Please note that for any urgent or life-threatening conditions, we always recommend that you should call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. We are usually able to provide face to face or remote appointments with our GP’s within 24 hours. Please contact 01442 331 900 to book an appointment.
An anal fistula is a small, hollow tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin of the anus. They usually form as a result of an infection or inflammatory condition near the anus causing a build up of pus in the nearby tissue. When the pus drains away, it can leave a small channel behind.
Surgery aims to get rid of the fistula, while protecting the sphincter muscles, which, if damaged, could cause incontinence.
Anal fistula surgery is often advised when experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Depending on the position of the fistula in relation to the sphincter muscles, two possible treatment options are available:
A fistulotomy
If the fistula is low, a fistulotomy will be performed. This involves cutting open the length of the fistula so the wound can heal with healthy tissue into a flat scar. This will only be done if external anal sphincter damage is minimal, and continence will be unimpaired.
A seton stitch
If the fistula is high, more than one operation may be required. Initially a piece of surgical thread, called a seton, is placed in the fistula. It is left there for several weeks to allow fluid to drain easily, reduce the risk of infection and allow the tunnel to begin to heal. Once healed an additional procedure will be considered which could include a fistulotomy, a fistula plug, LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric tract), FILAC (laser closure) or collagen paste.
Guide price: £2,400
**Guide prices may vary following consultation
| What’s included? | Hospital Only Fixed Price Package |
| Consultant fees | X |
| Anaesthetist fees | X |
| Initial consultation | X |
| Standard pre-admission assessments | ✓ |
| Accommodation | ✓ |
| Meals | ✓ |
| Nursing | ✓ |
| Theatre charges | ✓ |
| Histology | ✓ |
| Drugs and dressings | ✓ |
| Standard prosthesis charges | ✓ |
| Take-home medications | ✓ |
| Post-op consultation | X |
Expected length of stay: Day case procedure
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