✦ COMPLETE TRACT EXCISION

Fistulectomy

Q: Is fistulectomy the same as fistulotomy?

No. Fistulotomy lays the tract open, while fistulectomy removes the entire tract along with its lining. The choice depends on the type of fistula, anatomy, and clinical situation.

Q: Will the wound heal completely?

Yes. The wound heals from the base upwards over 4–6 weeks with sitz baths, simple dressings, and high-fibre diet. Most patients heal well with structured wound care.

Q: Why send the tissue for biopsy?

In recurrent or atypical fistulas, biopsy can rule out conditions like Crohn's disease, tuberculosis, or rare malignancy. This helps guide further treatment if needed.

Q: Will fistulectomy affect my continence?

Fistulectomy is performed with careful sphincter preservation whenever possible. For high or complex fistulas, sphincter-sparing techniques like LIFT or advancement flap may be preferred. The decision is individualised.

Complete surgical excision of the entire fistula tract along with its lining — definitive treatment for select fistulas where complete tissue removal is required.

45–60 min PROCEDURE

1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Weeks RETURN TO WORK

What is Fistulectomy?

Fistulectomy is the complete surgical excision of the entire fistula tract, including its lining, rather than simply laying it open. It is preferred in selected fistulas where complete tissue removal is needed for biopsy, where the tract is fibrotic or recurrent, or where a clean wound base is desired for healing. The wound is then either left open or partially closed, depending on the situation. As a female proctologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs fistulectomy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, with attention to sphincter preservation and excellent healing outcomes.

Suitable for select low anal fistulas, recurrent or fibrotic tracts, fistulas where biopsy of the tract lining is needed (e.g., suspected Crohn's, tuberculosis, malignancy), and selected complex fistulas.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Positioning

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

Examination & Tract Probing

The external and internal openings are identified, and a probe defines the entire course of the tract.

Complete Tract Excision

The entire fistula tract along with its lining is carefully excised, with attention to preserving the sphincter muscle whenever possible.

Tissue Submission

The excised tract is sent for biopsy, particularly in recurrent or atypical fistulas, to rule out underlying conditions.

Wound Management & Recovery

The wound is left open to heal by secondary intention or partially closed. Patients are usually discharged within 24 hours.

Outcomes

45–60 minDURATION

1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

4–6 WeeksFULL HEALING

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Complete removal of the entire fistula tract
→Allows tissue biopsy to rule out underlying conditions
→Effective for recurrent or fibrotic tracts
→Clean wound base supports good healing
→Useful when laying open alone is not sufficient
→Discreet, sensitive care by a female proctologist

Fistulectomy is sometimes the right answer when a fistulotomy alone is not enough — recurrent tracts, fibrotic walls, or any concern that needs a biopsy. Removing the whole tract gives both a clean wound and a clear answer for the patient.

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

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fistulectomy the same as fistulotomy?+

Will the wound heal completely?+

Why send the tissue for biopsy?+

Will fistulectomy affect my continence?+

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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