Our Summary

This study looked at a new way to treat anal fistulas, which are painful, abnormal tunnels between the skin and the anus, using a laser technique. The researchers wanted to see how well this treatment worked over a period of time and if there were any factors that could predict the success of the treatment.

They used a specific type of laser to treat patients with a certain type of fistula and then tracked their recovery. The success of the treatment was measured by whether the surgical wound and the external opening completely healed for at least six months.

The study involved 30 patients and found that around a third of them were cured after the laser treatment. If the fistula didn’t heal, the patients were offered the chance to have the treatment again. After this, the overall cure rate was around 40%.

The researchers found that the only factor that significantly affected whether the treatment worked or not was the length of the fistula. If it was shorter than 30mm, the healing rate was just over 58%, but if it was longer than this, the cure rate dropped to just under 17%.

The team concluded that this laser treatment is safe and effective for treating this type of anal fistula, and that the length of the fistula is an important factor in whether the treatment is likely to be successful.

FAQs

  1. What is the new laser technique used to treat anal fistulas?
  2. What factors were found to significantly affect the success of the laser treatment for anal fistulas?
  3. What was the overall cure rate for patients who received the laser treatment for anal fistulas?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about anal fistula surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical area clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It’s also important to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and certain foods that may irritate the surgical site. By following these guidelines, you can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended anal fistula surgery include those with:

  1. Chronic anal fistulas that have not responded to other treatments such as antibiotics or drainage procedures.
  2. Recurrent anal fistulas that keep coming back after previous treatments.
  3. Complex anal fistulas that are difficult to treat with conventional methods.
  4. Fistulas that are causing severe pain, discomfort, or infection.
  5. Fistulas that are associated with other conditions such as Crohn’s disease or radiation therapy.
  6. Fistulas that are at risk of complications such as abscess formation or fecal incontinence.

It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with a healthcare provider to determine if anal fistula surgery is the best course of treatment for them.

Timeline

Before anal fistula surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as pain, swelling, discharge, and sometimes fever due to the presence of the fistula. They may have undergone various treatments such as antibiotics, drainage of abscesses, and medications to manage symptoms.

After anal fistula surgery, the patient may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling in the area. They will need to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include taking pain medication, keeping the area clean, and avoiding certain activities such as heavy lifting or straining. The patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor healing and ensure there are no complications.

Over time, the patient should experience a gradual improvement in their symptoms as the surgical wound heals and the fistula closes. The success of the surgery is typically determined by whether the fistula completely heals and there are no recurrent symptoms. In some cases, additional treatments or surgeries may be needed if the fistula does not heal completely.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after anal fistula surgery involves experiencing symptoms, undergoing surgery, following post-operative care instructions, and monitoring healing and recovery over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about anal fistula surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of anal fistula surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after surgery, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of this laser treatment for anal fistulas, and how likely am I to experience a recurrence?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my specific type of anal fistula?
  6. How many times might I need to undergo this laser treatment if the fistula does not heal after the initial procedure?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  8. Will I need to follow up with you regularly after surgery, and what signs should I look out for that may indicate a complication?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before the surgery, and if so, what are they?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my individual case (such as the length of the fistula) that may affect the success of the treatment?

Reference

Authors: Lauretta A, Falco N, Stocco E, Bellomo R, Infantino A. Journal: Tech Coloproctol. 2018 Dec;22(12):933-939. doi: 10.1007/s10151-018-1885-z. Epub 2018 Dec 8. PMID: 30535666