✦ LASER FISTULA CLOSURE

FiLaC

Q: Is FiLaC really painless?

Recovery is significantly more comfortable than conventional fistula surgery. Mild discomfort for a few days is normal and easily managed with simple oral pain medication and warm sitz baths.

Q: How does FiLaC compare to LIFT?

Both are sphincter-sparing techniques with similar success rates. FiLaC offers an even less invasive approach with no external cuts. The choice depends on the type and anatomy of the fistula.

Q: Will I be continent after FiLaC?

Yes. FiLaC is specifically designed to preserve the sphincter completely. Continence is fully maintained, which is one of the major advantages of this technique.

Q: What if FiLaC does not cure the fistula?

If FiLaC is not fully successful, options like LIFT, advancement flap, VAAFT, or repeat FiLaC can be considered. Many fistulas need a combined or staged approach for the best long-term outcome.

Fistula Laser Closure — a thin laser fibre is inserted into the fistula tract and gently closes it from within, with no external cuts and full sphincter preservation.

30–45 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

>75% SUCCESS RATE

3–5 Days RETURN TO WORK

What is FiLaC?

FiLaC (Fistula-tract Laser Closure) is a modern, minimally invasive laser technique for anal fistulas. A thin radial-emitting laser fibre is inserted along the fistula tract through the external opening. As the fibre is slowly withdrawn, controlled laser energy is delivered all around, gently destroying the lining of the tract and sealing it from within. There are no cuts on the sphincter, complete continence is preserved, and recovery is remarkably comfortable. As a female proctologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs FiLaC at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, often combined with VAAFT or advancement flap for complex fistulas.

Suitable for transsphincteric and select complex anal fistulas, particularly in patients who prioritise sphincter preservation, minimal pain, and quick return to routine.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Positioning

Surgery is performed under spinal or short general anaesthesia. The patient is positioned in lithotomy or prone position.

Tract Identification

The external and internal openings are clearly identified, often with the help of a fistuloscope or probe.

Laser Fibre Insertion

A thin radial-emitting laser fibre is inserted through the external opening along the entire length of the tract.

Controlled Laser Delivery

As the fibre is slowly withdrawn, controlled laser energy is delivered all around, destroying the tract lining and sealing it from within.

Internal Opening Closure

The internal opening is closed with sutures or covered with an advancement flap when needed. Patients are discharged the same day.

Outcomes

30–45 minDURATION

Day CareHOSPITAL STAY

>75%SUCCESS RATE

2–3 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→No cuts on the sphincter — full continence preserved
→Significantly less pain than conventional fistula surgery
→Day-care procedure with same-day discharge
→Quick return to office work in 3–5 days
→Can be repeated or combined with other techniques
→Discreet, sensitive care by a female proctologist

FiLaC is a wonderfully gentle approach to a difficult problem — a thin fibre, controlled energy, the tract sealed from within. Every fibre of the sphincter is preserved, and patients walk out the same day with the chance of cure they previously thought required a long, painful surgery.

— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FiLaC really painless?+

How does FiLaC compare to LIFT?+

Will I be continent after FiLaC?+

What if FiLaC does not cure the fistula?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tejasree Vengala and get a personalised treatment plan.

WhatsApp Us ← Back to Treatments