What is fistulotomy surgery?

A fistulotomy is a surgical procedure for treating a fistula in the anal area. An anal fistula is a small opening or tunnel that develops between the anal skin and the end of the anus. The causes of an anal fistula include injury, severe inflammation, infection, and pus collection in the area.

What are fistulae?

A fistula is a connection or hole that forms between two organs. In women, a fistula can occur as a result of prolonged childbirth, connecting the bladder and vagina, or the rectum and vagina. Fistulas can form when the blood supply to the tissue is cut off, causing the tissue to disintegrate.

What is the difference between a Fistulectomy and an fistulotomy?

A: A fistulectomy is where the fistulous tract is cut out completely. On the other hand, a fistulotomy is when the fistulous tract is merely laid open to heal.

How is a fistulotomy performed?

During the fistulotomy, a cut will be made at the site of the fistula. The fistula is opened surgically to remove the infected area with pus or other fluids. In many cases, stitches are used during a fistulotomy. If stitches aren’t used, the wound would be left open and either packed or covered with gauze.

What is the recovery time for a fistulotomy?

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 painful is a fistulotomy?

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.

What is vaginal fistula?

A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening that connects your vagina to another organ, such as your bladder, colon or rectum. Your doctor might describe the condition as a hole in your vagina that allows stool or urine to pass through your vagina.

What is the white stuff that comes out of your bum?

Pinworms are tiny, white, thread-like worms that live in the rectum. The worms crawl out of the anus (bum) at night and lay their eggs on nearby skin. Pinworms can be uncomfortable but they do not cause disease. People who have pinworms aren’t dirty.

Which is better fistulotomy or Fistulectomy?

Studies have demonstrated that fistulectomy results in a larger wound, prolonged healing time, and higher risks of incontinence. As a result, the more conservative procedure, fistulotomy, is usually preferred; it decreases the risk of incontinence and fistula recurrence and also shortens wound healing time.

How long does a fistulotomy take?

A fistulotomy is an outpatient procedure, meaning it likely won’t require an overnight hospital stay, performed to open a fistula. The actual procedure takes about an hour. You’ll also want to plan for additional time before and after the procedure.

How long will fistulotomy drain?

You may have gauze and bandages over the opening of your fistula, and you may have a string coming from the fistula called a seton drain. The seton drain can help relieve symptoms and mark the fistula for doctors to fix later. It may stay in place for 6 weeks or longer.

Can fistula be cured?

To cure a fistula, tighter setons may be used to cut through the fistula slowly. This may require several procedures that the surgeon can discuss with you. Or they may suggest carrying out several fistulotomy procedures, carefully opening up a small section of the fistula each time, or a different treatment.