Anal Fistula Treatment
Surgery is almost always required to properly treat anal fistulas. The purpose of surgery is to treat the fistula while avoiding damage to the sphincter muscles. Otherwise, the surgery may produce incontinence, or the inability to control one's bowels. Our board certified colorectal surgeons are aware of every potential risk involved, giving them the ability to bring you through your surgery without further complications. If you are suffering from anal fistulas, we encourage you to seek real anal fistula treatment. It may give you the quality of life you deserve.
Surgery
Most anal fistula surgery is delivered under general anesthetic. In some cases, usually depending on patient preference, it can be delivered with local anesthetic. This will be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon prior to surgery.
The main types of anal fistula surgery are summed up below.
Fistulotomy
This is the most common form of anal fistula treatment, used in 85-95% of cases.
The purpose of a fistulotomy is to fully expose the anal fistula. This is done by making an incision from one end of the fistula to the other, which turns it from a canal into an open wound. While this may sound unpleasant, it allows your surgeon to flush out the contents to ensure there is no recurrence. From there, packing is used to ensure the fistula heals from the inside out. Once the healing process is complete, the fistula will simply be a painless, symptom-free scar.
Seton techniques
When a fistulotomy presents a high risk of producing incontinence, the seton technique is a less invasive method of anal fistula treatment. A seton is a type of surgical thread that your surgeon will insert into the fistula. This keeps the fistula open, allowing it to drain properly before it heals.
Bioprosthetic plug
A bioprosthetic plug, meaning it is made from human tissue, is a cone-shaped device that can be used to treat anal fistulas. It is inserted into the internal opening of the fistula and sutured into place. The external opening of the fistula is left open so it can continue to drain. Eventually, tissue grows around the plug from the external end, causing the fistula to heal. The healing process is continually monitored so the development of an anal abscess is avoided.
For patients suffering from anal fistulas, and who are looking for anal fistula treatment in Los Angeles, the Colorectal Center Los Angeles can provide lasting relief. We understand that this condition can be difficult to live with, and are eager to give you the treatment you deserve. If you have any questions or would like to set an appointment, please call our office today.
