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Laser Treatment For Fistula In Navi Mumbai
- Dr Nitish Jhawar, with 23 years of experience
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What is anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus, often causing pain and infection. Due to high recurrence rates, treating fistulas can be challenging, with traditional surgeries sometimes impacting sphincter function.
Laser treatment for Fistula has emerged as an advanced, minimally invasive solution. It effectively reduces recurrence while preserving surrounding tissue and continence. This modern approach offers a safer, more reliable option for managing complex and recurrent fistulas.
Why Choose Laser Treatment for Fistula?
Laser treatment has emerged as a leading option for managing anal fistulas, especially in complex or recurrent cases, offering a more permanent and effective solution than traditional methods.
Permanent Solution
Surgery remains the most reliable cure for anal fistulas, as they cannot typically be treated with medication alone. Among surgical options, laser treatment stands out for its precision and ability to effectively close fistula tracts without extensive cutting, making it especially valuable for complicated or recurrent cases.
Minimally Invasive Approach
Laser treatment for fistulas is minimally invasive, involving only a small incision and minimal tissue disruption. This approach helps preserve surrounding muscles, reducing pain, and allowing faster healing. Patients often experience shorter recovery times and less discomfort than with traditional surgery.
Recurrence Management
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, providing patients with a more reliable, lasting outcome.
Types of Laser Treatments Available for Fistula
Laser treatments offer advanced options for fistula management, including both standalone and combined approaches to address varying levels of complexity in fistula cases.
FiLaC (Fistula Laser Closure):
FiLaC is a primary laser-only treatment designed to close the fistula tract without affecting the surrounding sphincter muscles. During the procedure, a radial-emitting laser fiber is carefully positioned within the fistula tract to deliver targeted laser energy, gradually sealing the tunnel from the inside out. This approach is minimally invasive and reduces the risk of recurrence, making it an effective choice for many patients, especially those with simple or non-branching fistulas.
DLPL (Laser with Ligation) for Fistula:
In some cases, a combined approach like DLPL may be more suitable. DLPL uses both laser energy and a ligation technique, in which the fistula tract is closed with the laser while specific fistula connections are securely tied off to prevent reopening. This method is particularly useful for more complex or multi-branch fistulas, where an added layer of closure can further reduce the risk of recurrence.
Together, FiLaC and DLPL provide effective laser treatment options tailored to address different fistula types and patient needs.
Procedure Details for FiLaC (Fistula Laser Closure) & DLPL (LASER with Ligation)
The FiLaC & DLPL procedures for treating anal fistulas are minimally invasive and sphincter-preserving approaches that effectively seal the fistula tract using laser energy and Ligation. Here’s an outline of the main steps involved:
- Anaesthesia -GA/Spinal or local, depending upon the type of fistula and patient comfort
- Preparation and Identification: To locate the exact pathway of the fistula, the surgeon injects hydrogen peroxide or methylene blue dye through the external opening. This helps clearly identify the internal opening and the entire tract of the fistula.
- Debridement: Once identified, the fistula tract is carefully cleaned or debrided to remove any infected tissue or debris, preparing the tract for effective closure.
- Insertion: 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: A radial-emitting laser fiber is then inserted through the catheter to the internal opening of the fistula. The fiber emits laser energy evenly along the tract, effectively sealing it as it is gradually withdrawn. This controlled application minimizes damage to surrounding tissue while ensuring the tract is closed.
- Ligation (DLPL) -Distal Laser Proximal Ligation (DLPL) is a hybrid technique for treating anal fistulas, combining laser ablation of the fistula tract with ligation at the internal opening to enhance closure rates and reduce recurrence. This approach aims to effectively treat complex fistulas while preserving anal sphincter function.
- Duration: The entire procedure is typically completed within approximately 15-30 minutes, allowing for a quick and efficient treatment that promotes faster recovery.
These precise, minimally invasive procedures offer an effective solution for treating anal fistulas with reduced recovery time and minimal impact on the surrounding 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.
Preservation of Continence:
One of the most significant benefits of laser treatment for fistulas is its ability to protect the sphincter muscles. Traditional surgeries can sometimes damage these muscles, potentially affecting bowel continence. However, the precision of laser technology ensures that only the fistula tract is treated, leaving surrounding tissues intact and preserving continence.
Shorter Hospital Stay:
Laser treatment is minimally invasive, translating to faster healing and shorter hospital stays than other surgical options like the endorectal advancement flap or LIFT procedures. Most patients undergoing laser treatment for fistulas can expect a quicker discharge and return to regular activities sooner than conventional surgeries, contributing to a more convenient treatment experience.
Effectiveness and Safety:
Laser treatment is safe and highly effective, offering a long-lasting solution with minimal risk of recurrence. The controlled, radial application of laser energy seals the fistula tract without excessive tissue disruption, making it a safe choice that maximizes recovery potential while sparing the sphincter muscles. This blend of safety and effectiveness has made laser treatment an ideal option for patients seeking reliable, sphincter-preserving outcomes.
What Makes Dr. Nitish Jhawar a Trusted Surgeon for Laser Fistula Treatment in Navi Mumbai?
Dr. Nitish Jhawar is a leading fistula specialist based at Apollo Hospital in Navi Mumbai, renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive and advanced treatments for anal fistulas. With a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Jhawar has extensive experience in performing state-of-the-art procedures that offer safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions for complex and recurrent fistula cases.
Dr. Jhawar is highly skilled in endoscopic surgery and is internationally trained in the Video Assisted Anal Fistula Technique (VAAFT), a cutting-edge approach that enables precise visualization and treatment of fistulas. Additionally, he is proficient in the LIFT (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract) & DLPL procedures, which focuses on preserving sphincter function while ensuring effective fistula closure.
In Mumbai, Dr. Jhawar has pioneered advanced laser treatment for fistulas, applying techniques such as FiLaC (Fistula Laser Closure), DLPL and VAAFT to achieve optimal outcomes with minimal recovery time. His experience and skill make him a trusted choice for patients seeking reliable, minimally invasive options for fistula management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Laser treatment typically speeds recovery, with most patients experiencing significant healing within 1-2 weeks. Laser treatment’s minimal invasiveness allows for quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Depending on individual recovery rates and post-procedure care, many patients can return to light activities within a few days and resume normal routines within a week.
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.
Laser fistula treatments are performed under local or spinal or general anaesthesia,depending upon the type of fistula and patients comfort.