Recovery is significantly more comfortable than conventional fistula surgery, as there are no large external wounds. Most patients manage well on simple oral pain medication and warm sitz baths.

✦ ENDOSCOPIC FISTULA TREATMENT

VAAFT

Q: Why is VAAFT particularly useful for complex fistulas?

Direct endoscopic visualisation lets us identify branching tracts, missed openings, and the exact path of the fistula — all of which can be missed with traditional probing alone, leading to recurrence.

Q: Will I be continent after VAAFT?

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

Q: What if VAAFT does not cure the fistula?

If VAAFT is not fully successful, options like LIFT, advancement flap, FiLaC, or repeat VAAFT can be considered. The information gathered during VAAFT often guides better planning of subsequent surgery.

Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment — a tiny endoscope visualises the fistula tract from inside, the internal opening is closed and the tract sealed, all without external cuts.

45–75 min PROCEDURE

Day Care – 1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

>75% SUCCESS RATE

5–7 Days RETURN TO WORK

What is VAAFT?

VAAFT (Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment) is a modern, minimally invasive endoscopic technique for anal fistulas. A tiny endoscope (fistuloscope) is inserted through the external opening to directly visualise the fistula tract, identify the internal opening accurately, locate any branching tracts, and treat the tract from inside under direct vision. The internal opening is then closed and the tract is destroyed using electrocautery or laser energy. There are no large external cuts, sphincter is fully preserved, and recovery is comfortable. As a female proctologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs VAAFT at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Suitable for complex, branching, or recurrent fistulas where direct visualisation of the tract is valuable, and for patients prioritising sphincter preservation with minimal external wounds.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Positioning

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

Fistuloscope Insertion

A tiny endoscope is inserted through the external opening of the fistula, allowing direct visualisation of the tract from inside.

Tract Mapping

The entire course of the fistula, including any side branches and the internal opening, is precisely identified under direct vision.

Tract Destruction

The fistula tract lining is destroyed using electrocautery or laser energy delivered under direct endoscopic vision.

Internal Opening Closure

The internal opening is securely closed using sutures or staples, completing the procedure with no large external wounds.

Outcomes

45–75 minDURATION

Day Care – 1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

>75%SUCCESS RATE

2–3 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Direct visualisation of the entire fistula tract
→Complete sphincter preservation — full continence maintained
→Identifies branching tracts that other techniques may miss
→No large external cuts on the anal area
→Quick recovery with minimal post-operative pain
→Discreet, sensitive care by a female proctologist

VAAFT lets us see exactly what we are treating — every branch, every turn of the tract, the internal opening — in a way that is impossible with traditional probing alone. For complex or recurrent fistulas, that direct vision often makes the difference between cure and another disappointment.

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

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VAAFT painful?+

Why is VAAFT particularly useful for complex fistulas?+

Will I be continent after VAAFT?+

What if VAAFT 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.

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