Fistulotomy Surgery in Leicester
A surgical procedure for treating anal fistulas with fistulotomy surgery.
Understanding Fistulotomy Surgery
A fistulotomy is a type of surgery to treat a fistula, which happens when two body parts form an abnormal connection. During a fistulotomy, the doctor cuts open the entire length of the fistula to help it heal flat like a scar.
This type of surgery works well for many anal fistulas but is best for those that don’t pass through a lot of sphincter muscles. It’s often used to treat simple fistulas near the anus that develop from an abscess. The surgery helps to drain the infected area and allows the surrounding tissues to heal, closing the abnormal passage.
Fistulotomy Surgery Treats:
Anal Fistulas
Persistent Anal Abscesses
Recurrent Anal Fistulas
Pain and Discomfort from Fistulas
Chronic Infection-Related Fistulas
How Does the Fistulotomy Procedure Work?
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the skin around the anus and the inside of the anus. If someone has a fistula, it may need surgery to heal. This kind of surgery is called a fistulotomy.
During a fistulotomy, a surgeon removes the whole fistula so it can heal properly. This process helps get rid of any pus or fluid in the affected area, which helps the healing process and reduces the risk of complications. It’s important to treat a fistula properly as it leads to serious problems like anal cancer or sepsis when left untreated.
If the fistula is not too deep, doctors usually recommend a fistulotomy as the first treatment option. The surgery can usually be done as an outpatient procedure in the doctor’s office, but if the fistula is large, it might require a hospital stay and general anaesthesia. During the surgery, the doctor will remove the infected area, clean the area thoroughly, and then close the wound with stitches or leave it open and cover it with gauze.
Benefits of Fistulotomy Operation
Pain Relief
The surgery can help reduce the pain, bleeding, discharge, discomfort, and itching the fistula causes.
Faster Healing
The surgery clears out pus and fluids from the area to speed up healing and close the abnormal gap.
Minimally Invasive
It involves a small incision and is generally performed on an outpatient basis, reducing recovery time.
Improved Quality of Life
This surgery reduces pain and discomfort, leading to a more comfortable daily experience.
Resolution of Chronic Fistulas
This surgery is ideal for patients with fistulas that have not healed with conservative treatments.
Reduced Risk of Recurrence
Fistulotomy surgery helps prevent the recurrence of fistulas by allowing the tract to heal properly.
Treatment at a glance
Purpose
Procedure Duration
Anaesthesia
Purpose
Anal Fistulas
Pain Level
Moderate to mild
Procedure Duration
15-30 Minutes
Recovery Time
6 Weeks
Drive
3 days
Anaesthesia
General
Recovery Time
Pain Level
Drive
Cost of Fistulotomy Surgery
Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!
Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?
01. Expertise You Can Trust: Our surgeons are leaders in their fields, bringing years of experience and cutting-edge techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
02. Personalised Care: We take the time to understand your needs and offer a treatment plan that prioritises your health and well-being.
03. Confidential Environment: Your privacy is our priority. From consultation to recovery, we maintain strict confidentiality and provide a secure, comforting environment.
04. We offer medical and surgical therapies both in clinics under local anaesthesia and in theatres under general anaesthesia.
Patient Testimonials
Mr Chaudhri is an excellent surgeon I can’t thank him enough for the operations he performed on me after i was diagnosed with bowel cancer, the care he showed me before and after the operations, his friendly nature and reassurance was a great help to me during a stressful time in my life i owe so much to him and i will always be grateful to him and his colleagues .
Written by an NHS patient
I’ve been under Mr Chaudhri’s care for around 2 years now and he has always shown me the best, personal care I could ask for.
Written by an NHS patient
This doctor spoke to you and made jokes to make you feel at ease. He was also clearly very knowledgable, and his words/advice were comforting and I left feeling uplifted. With regards to the procedure itself, he wasn’t aggressive but nor was he too slow where you had time to consider the slight discomfort; the pace and strength were fine and made for a quick and easy colonoscopy.
Written by an NHS patient
Our Locations
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital
- Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
- To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685
*Free on-site parking is available.
The Health Suite
- CLINICS The Health Suite Thursday evenings (Mr Chaudhri) from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at:The Health Suite, 624a Uppingham Rd, Leicester LE7 9QB
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Health Suit, please call the booking line on 0116 241010
*Free on-site parking is available.
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital
- 1st and 3rd Friday of the month (Mr Chaudhri) from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at: Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, Scraptoft Ln, Leicester LE5 1HY
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Nuffield Hospital, please call the booking line on 0300 1311416
*Free on-site parking is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Is fistulotomy a major surgery?
A fistulotomy is a minor outpatient surgery, and you can go home the same day. It is not a major surgery.
02. What is the fistulotomy recovery time?
Most wounds should heal within 6 weeks. To take care of yourself at home after the surgery, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and continue taking antibiotics if needed.
03. Can I sit after the fistulotomy surgery?
After the surgery, it’s important to rest for a few days. During this time, avoid sitting or walking for too long to allow your body to recover.
04. What are the risks of fistulotomy?
There are some complications associated with the procedure, such as difficulty in locating and draining an abscess or the fistula tract, as well as the risk of creating a false fistula tract.
05. Are there stitches in a fistulotomy?
During the procedure, a conical plug is inserted into the tract and sutured into place. The outer opening is not fully closed, so the fistula can keep draining.
06. Is fistulotomy painful?
A fistulotomy surgery is done under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep during the procedure and not feel any pain.
07. What foods should I avoid after a fistulotomy?
After fistulotomy, it’s best to avoid high-fat dairy products, fast food, spicy foods, fried foods, salty foods, red meat, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.
08. Can fistulas come back after getting fistulotomy surgery?
There is a possibility that an anal fistula may come back after surgery if it doesn’t heal completely, possibly due to underlying chronic conditions or the surgical technique used.
09. Can a fistulotomy fail?
The anal fistula surgery works best when the healing process is complete, with no remaining tracts, inside or outside openings, or any discharge around the anus. Failure of the surgery can include persistence, recurrence, or the development of a new fistula.
