✦ Sphincter-Sparing · 30–45 min

Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC)

Q: Will laser fistula surgery affect my continence?

FiLaC is a sphincter-sparing procedure — the sphincter muscle is fully preserved, so the risk of incontinence is near zero, unlike traditional fistulotomy.

Q: Can all fistulas be treated with laser?

Most simple, trans-sphincteric and recurrent fistulas are suitable for FiLaC. Very superficial low fistulas may be better treated by simple fistulotomy. Complex multi-tract fistulas may need a combined approach.

Q: How long does healing take?

External and internal openings usually heal over 4–6 weeks. Most patients return to office work in 2–3 days.

Q: Will the fistula come back?

Recurrence rates are lower than seton-only procedures, but no fistula treatment is 100% recurrence-free. Pre-operative MRI mapping and meticulous technique reduce this risk significantly.

Q: Is FiLaC covered by insurance?

Yes, laser fistula treatment is covered under most health insurance and cashless schemes.

Sphincter-sparing laser closure of fistula tract from inside — preserves continence, lowers recurrence and offers a quicker, less painful recovery.

>85% Healing Rate

30–45 min Procedure Time

Day Care Most Cases

Preserved Continence

What is Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC)?

FiLaC (Fistula-tract Laser Closure) uses a thin laser fibre passed along the fistula tract to deliver controlled energy that ablates the lining and closes the tract from inside, without cutting through the anal sphincter. Because the sphincter is fully preserved, the procedure carries a near-zero risk of incontinence — a significant advantage over traditional fistulotomy in complex or high fistulas.

Complex or high trans-sphincteric fistulas may need additional procedures — Dr. Tejasree Vengala will plan the most appropriate sequence after MRI assessment.

Key Information

Procedure Facts

Technique

Radial-emitting laser fibre passed along the fistula tract under direct vision.

Imaging

MRI fistulogram is often performed before surgery to map the tract and any branches.

Anaesthesia

Spinal or short general anaesthesia; procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes.

Hospital Stay

Day-care procedure — most patients go home the same day.

Recovery

Return to office work in 2–3 days; sphincter is fully preserved.

Insurance

Covered under most health insurance and cashless hospital schemes.

How the Procedure Works

Examination & MRI

Examination under anaesthesia and MRI fistulogram map the tract, identify branches and rule out abscess collection.

Pre-procedure Preparation

Routine blood work and anaesthesia review; light bowel preparation on the morning of surgery.

Laser Closure

A laser fibre is passed along the tract; controlled radial energy ablates the lining and seals the tract from within.

Recovery & Follow-up

Most patients are discharged the same day; review at 2 and 6 weeks confirms healing of both internal and external openings.

Outcomes

>85%Primary Healing

Day CareDischarge

PreservedContinence

LowRecurrence

Who Needs This Treatment?

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Trans-sphincteric anal fistula
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Recurrent fistula after previous surgery
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Complex or branching fistula tracts
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Anterior fistula in women (where continence risk is high)
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High inter-sphincteric fistula where fistulotomy would risk continence

The most important thing in fistula surgery is preserving continence. FiLaC laser closure lets us treat complex fistulas effectively without ever cutting the sphincter — and that changes patients' lives.

— Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon

Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC) Cost in Hyderabad

The cost of laser fistula treatment (filac) in Hyderabad depends on the complexity of the condition, the technology and implants used, and the care needed before and after the procedure. Your treating doctor will share a personalised estimate after your consultation.

Procedure	Approximate Cost Range
Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC)	Shared after consultation

The final cost may vary depending on your individual condition, findings during the procedure, and whether any additional procedures are required.

Factors That Influence Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC) Cost

How the procedure and its requirements affect the cost:

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Complexity and severity of the condition being treated
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Type of anaesthesia and surgical technique used
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Pre-operative investigations and evaluations required
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Duration of hospital stay and post-operative care needed
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Any additional procedures performed during the same surgery

Is Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC) Covered by Insurance?

Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC) may be covered by health insurance when it is performed for a medically necessary condition. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, inclusions, and the approval process.

Our insurance support team can assist you with:

Checking your policy coverage
Cashless approval process
Required documentation
Insurance-related queries before the procedure

Dr. Tejasree Vengala

Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon

During consultation, Dr. Tejasree Vengala will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and investigation reports to determine whether Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC) is right for you, and will guide you on the expected outcomes and estimated cost based on your individual condition.

Consult Now Consult Now

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will laser fistula surgery affect my continence?+

Can all fistulas be treated with laser?+

How long does healing take?+

Will the fistula come back?+

Is FiLaC covered by insurance?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

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

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