Anal fistula surgery

About

Anal fistulas are small tunnels that can develop between the end of your rectum and the skin near your anus. Fistulas can get better on their own. But in other cases, surgery may be the only way to get rid of them.

We specialise in various techniques for treating anal fistulas, including:

- Fistulotomy. The fistula is cut open and laid out flat, but only if there's no risk to the anal sphincter.
- Seton technique. This involves inserting a surgical thread through the fistula to make a loop and bring it to the surface.
- Advancement flap procedure. Normally carried out after a fistulotomy to cover a fistula opening to prevent infections.
- Bioprosthetic plug. This involves blocking the internal opening in a fistula to let it heal gradually. The outside opening can then be drained of pus.

Need to know

What happens icon plus

Your consultant's preferred surgical technique will depend on the type of fistula you have, its location and whether it crosses your anal sphincters. Whichever one they choose, you'll most likely be under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep.
How to prepare icon plus

You'll most likely be asked to attend a pre-procedure assessment, where your consultant or specialist nurse will explain the procedure. They'll also answer any questions you might have, and inform you of any risks and side effects involved.
Afterwards icon plus

Depending on the nature of your fistula, you may be able to go home on the day of your surgery. Otherwise, we'll transfer you to our recovery ward where we'll care for you until you're discharged. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. Fistula surgery wounds can take several weeks to heal, and you may experience a little discharge and bleeding from the wound. Your consultant or specialist nurse will explain what else to expect during your post-op period.

Our consultants

From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Our facilities

From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place

London W1U 5NY

Appointments 020 7908 8001
Enquiries 020 7486 1234
London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street

London

SE1 2PR

Appointments & Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments 020 7234 2773
The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road

London

SW1W 8RH

Appointments 020 7730 8298
London Digestive Centre

41 Welbeck Street

London

W1G 8DU

Call 020 7908 8003
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
London Digestive Surgery

41 Welbeck Street

London

W1G 8DU

Call 020 3131 5319
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
All of our upper GI and colorectal consultant are at our Chiswick clinic on Saturdays
London Digestion

HCA UK at The Shard

32 St Thomas Street

London SE1 9BS

Appointments & enquiries 020 7403 3814