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Surgery is sometimes the only solution for treating complex anal fistulas and haemorrhoids and improving the lives of patients. Both surgeries involve distinct and advanced treatment approaches to provide optimal patient outcomes. An anal fistula is an abnormal passage or tunnel between the inside of the anus and the outside skin. Most of the anal fistulas are a side effect of an anal abscess (an infected wound with pus). Though there are non-surgical options available, in most cases, surgery is needed to treat an anal fistula. The type of surgery depends on whether it is a simplex or complex fistula. The focus of complex anal fistula surgeries is to remove the fistula while preserving continence. Its common treatment options include Fistulotomy, Seton Drain, Endorectal Advancement Flap, and the LIFT procedure.
Haemorrhoids are a common condition in which the veins in the anus or lower rectum get swollen, also called piles. It can be either internal or external haemorrhoids and may need surgery to treat them depending on their type and grade. The surgical interventions for treating haemorrhoids are Hemorrhoidectomy, minimally invasive procedures like Rubber Band Ligation, Sclerotherapy, Coagulation, and Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy. Choosing the right procedure for your condition that minimises postoperative risks and offers a faster recovery can only be done through consultation with experts.
Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, understands that every condition is different, so we have a highly qualified team of surgeons proficient in surgical treatment of complex anal fistulas and Haemorrhoids in Broadway. We make sure that the treatment approach chosen is tailored to meet your diverse medical needs, improving your overall health. We follow all stringent protocols and cutting-edge facilities to minimise surgery-associated risks and improve treatment outcomes.
Surgical treatment of complex anal fistulas and Haemorrhoids in Broadway
Anal fistula symptoms include:
Anal pain (intense or throbbing)
Redness or swelling (inside or outside the anus)
Fluid drainage from the anus (poop, pus, or blood)
Fever
Pain while peeing or pooping
Difficulty holding poop
Rectum pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, get in touch with our doctor immediately for an evaluation and treatment.
The causes of anal fistulas are:
A perianal abscess (forms on an infected anal gland)
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease)
Sexually transmitted infections through the anal route
Tuberculosis (that affects the anus)
Radiation therapy in the pelvic region
Traumatic or previous anus surgery
Actinomycosis (a bacterial infection)
Hidradenitis suppurativa (a chronic inflammatory skin disease)
The most common cause is an abscess, while other conditions rarely cause an anal fistula.
Anal fistulas can be either simple or complex. Generally, a complex anal fistula requires multiple surgeries in stages. The most commonly used procedure for a simple fistula is a Fistulotomy. In this surgery, the incision is made to open up the fistula.
For complex fistulas, these surgeries are used:
Seton Drain: A seton (surgical thread) is placed into the fistula to keep it open and drain all the discharge out. The surgeon may remove the drain and close the fistula with a Fistulotomy or any other procedure. This procedure may require multiple surgeries.
Endorectal Advancement Flap: To keep the sphincter muscles intact, this procedure involves cutting the infected tissue around the inside opening of the anal fistula. It is then covered with a flap of healthy tissue from the rectum. The fistula continues to drain and then heals from the inside. This procedure is only 70% effective.
LIFT Procedure: It is also called the Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract. In this, the fistula part that passes between the sphincter muscles is closed using stitches. Then the entire fistula tract is removed or scarped out of the infective tissue. It may be less effective, but it does not harm sphincter muscles.
Every surgery comes with certain risks. The risks associated with anal fistula surgery are:
Recurring infection
Recurring fistula
Faecal Incontinence
Narrowing of the anal canal
Longer recovery
Bleeding
Adverse reaction to anesthesia
If you experience severe pain or difficulty while pooping, contact a doctor immediately.
The recovery time will depend on the type of procedure and its complexity. Most of the surgery wounds heal within 6 weeks. Some home-care tips are provided for a faster recovery. These are:
Keep taking pain relievers and other medications as prescribed
Keep the wound clean and dry; avoid rubbing.
Keep changing the wound dressing regularly, as advised
Add extra dressing to avoid pus drainage from spoiling your clothes
Avoid sexual intercourse during initial healing
Practice only gentle exercises
Do not lift heavy weights or drive
Add more water and fiber supplements to your diet
Follow a liquid diet for the initial days
Use a sitz bath (a warm, shallow bath) for quick healing
The symptoms of hemorrhoids usually depend on the type. These are:
Internal hemorrhoids: They are inside the rectum and usually cause no discomfort. But when passing stool, it can cause painless bleeding, which can be seen on the toilet paper. Can also cause prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoids, resulting in pain and irritation.
External hemorrhoids: They are situated beneath the skin near the anus. Shows symptoms like itching or irritation, pain or discomfort, swelling around the anus, and bleeding.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids: When blood pools in an external hemorrhoid, it forms a clot, called a thrombus. It shows symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, severe pain, and a hard, discolored lump near the anus.
Hemorrhoids occur due to increased pressure or stretches due to pressure that causes swelling. The pressure occurs due to these conditions:
Pregnancy
Obesity
Anal intercourse
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Sitting for a long time, especially on the toilet seat
Straining during bowel movements
Regularly lifting heavy items or weightlifting
Eating a low-fiber diet
In some cases, the hemorrhoids can go away on their own without treatment within a week. To relieve symptoms, medications and home remedies can be used.
Other treatment options are:
External Haemorrhoid Thrombectomy
Minimally invasive procedures: Rubber Band Ligation, Sclerotherapy, and Coagulation
Surgical options: Hemorrhoidectomy (hemorrhoid removal) and Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (hemorrhoid stapling)
Hemorrhoids can be prevented by following these tips:
Add fibre supplements
Avoid straining while passing stool
Eat high-fiber foods
Drink plenty of water and fluids
Stay active
Avoid sitting for long periods
Get regular checkups and assessments done by our experienced doctors for early diagnosis and better treatment.
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