What is Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is a small tunnel between the inside of the anus and the skin nearby. It usually forms after an abscess and can cause pus discharge, pain and swelling.
A fistula rarely heals with medicines alone. Surgery closes or removes the tract. Laser techniques aim to seal it while protecting the muscles that control bowel movements.
Symptoms of Fistula
- Pus or blood-stained discharge near the anus
- Pain and swelling around the anus
- An opening in the skin near the anus
- Irritation of the skin around the opening
- Pain while sitting or passing stool
- Fever if an abscess forms
Noticing these symptoms? Talk to a surgeon for free.
Talk to an expertCauses and risk factors
- A previous anal abscess that did not heal fully
- Infection of the anal glands
- Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions
- Tuberculosis in some cases
- Previous surgery or injury in the area
How it is diagnosed
- Physical examination and digital rectal examination
- Proctoscopy to look inside the anal canal
- MRI fistulogram to map the tract
- Endoanal ultrasound in selected cases
Laser fistula closure (FiLaC): what to expect
- 1
Before surgery
An MRI may be done to map the fistula. Your surgeon explains the plan, and routine blood tests are completed.
- 2
During surgery
A thin laser probe is passed into the tract to seal it from inside. Complex fistulas may need a combined approach.
- 3
Anaesthesia and duration
Usually done under spinal or general anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes.
- 4
After surgery
Most patients go home the same day or the next day with dressing, medicine and hygiene instructions.
Benefits of the modern approach
- Designed to protect the anal sphincter muscles
- Small wound with usually less pain
- Short hospital stay for most patients
- Faster return to routine than open surgery
Fistula surgery cost in Bhopal
The cost depends on the procedure chosen, the hospital, the room category, anaesthesia, tests and medicines, and your insurance cover. Your TaCa Dost shares the full package upfront, before you decide.
Insurance
We check your policy and handle the cashless paperwork.
Insurance helpEMI options*
Pay in easy monthly instalments, subject to lender approval.
EMI detailsTaCa Possibilities Card
Members pay Ayushman package rates at partner hospitals.
See the cardRecovery
- Hospital stay
- 1 day
- Procedure time
- 30-60 minutes
- Back to routine
- 3-5 days
Recovery tips
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Take warm sitz baths as advised
- Eat fibre-rich food to avoid constipation
- Attend all follow-up visits so healing can be checked
Fistulas can sometimes recur and complex ones may need more than one procedure; your surgeon will discuss this and other risks such as infection or bleeding.
Why choose TaCa in Bhopal?
- Free surgeon consultationTalk to an experienced surgeon before you decide.
- Dedicated TaCa DostOne case manager from first call to follow-up.
- Insurance paperwork handledPre-authorisation, documents and claim filing.
- EMI options*Spread the cost into easy monthly payments.
- Short-stay surgeryMinimally invasive care; many patients go home the same or next day.
Our surgeons
VerifiedDr Nilesh Dehariya
MBBS, MS (General Surgeon)
VerifiedDr Abhay Singhal
MBBS, MS (General Surgeon)
VerifiedDr Chandrakant Kar
MBBS, MS, MCh (Urologist)
Fistula: frequently asked questions
What does fistula surgery cost?
Cost depends on the city, hospital category, room type, surgical technique, tests needed and your insurance cover. Your TaCa Dost shares a clear estimate after the surgeon’s consultation, and EMI options are available.
Is fistula surgery covered by insurance?
Most health insurance policies cover medically necessary surgery, subject to policy terms and waiting periods. Your TaCa Dost checks your eligibility and handles the cashless or reimbursement paperwork for you.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to desk work in 3-5 days. The tract usually heals over a few weeks, depending on how complex the fistula is.
Is fistula surgery painful?
You are under anaesthesia during surgery. Some soreness afterwards is expected and is usually controlled with prescribed pain relief.
Will a fistula heal with antibiotics?
Antibiotics may help an infection settle, but they rarely close the fistula tract. Most fistulas need a procedure for lasting relief.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if you notice discharge, a painful swelling near the anus, fever, or a boil that keeps coming back in the same place.
This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. Your surgeon will advise on the right treatment for you. Content reviewed by the TaCa clinical team.