Fistula Surgery: What You Need to Know

According to the World Health Organization, between 50,000 and 100,000 women are affected by obstetric fistula each year. Fistulas are also possible for half a million Americans with Crohn's Disease. Fistulas affect many people every year. However, few people are aware of them and how to treat them.

What is a fistula and how can it be treated?

A fistula can be defined as a path that has been formed between two vessels or organs that are not normally connected. These are the most common types:

Intestinal fistula is an abnormal connection between the intestine and the skin, or another organ.

Obstetric fistula is an abnormal connection between the vaginal and the rectum, or the urinary tract.

Anal fistula: A disorderly connection between the anus (skin) and the anus

Fistula of the urinary tract: An abnormal connection between a bladder organ and another organ

What are the signs and symptoms of fistula?

Fistula symptoms include:

Leakage of stool or urine involuntary

Pain

Itching

Foul-smelling discharges from the urethra and anus

If infection is present, fever

Is it possible to live with a fistula.

Fistulas can cause infections or other serious complications if left untreated. Fistulas may be treated with antibiotics and other medications. Surgery is necessary if the fistula is not responding to treatment or is severe enough that it is considered an emergency.

How does fistula surgery operate?

General anesthesia is used to perform fistula surgery. Transport arrangements will be required to get you to the hospital. There are many surgical options available to fix a fistula.

Medical Plug: To close the fistula and allow it heal, your doctor will place a medical-grade plug.

Drain Insertion: To drain the infection and promote healing, your doctor will insert a thin surgical cord called a seton into the fistula.

Fistula opening: To allow the fistula's healing process to begin, your doctor will make a small incision at the fistula's length.

Medical glue: Your doctor will use medical-grade glue to close the fistula and promote healing.

Ileostomy (stool ingress): Your Fistula doctor in Kolkata may recommend an ileostomy to open the small intestine to the stomach wall. The stool will pass through the stomach into a medical pouch, which can then be emptied and cleaned. This temporary condition is used to allow the fistula time to heal.

Fistulotomy - If you have anal fistula, your doctor can perform a fistulotomy. This repair the fistula but does not damage the anal sphincter muscle.

Your fistula treatment will depend on what caused it. Your doctor will recommend fistula surgery based on the severity and location of your fistula.

Fistula surgery recovery time

Most people can return home the same day that fistula surgery. Most people return to work within 1-2 weeks of surgery. The wound from the incision or fistula usually heals within 4-6 weeks, but it may take up to nine weeks for complete healing.

After fistula surgery, be aware of the following precautions

Today, most fistula surgery is performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures that use small incisions with slender tools. Although minimally invasive techniques can speed up recovery, there are still some precautions to be aware of. You may be required to use a catheter to maintain proper bladder function after fistula surgery. After surgery, your doctor may recommend stool softeners. A stool softener may make it easier to pass stool after fistula surgery. Your doctor will help you create a personalized recovery plan that is specific to your surgery.

Read Also: Fistula-Ins-Ano - How To Treat It?

There are ways to prevent fistula

The best treatment for Fistula is to prevent fistulas. Healthy eating habits are good for your health and can help prevent fistulas. Smoking can be harmful to your health and cause fistulas to heal.

How can I locate a fistula specialist near me?

If you are looking for a fistula specialist near you, ensure that they are board-certified and have expertise in your area. Minimally invasive surgeons will offer you treatment options that are less invasive and require less recovery time.

It is important to make an appointment with your doctor if you have symptoms of fistula. Fistulas can lead to infections and other serious complications if left untreated. Fistulas can be treated and don't require an overnight stay in a hospital. The recurrence rate for fistulas is usually low. Do not suffer from the unpleasant and painful symptoms of fistula. Make an appointment today to see a doctor.