anal canal (back passage) and the skin near your anus.

Most anal fistulas are caused by an abscess (a collection of pus) which has developed in your anal canal.The pus can drain away onto the skin on its own or by an operation. A fistula happens when the track, made by the pus on the way to the surface of the skin, stays open.

What does the operation involve?

Surgery for anal fistula is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The surgery usually takes between a quarter of an hour and half an hour.

To lessen the risk of bowel incontinence (when you pass a bowel movement without wanting to) your treatment may involve several operations over a number of months.

The type of surgery you need will depend on where the fistula is.

• If the fistula is below or crosses the lower part of the sphincter muscles, your surgeon will cut the fistula open to the skin and leave the wound open so that it can heal with healthy tissue.
• If the fistula has branches that pass through the upper part of the sphincter muscles, your surgeon may place a special stitch (called a seton stitch) in the fistula to allow pus to drain easily.
• The fistula may be suitable for treatment with a plug made from pig-bowel tissue. Your surgeon will not need to make a cut in the sphincter muscle.
• If the fistula reaches above your sphincter muscles, you may need to have a temporary colostomy (bowel opening onto the skin). However, this is not common.