Tired of pain and looking for effective treatment for fistula?
Laser Fistula Treatment in Navi Mumbai: FiLaC™ & DLPL
- Dr Nitish Jhawar, Colorectal expert with 26 years of experience
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TL;DR
Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC™ & DLPL) is a modern, sphincter-saving procedure that uses radial laser energy to seal fistula tracts without cutting muscle.
Performed by Dr. Nitish Jhawar, a senior Colorectal Surgeon at Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai, it offers a 48-hour recovery and reduces chances of recurrence.
Dr. Jhawar, with 26+ years of experience, specializes in advanced laser treatments and trained internationally in Germany, USA, and Austria.
Why Choose Laser Treatment for Anal Fistula?
Most people choose laser treatment because it is effective solution for even complex anal fistula and much gentler than traditional “fistulotomy” (cutting the tract open).
Permanent Solution
Surgery remains the most reliable cure for anal fistulas, as they cannot be treated with medication alone.
Among surgical options, laser treatment stands out for its ability to effectively close fistula tracts without extensive cutting.
Minimal Tissue trauma & Short Hospital Stay
Using a specialized 1470nm radial laser, Dr. Jhawar precisely targets only the infected epithelial lining of the fistula. This means our patients undergoing laser treatment for fistulas have less post-operative pain, faster healing and a faster return to daily activities.
Sphincter Preservation
Traditional surgeries can sometimes damage anal muscles that help you go to the bathroom, potentially affecting bowel continence. However, the laser seals the tract without cutting these muscles avoiding risk of fecal incontinence, specially complex fistulas.
Low Recurrence
Fistulas are known for their tendency to recur, but laser treatment significantly lowers this risk. By thoroughly sealing the fistula tract with laser energy, this method minimizes the chances of infection and re-formation.
No Deep Wound Packing
Because there are no large surgical incisions, you avoid the "deep packing" dressing required with open fistula surgery. A small adhesive bandage is sufficient.
This blend of safety and effectiveness has made laser treatment an ideal option for patients seeking reliable, sphincter-preserving surgery for fistula.
FiLaC™ vs. DLPL: Which Laser Fistula Treatment Do You Need?
Laser treatments offer advanced options for fistula management. Dr. Jhawar selects the technique (FiLaC™ vs. DLPL ) or VAAFT with Laser based on how complex your fistula is to ensure the best outcome.
FiLaC (Fistula Laser Closure):
FiLaC is a primary laser-only treatment designed to close the fistula tract without affecting the surrounding sphincter muscles. For simple, straight tunnels a radial fiber seals the tract from the inside out using heat.
DLPL (Distal Laser with Primary Ligation) for Fistula:
DLPL uses both laser energy and a ligation technique, fistula tract is closed with the laser with a small stitch to prevent reopening. If you have already had fistula surgery that didn't work, its complex or multi-branch fistulas, DLPL technique is often the better choice for treatment.
Laser Fistula treatment with Endoscopic Vision
Dr. Jhawar is highly skilled and internationally trained in video assisted endoscopic fistula surgery (VAAFT), that enables precise visualization and targeted laser treatment to ensure no infection is left behind.
In Mumbai, Dr. Jhawar provides advanced laser treatment for fistulas such as FiLaC (Fistula Laser Closure), DLPL and VAAFT tailored to address different fistula types.
How the Laser Procedure is Performed?
Laser treatment for fistula at Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai, FiLaC (Fistula Laser Closure) & DLPL (LASER with Ligation) follows these steps:
- Anaesthesia -GA/Spinal or local, depending upon the type of fistula and patient comfort
- Preparation and Identification: (Dye Mapping) The colorectal surgeon injects hydrogen peroxide or methylene blue dye to locate the exact pathway of fistula. This helps clearly identify the internal opening and the entire tract of the fistula.
- This ensures zero missed branches, which is the #1 cause of fistula recurrence.
- Cleaning The Tunnel (Debridement): The tunnel is gently cleaned or debrided to remove any infection or debris. This helps the laser work much better for effective closure.
- Inserting The GuideWire: A thin guide wire is gently threaded through the tract, followed by the insertion of a small plastic catheter. This serves as a guide for the laser fiber, ensuring precise placement within the fistula.
- Laser Application to seal the tract: A thin 1470nm radial-emitting laser fiber is then inserted through the catheter to the internal opening of the fistula.
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The fiber emits laser energy evenly in a 360-degree circle (all the way around). As the colorectal surgeon pulls the fiber out the heat makes the tunnel walls to shrink and seal it permanently.
This controlled application minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. -
For Proximal Ligation (DLPL) In complex fistula, the doctor adds one small stitch at the internal opening. This seals the internal opening (the source of infection) while the laser treats the rest of the tract.
DLPL enhance closure rates and reduce recurrence. - Additional Step VAAFT VAAFT may be used for better visualization and under vision surgery.
- Duration: These precise, laser treatment of fistula in Navi Mumbai is typically completed within approximately 20-30 minutes, allowing for a quick and efficient solution for faster recovery.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Recovery from laser fistula surgery at Apollo Hospital, Belapur, is much faster. Because there are no large cuts, your body can focus on healing the tract.
- Going Home: This is usually a “daycare” procedure. Most patients are back in their own beds the same evening.
- The First 48 Hours: You can walk, sit, and move around comfortably almost immediately.
- Return to Work: You can usually return to office work or light activities within 2 to 3 days.
- Simple Bandaging: You do not need deep wound packing. A small, simple bandage on the skin is used for a few days just to keep the area clean.
- Diet: Dr. Jhawar recommends a high-fiber diet and plenty of water to keep your bowel movements soft, ensuring a smooth healing.
Management of Recurrent and Complex Anal Fistulas
Many patients seek Redo Fistula Surgery from Dr. Nitish Jhawar after previous procedures have failed.
Why Fistulas Come Back?
Recurrence happens if the internal opening was missed, hidden branches were left untreated, or traditional surgery failed to heal properly.
Diagnostic Precision:
To prevent repeat failures, we use Dye Mapping (Methylene Blue or Hydrogen Peroxide) during surgery.
This ensures that the entire anatomy of the fistula, including hidden side-branches, is visualized before the laser is applied.
The DLPL Advantage for “Failed” Cases:
For these tough cases, Dr. Jhawar uses the DLPL (Distal Laser Proximal Ligation) technique. By ligating (tying off) the internal source while simultaneously using laser, we achieve a significantly higher success rate for repeat cases.
Protecting Weakened Muscles:
Laser is the safe option for patients who have already undergone previous surgeries, as it protects already weakened anal sphincter muscles.
Advantages of Laser Treatment for Fistula
Laser treatment has become a preferred choice for managing anal fistulas due to its many advantages over traditional surgical methods, especially in preserving essential functions and promoting quicker recovery.
Why Dr. Nitish Jhawar For Laser Fistula treatment at Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai?
The success of a laser procedure depends heavily on the surgeon’s experience and the hospital’s infrastructure.
- 25+ Years of Surgical Expertise: As a Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Dr. Nitish Jhawar has extensive experience in complex Proctology and recurrent anal fistulas.
- International Training: Expertise gained in Germany, USA, and Austria ensures your treatment meets global standards.
- Advanced Infrastructure: Performing surgery at Apollo ensures access to the latest 1470nm radial laser equipment, high-definition imaging, best anesthesia and a sterile environment.
This video features Dr. Nitish Jhawar explaining the critical factors that prevent fistula recurrence.
Consult Dr Nitish Jhawar for Sphincter saving, minimally invasive Laser Fistula Surgery in Navi Mumbai, Call 9833290590
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Laser treatment for fistula allows for quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery. Most patients’ go home the same day and return to light activities within 48 to 72 hours. Full internal healing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Yes, for most patients. Laser fistula treatment is minimally invasive and “sphincter-saving,” meaning it seals the tract without cutting muscle, making it safer and less painful.
No. Laser surgery only requires a small external bandage for a few days, no “deep packing” is needed.
While laser treatment significantly reduces recurrence risk by thoroughly sealing the fistula tract, complex cases may still have a lower chance of recurrence. Following post-care guidelines helps maintain long-term results.
The laser fistula surgery is performed under local or spinal or general anesthesia, so you feel nothing. Post-operatively, pain is much lower pain and is managed with oral medication.