What is Anal Fistula Surgery?
The surgical excision of the fistula tract and the surrounding affected tissue is a common procedure known as anal fistula surgery. The surgery is mainly done to heal the fistula without damaging the sphincter muscles.
There are different types of anal fistula surgeries available. Based on the severity of your fistula the surgeon will recommend the type best suited for you. The surgery is often done under general anesthesia to avoid any pain.
What are The Different Types of Anal Fistula Surgery and Their Costs in Chennai?
For the surgical treatment of anal fistulas, there are multiple methods. Whether your fistula is a single channel or many, as well as its position, will determine which course of action is appropriate for you. The following are the surgical options for anal fistulas:
- Fistulotomy: This is the minimally invasive procedure to treat anal fistulas which can be performed on an outpatient basis. In this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision and drain the fistula. This can cost around INR 44500 to INR 54500.
- Seton Method: Seton placement is also an minimally invasive procedure and can be done on an outpatient basis. In this procedure, the surgeon will place a small peice of plastic or rubber inside the body to drain fluids. Seton method is considered as safe and an effective procedure to treat anal fistulas. This can cost around INR 32000 to INR 38000 in Chennai
- Advancement Flap Procedure: This is an invasive procedure which is performed under the influence of local anaesthesia. This method involves cutting a flap of skin adjacent to the wound in order to close it. Advanced flap procedure is a reliable optionto repair skin defects caused by trauma, cancer, or congenital malformations.This can cost around INR 41500 to INR 495000.
- LIFT surgery: LIFT surgery, or Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract, is a minimally invasive procedure conducted under anesthesia. It involves identifying and ligating the fistula tract, effectively closing off the abnormal passageway. LIFT surgery is often recommended for complex anal fistulas, offering a high success rate and minimal risk of complications. This can cost around INR 49500 to INR 555000.
- Endoscopic ablation: This involves inserting an endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera at the end—into the fistula and sealing it with an electrode that goes through the endoscope. This can cost around INR 40000 to INR 46000.
Non-surgical procedure
Fibrin glue injection: This procedure uses a tube to inject glue into the fistula to seal it and prevent infection. This is a non-invasive procedure to treat anal fistulas which can be performed on an outpatient procedure without the need of anethesia. Surgery is usually needed as fistulas rarely heal on their own. The cost of fibrin glue injection in Chennai is in between INR 20,000 to INR 30,000.
What Diagnostic Tests Are Required Before Any Anal Fistula Surgery?
Several laboratory tests may be carried out in advance of anal fistula surgery in order to evaluate the patient's health and determine whether they are a good candidate for the treatment. These examinations could consist of,
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test is used to find any anomalies and assess the health of the colon and rectum. In Chennai, India, the typical price range for a flexible sigmoidoscopy is between INR 4,000 and INR 8,000.
- Colonoscopy: This procedure is used to evaluate the colon's general health, look for any anomalies, and take tissue samples for additional examination. A colonoscopy in Chennai could cost somewhere between INR 2,000 and INR 5,000.
- Anoscopy: This procedure is used to evaluate the anus and rectum's health and find any anomalies, such as hemorrhoids or fistulas. An anoscopy in Chennai might cost anywhere between INR 2,000 and INR 5,000 on average.
What are Some Tips to Help You Prepare Better for Anal Fistula Surgery?
Before moving ahead with any procedure you should do proper research and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure and also how it works. This helps you prepare both your body and your mind. Here we have listed a few things to keep in mind while preparing for your surgery.
- If you smoke, reducing smoking now could lower your risk of getting complications and will benefit your long-term health.
- Try to stay in a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your chance of experiencing problems.
- Regular physical activity should help get ready you for the surgical procedure help you heal faster and improve your health over the long run. Before you begin working out, ask your medical team or your GP for guidance.
- Speak to the medical staff about any vaccinations you could need to minimize your risk of severe illness while you recover. When you arrive at the hospital, work on hand washing and wearing a face covering when asked.
What are Some Benefits of Anal Fistula Surgery?
There are multiple benefits of anal fistula surgery. Some of them are,
- It is a minor surgery of 15 to 30 minutes and you won’t need to stay at the hospital overnight.
- Surgery reduces the chances of recurrence drastically.
- No more pain or discomfort.
- It is a safer option that provides great results.
- Anal fistula surgery has a high success rate and lower chances of complications.
What are Some Risks and Complications of Anal Fistula Surgery?
Every surgery has certain risks and complications including anal fistula surgery. Some of them are,
- Lack of bladder control: The primary worry of fistula surgery is the possibility of post-operative incontinence for the patient. This is because the anal sphincter is frequently traversed by fistula tracts.
- Stool Incontinence: Patients may not be able to keep their solid waste in after damage to the sphincter muscle. This condition is called fecal incontinence. From slight underwear discoloration to total loss of control over one's stools, it can vary.
- Gas Leakage: An involuntary muscle that prevents liquid and gas from exiting the rectum is a component of the sphincter system. A person may lose the ability to control gas passage if this sphincter muscle is injured during a fistulotomy.
- Infection: An infection can occur after any surgical treatment. Fecal matter is in close contact with an open wound during fistulotomies.
- Recurrence: An anal fistula can always come back even after the surgery. Fistulotomy is a popular treatment, nonetheless, in part because of its low recurrence rate—especially when compared to some alternative methods, including rectal flaps or adhesive plugs.
Which Factors Can Affect The Anal Fistula Surgery Cost in Chennai?
Due to a number of variables, the anal fistula surgery cost in Chennai can be different for each patient. The total cost of anal fistula surgery might be affected by the following frequent factors:
- Proctologist consultation fees: The costs related to seeing a proctologist or colorectal surgeon for advice and assessment regarding an anal fistula might differ and have an effect on the total expense of the surgical procedure.
- Anal fistula severity: The surgical strategy and techniques needed to treat the anal fistula can vary depending on its complexity and severity, which can ultimately impact the overall cost of the procedure.
- Anesthesiologist's fee or anesthesia cost: The kind of anesthetic used during the procedure and the anesthesiologist's costs may also have an effect on the total cost of care.
- Type of surgery: The kind of surgery can have varying costs and can have an impact on the total cost of the process.
- Cost of laboratory testing or diagnostic tests: Depending on whether they are needed before or after surgery, diagnostic tests like blood tests, CT scans, or MRIs may be necessary. These procedures might have a range of fees, which adds to the total cost of the procedure.
- Fees for additional consultations: Additional costs for post-operative follow-up sessions with the surgeon or proctologist may apply, thereby increasing the overall cost of the anal fistula surgery.
- Transportation fees: The total cost of the procedure may increase if there are additional costs for traveling to and from the hospital, such as ambulance fees or travel expenses.
Why Should You Choose Credihealth For Anal Fistula Surgery in Chennai?
At Credihealth, a variety of cutting-edge surgical procedures make having a fistula a tolerable condition. Even though fistula diagnosis, care, and recovery can be difficult and time-consuming, our skilled surgeons can effectively treat fistulas in patients of all ages and severity levels with a variety of treatment methods.
Furthermore, Credihealth looks after you after surgery as well. Following surgery, following your doctor's recommendations on exercise, diet, and hygiene is crucial for speedy wound healing. Credihealth experts can assist you with follow-up consultations and dietary advice.
With Credihealth you have multiple payment options like cash, card, and EMI. We also offer FREE second opinions and pick-up and drop-off service. International patients will further receive visa assistance from our side. Last but not least Credihealth helps you file for insurance claims as well.