Know about the Benefits of Fistula Plug

 

Introduction

An anal fistula is a little tunnel that runs from inside the anus and connects an infected gland within, with the skin near the anus. If you are suffering from pain and swelling around the anus and bloody or foul pus from an opening around the anus, you might have developed anal fistula.

There are several causes of anal fistula like – Crohn’s disease, radiation therapy, trauma, STDs, cancer, etc. 

The condition can cause severe discomfort and medical complications. However, there are now many different fistula treatments in Kolkata, like fistula plug insertion surgery.

What are Fistula Plugs?

Fistula plugs are a new procedure. It is a minimally invasive surgery in which a plug is placed into the channel of the anal fistula and stitched into place. Over time, the plug becomes a permanent part of the anus as the surrounding tissue grows into it, eliminating any need for removal.

Benefits of the Anal Fistula Plug

• High success rate 

• Minimally invasive procedure.

• Minimizes the risk for post-surgery incontinence as the procedure does not require the cutting of sphincter muscles.

• Offers more staying power than fibrin glue due to suturable biomaterial 

The Recovery Process

As fistula plug insertion is a minimally invasive surgery, you can leave the hospital the same day of the surgery. Since there is no removal of tissue during this procedure, the recovery process is also relatively fast. However, you need to limit your physical activities during healing. While it is likely that fistula draining will occur for several weeks, this is part of the healing process.

Other treatment options

Several surgical options are available to treat fistula, like cutting the fistula open so that it heals as a scar, using special glue to block the fistula or laser surgery. Laser surgery for fistula is also a minimally invasive procedure with less risk of incontinence. However, the risk of fistula recurring is higher than in some other treatments. Consult your doctor and discuss what would be the best treatment option for you.