What is a fistula resection?
Fistulotomy refers to when a surgeon cuts a fistula along its whole length so that it heals into a flat scar. During seton surgery, a surgeon will place a piece of thin surgical thread inside the fistula to help drain any infection and allow it to heal.
How long does it take to recover from fistula surgery?
Most people can go back to work and their normal routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It will probably take several weeks to several months for your fistula to completely heal. This depends on the size of your fistula and how much surgery you had.
How is a fistula removed?
Fistulotomy. The surgeon cuts the fistula’s internal opening, scrapes and flushes out the infected tissue, and then flattens the channel and stitches it in place. To treat a more complicated fistula, the surgeon may need to remove some of the channel.
Is fistula surgery serious?
Like any type of treatment, treatment for anal fistulas carries a number of risks. The main risks are: infection – this may require a course of antibiotics; severe cases may need to be treated in hospital. recurrence of the fistula – the fistula can sometimes recur despite surgery.
What are the side effects of fistula surgery?
Fistula Repair Complications Bowel blockage (obstruction) Infection. Fistula recurrence. Losing some control of your bowels (incontinence)
How painful is fistula surgery?
Following your fistulotomy, you may experience some mild to moderate pain or discomfort in your rectal area. You may also experience constipation, difficulty urinating, and possibly some rectal bleeding. The following are some general guidelines for proper care after your procedure.
How long does a fistula surgery take?
Discomfort is minimal and you may even fall asleep during the 1 to 2 hour-long procedure. The surgical incision is usually only 2 to 4 inches long. Generally you are able to return home later that same day. The fistula usually requires from 8 to 12 weeks for the veins to dilate prior to initial use.