Best Faecal Fistula Treatment in Ahmedabad

Coping with a fistula requires managing ongoing discomfort. If you are one of them and seeking relief and searching for the best fistula surgeon in Ahmedabad, Tirtham Surgical Hospital offers the ultimate solution.With a wealth of experience spanning more than 16 years, Dr. Alpesh Patel and his skilled team are committed to giving you the best solution to your problem.

Best Faecal Fistula Treatment in Ahmedabad

Faecal Fistula Treatment

Don’t let the discomfort and inconvenience of a fecal fistula control your life. Our team of experienced fistula surgeons offers minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs. With 16+ years of experience, we prioritize a swift recovery and lasting relief.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards a fistula-free life.

What is Fistula?

A fistula is an unusual passage that connects two organs or vessels that don’t normally connect. They can form between different parts of the body, such as:

  • Urinary Tract Fistula: These are abnormal openings within a urinary organ or between a urinary organ and another organ.
  • Anal Fistulas: These are connections between the anal canal and the skin around the anus.

Other Types of Fistulas:

  • Enteroenteral Fistula: A connection between two sections of the intestine.
  • Enterocutaneous or Colocutaneous Fistula: Connections between the small intestine or colon and the skin.

Fistulas can occur in various locations, causing discomfort and sometimes requiring medical intervention to correct.

Why do they Occur?

Most anal fistulas develop as a result of an anal abscess. When an abscess forms and the pus inside it doesn’t fully heal and drain properly, it can create a passage called a fistula. It’s estimated that about half to a quarter of people who have an anal abscess will go on to develop a fistula.

Less commonly, anal fistulas can also be caused by:

  • Crohn’s disease: A chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system.
  • Diverticulitis: An infection of small pouches that can bulge out from the colon wall.
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa: A long-term skin condition that leads to abscesses and scarring.
  • Infections like tuberculosis (TB) or HIV: These can also lead to the formation of anal fistulas.
  • Complications from surgery near the anus: Sometimes, surgical procedures in the vicinity of the anus can result in the development of a fistula.

These conditions can create abnormal connections between tissues, leading to the formation of fistulas that may require medical treatment.

Common Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of Fistula include:

  • Skin irritation around the anus.
  • Persistent, throbbing pain that intensifies when sitting, moving, having a bowel movement, or coughing.
  • Foul-smelling discharge from the anus.
  • Passing pus or blood during bowel movements.
  • Swelling and redness around the anus, accompanied by fever if there’s an associated abscess.
  • Occasionally, difficulty controlling bowel movements (bowel incontinence).

How is Fistula Diagnosed?

Your doctor typically identifies most anal fistulas during a physical examination. However, if the external opening is closed, they may need to locate the internal opening inside your anus. 

This process may require anesthesia if it’s too painful for your doctor to examine or open your anus in the office. In such cases, they may opt to perform the examination in an operating room under sedation.

To locate the internal opening of the fistula, your doctor may use a lighted scope such as an anoscope or proctoscope, which allows them to visualize the inside of your rectum. 

Sometimes, they inject hydrogen peroxide into the external opening. This helps identify the infection and confirm the presence of the fistula by causing bubbles or foam to form at the site. This thorough examination ensures an accurate diagnosis and guides appropriate treatment.

What are the Treatment Options for Fistula?

Anal fistulas typically require surgical treatment because they rarely heal on their own. 

The main surgical options include:

  • Fistulotomy: This involves cutting open the entire length of the fistula to allow it to heal as a flat scar.
  • Seton Procedures: A piece of surgical thread (seton) is placed in the fistula and left there for several weeks. This helps to gradually heal the fistula before further treatment is performed.
  • Other Techniques: These may involve filling the fistula with special glue, inserting a special plug to block it, or covering it with a flap of tissue. Each of these methods has its own benefits and risks, which you can discuss with your surgeon to determine the best approach for your condition.

How is Ureter Surgery Performed?

Before starting, you’ll receive anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout. An intravenous (IV) line may also be inserted to administer fluids and medications.

Next, a ureteroscope is carefully inserted into your urinary tract. This instrument is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera at its tip. It enters through the urethra, passes through the bladder, and continues into the ureter. The camera allows the doctor to view the inside of your urinary system on a monitor.

During the procedure, if kidney stones or other abnormalities are detected, specialized tools passed through the ureteroscope can be used for treatment. These tools may break up larger stones into smaller pieces for easier removal or extraction. In some cases, tissue samples may be collected for biopsy to further diagnose any suspicious areas.

Once the necessary interventions are completed, the ureteroscope is carefully removed. Depending on your specific condition, additional steps, such as placing a stent or drain, may be performed to optimize recovery and ensure proper healing.

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored briefly to watch for any immediate complications. It’s normal to experience some discomfort or minor bleeding when urinating initially, but these symptoms typically resolve quickly.

What Happens if Fistula is Left Untreated?

Untreated anal fistulas can lead to serious problems:

  • Persistent Pain: Causes ongoing discomfort, making daily activities difficult.
  • Infections: Recurring infections cause swelling and abscesses, weakening the immune system.
  • Abscess Formation: It can lead to severe pain and fever, needing urgent medical attention.
  • Systemic Infections: Rarely, infections can spread throughout the body, becoming life-threatening.
  • Complex Fistulas: Can develop multiple openings near the anus, requiring surgery to treat.
  • Anal Stenosis: The scar tissue narrows the anal canal, making bowel movements painful.
  • Incontinence: Damaged muscles may cause leakage of feces or gas, affecting quality of life.
  • Anal Stricture: Narrowed areas in the anal canal can cause constipation or obstruction if untreated.

Early treatment by a specialist is essential to avoid these complications and manage anal fistulas effectively.

FAQ

Who is the best fistula surgeon in Ahmedabad?
When seeking expert care for fistula treatment in Ahmedabad, Dr. Alpesh Patel and his dedicated team at Tirtham Surgical Hospital are highly regarded. Known for their expertise and they specialize in advanced techniques for managing anal fistulas, ensuring comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for patients.
Among the options for fistula laser treatment in Ahmedabad, Tirtham Surgical Hospital stands out as a prominent choice.
Yes, surgery is often required to treat anal fistulas effectively.
Non-surgical treatments may include antibiotics for infections but typically do not cure the fistula itself.
Yes, there is a risk of recurrence, especially with complex fistulas.
Choose hospitals that have skilled colorectal surgeons and specialized facilities for treating conditions related to the anus and rectum.

While choosing the best fistula surgeon in Ahmedabad, look for the following:

  • Surgeon’s experience
  • Expertise in treating fistulas
  • Patient reviews

Ask about:

  • Treatment options
  • Success rates
  • Potential risks
  • Expected recovery time
Follow your surgeon’s instructions on diet, medication, and lifestyle adjustments before surgery.

Risks include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to nearby structures
  • Recurrence of fistula
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