Anal Fistula Surgery (Heal Without Damaging Sphincter Muscles)

· Those in Mexicali, Mexico looking for anal fistula surgery.
· Those with an anal fistula.
· Those with concerns regarding anal fistula that may damage the sphincter muscles.
· Those who want to heal from anal fistula.
· Those who want to receive appropriate treatment to avoid damaging the sphincter muscles.

Anal fistula surgery is a procedure performed to treat an anal fistula in which they usually are not able to heal by themselves. There are several procedures available, the best option depends on the position of your fistula, as well as if it is a single channel or branches off in different directions.

Usually, an initial examination of the area is required under general anesthesia to help determine the best treatment. The aim is to treat the fistula appropriately without damaging the sphincter muscles, the ring of muscles that open and close the anus, which has the potential to result in loss of bowel control.

The most common type of treatment is fistulotomy. The procedure involves cutting along the whole length of the fistula to open and allow it to heal as a flat scar. It is usually only suitable for fistulas that do not pass through much of sphincter muscles. A small portion of anal sphincter muscle has to be cut during the procedure without increasing the risk of incontinence. In the case where there is a high risk of incontinence, another procedure may be recommended instead.

· Seton techniques
This is for the situation where your fistula passes through a significant portion of sphincter muscles. A surgical thread called seton will be left in the fistula for several weeks to keep it open, which would help to drain and heal with no cutting the sphincter muscles.

· Advancement flap procedure
An alternative procedure in the case where having a fistulotomy carries a high risk of causing incontinence. The procedure involves cutting or scraping out the fistula and covering the hole with a flap of tissue taken from inside the rectum.

· LIFT procedure
The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), also an alternative procedure in the case where having a fistulotomy carries a high risk of causing incontinence.

· Endoscopic ablation
Insertion of an endoscope, with an electrode passing through to use for sealing the fistula. The procedure works well with no risks.

· Laser surgery
A small laser beam by radially emitting laser fibre treatment is used to seal the fistula with no major safety concerns.

· Fibrin glue
Non-surgical option for anal fistulas; injection of glue into the fistula under general anesthesia.

· Bioprosthetic plug
Insertion of cone-shaped plug made from animal tissue to block the internal opening of the fistula.

1. Consultation and examination of your condition
2. Application of general anesthesia
3. Surgery performed on the fistulas depending on your condition

· Stop smoking a few weeks prior to the surgery
· Limit alcohol consumption for at least a week before the surgery
· You may be advised to stop anti-inflammatory drugs and blood-thinning medications a few days prior to the surgery

· Avoid alcohol consumption during the recovery period
· It is advised to stop smoking until your body fully recovers
· Place a maxi pad or gauze in your underwear to absorb drainage from your fistula while it heals
· Sit in 8 to 10 cm of warm water for 15 to 20 mins and pat the area dry to subside the pain
· Apply ice several times a day for 10 to 20 mins at a time
· Lie on your stomach with a pillow under your hips to decrease swelling

Q1: How long do I have to wait until I can go swimming?
A1: You should not go swimming until the wound has completely healed.

Q2: Can I drive home after the treatment?
A2: It is recommended to have a minimum of 48 hrs gap from driving.

Q3: When can I start doing exercise?
A3: Some gentle exercise can be resumed when you feel able to.

Q4: Is there anything I cannot eat after the treatment?
A4: You can eat your normal diet after the surgery, but try to include high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day.

Q5: Can the fistula recur?
A5: The recurrence of the fistula is possible.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday to Sunday (24 hrs)