✦ CLASSIC FISTULA SURGERY

Fistulotomy

Q: Will fistulotomy affect my continence?

When performed for the right type of low fistula, fistulotomy preserves continence. Higher or more complex fistulas need different sphincter-sparing techniques to protect continence.

Q: How long is the recovery?

Most patients return to office work in 1–2 weeks. Complete wound healing takes 4–6 weeks. Sitz baths, dressings, and a high-fibre diet are essential during this period.

Q: Why do many women prefer a female proctologist for this?

Many women feel more comfortable consulting a female doctor for anal symptoms. Dr. Tejasree provides private, dignified, sensitive care, ensuring you feel at ease throughout evaluation, surgery and recovery.

Q: Will the fistula come back?

Recurrence is very low after well-performed fistulotomy for simple low fistulas — typically less than 5%. Following wound care advice and the high-fibre diet plan supports complete healing.

Definitive surgical opening of a low anal fistula tract — the most reliable cure for simple, low-lying fistulas, with high success rate and lasting relief.

30–45 min PROCEDURE

Day Care – 1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>95% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Weeks RETURN TO WORK

What is Fistulotomy?

Fistulotomy is the classic, time-tested surgical treatment for simple low anal fistulas. The fistula tract is carefully identified and laid open from the external opening to the internal opening, allowing it to heal from inside out as healthy granulation tissue. It offers the highest cure rate for low-lying fistulas, with minimal risk of recurrence when correctly selected. As a female proctologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs fistulotomy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, with attention to careful sphincter preservation and discreet, sensitive care.

Suitable for simple, low-lying anal fistulas (intersphincteric or low transsphincteric) involving minimal sphincter muscle, where the tract can be safely laid open without affecting continence.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Positioning

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

Examination Under Anaesthesia

A thorough examination identifies the external opening, internal opening, and full course of the fistula tract.

Tract Probing

A fine probe is gently passed through the tract to confirm its course and ensure no branches are missed.

Laying Open the Tract

The fistula is carefully laid open along its entire length, exposing the tract to allow healing from the base upwards.

Wound Curettage & Recovery

Granulation tissue is gently curetted, the wound is dressed, and patients are discharged with structured wound care advice.

Outcomes

30–45 minDURATION

Day Care – 1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>95%SUCCESS RATE

4–6 WeeksFULL HEALING

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Highest cure rate for simple low fistulas
→Definitive treatment with very low recurrence
→Performed as day-care or short-stay surgery
→Effective for both primary and recurrent low fistulas
→Allows clear visualisation of the entire tract
→Discreet, sensitive care by a female proctologist

Fistulotomy is one of the most reliable operations in proctology — but only when chosen for the right kind of fistula. Careful pre-operative assessment, MRI when needed, and a clear plan to protect the sphincter make all the difference between cure and a problem.

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

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will fistulotomy affect my continence?+

How long is the recovery?+

Why do many women prefer a female proctologist for this?+

Will the fistula come back?+

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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