Fistula Treatment in Delhi: Causes, Symptoms & Latest Laser Surgery Options

Finding trusted care for fistula can be life-changing. If you or a loved one seeks effective fistula treatment in Delhi, this guide provides everything you need to know from causes and symptoms to the latest surgical advancements at MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals.

Understanding Anal and Enterocutaneous Fistulas

A fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting two body parts, often caused by infection or inflammation. Most commonly, an anal fistula forms between the end of the intestine and the skin near the anus. An enterocutaneous fistula links the intestinal tract to the skin on the abdomen, usually after surgery or severe inflammatory disease.

Imagine your body like a city’s plumbing system—when a pipe (intestine or anal gland) breaks, waste can escape into places it shouldn’t, resulting in a painful leak. Left untreated, fistulas can worsen, causing discomfort, infection, and complications. Timely expert care is important to avoid ongoing pain and health risks.

Causes of Fistula

Fistulas may develop for several reasons. Common causes include:

• Anal gland infection (abscess)
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
• Previous injury or trauma
• Complications after surgery
• Tuberculosis or other infections
• Cancer
• Radiation therapy

Certain conditions like diabetes or poor immunity can slow healing, making fistulas more likely.

Symptoms: Recognising a Fistula

Fistula symptoms may appear gradually or suddenly. Typical signs are:

• Persistent pain or swelling near the anus or abdomen
• Ongoing discharge of pus, blood, or stool from an opening near the skin
• Recurrent abscesses
• Itching, redness, or irritation around the fistula site
• Fever, fatigue, or malaise

A helpful analogy: Think of a fistula as a stubborn leak—just sealing the surface rarely fixes the root problem beneath. Identifying symptoms early and seeking specialist care helps avoid repeated infections.

Diagnosis: Confirming a Fistula

Doctors use several methods to diagnose a fistula. At MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals, patients undergo:

• Detailed physical examination
• Proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (visualising the anal canal and rectum)
• MRI or ultrasound scan (mapping the fistula’s path)
• Blood tests (detecting infection or inflammation)
• Fistulography (special imaging for complex cases)

A correct diagnosis ensures that the treatment precisely targets the fistula’s track and origin.

When to See a Specialist

You should see a fistula specialist in Delhi if:

• You notice persistent pain or discharge near your anus/abdomen
• Symptoms do not resolve with antibiotics
• There is swelling, redness, or fever
• Abscesses recur or new openings appear
• You have underlying conditions (Crohn’s, diabetes, immunosuppression) increasing risk

Our experts at MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals recommend not delaying specialist consultation, as untreated fistulas can worsen or increase surgical complexity.

Modern Treatment Options at MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals

Choosing the right fistula treatment often depends on the fistula type, location, and your overall health. At MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals, we offer the most advanced treatments, including:

1. LIFT Procedure (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract)

What is it?
A minimally invasive surgery where the fistula tract is tied off between the anal sphincter muscles, disconnecting the path for infection.

Ideal candidate:
Patients with simple, low anal fistulas not involving much muscle or sphincter tissue.

Key benefits:

• Preserves sphincter function, reducing risk of incontinence
• Minimises wound size
• Rapid recovery

Risks/drawbacks:

• May not suit complex/high fistulas
• Possibility of recurrence

Recovery expectations:
Most patients return to normal activities in 1-2 weeks; mild discomfort may persist. Hospital stays are often just 1 day.

2. Laser Fistula Surgery

What is it?
A modern, minimally invasive technique using precise laser energy to destroy the fistula tract from within—much like sealing a tunnel with targeted heat, causing it to close naturally.

Ideal candidate:
Patients with simple, straight fistulas or those preferring a quicker, sphincter-preserving approach.

Key benefits:

• Highly precise with minimal tissue damage
• Less pain and wound care post-surgery
• Faster healing and return to work

Risks/drawbacks:

• Not suitable for all fistula types
• Slightly higher costs

Recovery expectations:
Patients usually resume daily tasks within 3–5 days; very little wound care needed.

3. Fistulectomy

What is it?
Traditional open surgery to remove the entire fistula tract and infected tissue.

Ideal candidate:
Patients with complex, multiple, or recurrent fistulas, or where other techniques have failed.

Key benefits:

• Thorough removal reduces risk of recurrence
• Suitable for varied fistula types

Risks/drawbacks:

• Longer recovery and larger wound
• Potential for sphincter injury, leading to continence issues

Recovery expectations:
Healing takes 2–4 weeks, with regular wound care; hospital stay may be 2–3 days.

4. Seton Technique

What is it?
A soft surgical thread (seton) is placed through the fistula to keep it open, drain infection, and gently allow tissue to heal over several weeks.

Ideal candidate:
Patients with complex, high, or multiple fistulas, or where sphincter damage risk is high.

Key benefits:

• Safe for complex cases
• Gradual healing minimises sphincter injury

Risks/drawbacks:

• Prolonged treatment (several weeks to months)
• Frequent follow-up needed

Recovery expectations:
Seton remains for a few weeks; regular dressing change required. Most patients have minimal pain.

Why Choose MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals?

Patients trust us for fistula treatment in Delhi because our centre offers:

• Local expert surgeons: Highly trained, with years of experience treating all fistula types
• Advanced technology: Cutting-edge laser surgery, minimal access methods, nerve-monitoring devices
• Multidisciplinary care: Surgery, infection control, wound care specialists, pain management team
• Minimally invasive options: Less pain, faster recovery, lower risk of infection
• Robust safety & infection control protocols, including preoperative screening and antibiotic support
• Post-operative follow-up: Comprehensive wound care instructions, teleconsultations, help for pain or other concerns

Practical Patient Information

Preparing for surgery helps ensure peace of mind and a smooth recovery.

Pre-operation checklist

• Bring all medical reports, previous imaging, and prescriptions
• Share relevant diseases or drug allergies with your doctor
• Follow fasting and medication instructions
• Arrange a companion for the day of surgery

Pain Management

Our team uses combination painkillers, local anaesthesia, and gentle wound care to keep you comfortable.

Wound Care Tips

• Keep surgical site clean and dry
• Change dressings as advised
• Eat a fibre-rich diet to ease bowel movement
• Avoid strenuous activities during early recovery

Red Flags After Surgery

Contact your doctor if you notice:

• High fever (>101°F)
• Uncontrolled pain or swelling
• Excessive bleeding or foul-smelling discharge
• Difficulty passing urine or stool

Comparison of Fistula Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is fistula likely to recur after treatment?
While recurrence can happen, advanced procedures especially laser and LIFT minimise the risk. Patient follow-up and wound care are crucial for best results.

2. Will these treatments affect my bowel control (continence)?
Procedures at our centre focus on preserving sphincter muscles. Risks are lowest with LIFT and laser techniques; open surgery requires careful technique to protect continence.

3. Are there visible scars after fistula surgery?
Minimal or no scarring is common after laser and LIFT surgeries; fistulectomy may leave a small scar if open tissue is removed.

4. What is the cost range for fistula treatment at MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals?
Costs vary by procedure complexity. Laser or minimally invasive options may range higher; please contact us for a tailored estimate.

5. Is fistula surgery covered by insurance or financing?
Many health insurance plans cover fistula treatments. We also offer assistance with cashless or financed options ask our billing team during consultation.

6. How soon can I return to work after my procedure?
Most patients resume work within days of minimally invasive laser/LIFT procedures; open surgery may require 2–4 weeks’ rest.

Book Your Fistula Specialist Consultation: Clear Call-to-Action

If you’re seeking fistula treatment in Delhi, contact MGS-MASSH & MASSH Hospitals for compassionate, specialist-led care.

• Book your appointment:

Please bring any prior imaging (MRI, ultrasound) or medical reports to your first visit for streamlined diagnosis. Our expert team is ready to answer your queries and guide you every step of the way.