CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Anal fistula surgery
SURGERY TO REMOVE ANAL FISTULAS
Our Lower GI and colorectal general surgeons specialise in removing anal fistulas
What is an anal fistula?
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
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.
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.
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 advise 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
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Anal fistula surgery locations
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8DU London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Digestive Health Centre
21 Wellington Road St John's Wood NW8 9SQ London
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.