The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Anal fistula surgery
SURGERY TO REMOVE ANAL FISTULAS
Our Lower GI and colorectal general surgeons specialise in removing anal fistulas
What is an anal fistula?
Anal fistulas are small tunnels that can develop between the end of your rectum and the skin near your anus. Fistulas can get better on their own. But in other cases, surgery may be the only way to get rid of them.
We specialise in various techniques for treating anal fistulas, including:
- Fistulotomy. The fistula is cut open and laid out flat, but only if there's no risk to the anal sphincter.
- Seton technique. This involves inserting a surgical thread through the fistula to make a loop and bring it to the surface.
- Advancement flap procedure. Normally carried out after a fistulotomy to cover a fistula opening to prevent infections.
- Bioprosthetic plug. This involves blocking the internal opening in a fistula to let it heal gradually. The outside opening can then be drained of pus.
Need to know
Your consultant's preferred surgical technique will depend on the type of fistula you have, its location and whether it crosses your anal sphincters. Whichever one they choose, you'll most likely be under general anaesthetic.
You'll most likely be asked to attend a pre-procedure assessment, where your consultant or specialist nurse will explain the procedure. They'll also answer any questions you might have, and inform you of any risks and side effects involved.
Depending on the nature of your fistula, you may be able to go home on the day of your surgery. Otherwise, we'll transfer you to our recovery ward where we'll care for you until you're discharged.
Your consultant will advise when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. Fistula surgery wounds can take several weeks to heal, and you may experience a little discharge and bleeding from the wound. Your consultant or specialist nurse will explain what else to expect during your post-op period
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Anal fistula surgery locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.