Anal Fistula Surgery in Vadodara | Dr Samir Contractor

Q: How long does the wound take to heal after fistula surgery?

Simple fistulotomy wounds heal in 4–6 weeks. LIFT procedure wounds typically heal in 6–10 weeks. The wound heals from the base to the surface (secondary intention healing) — daily sitz baths, wound care and follow-up visits are important. The external wound may look alarming initially but heals steadily with proper care.

Q: Can an anal fistula come back after surgery?

Recurrence depends on fistula type and surgical technique. Simple fistulotomy for low fistulas has a recurrence rate under 5%. LIFT for complex fistulas has a recurrence rate of 10–20%, which is significantly better than other sphincter-preserving techniques. If a fistula recurs, re-do surgery is possible — though more complex — with specialist experience.

About the procedure

What is an anal fistula?

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel (tract) connecting the inside of the anal canal to the skin surface around the anus. Most anal fistulas develop after an anorectal abscess — the abscess bursts or is surgically drained, but a residual tract persists, discharging pus, blood or mucus intermittently onto the skin. This causes persistent wetness, soiling, itching and discomfort around the anus.

Fistulas are classified by their relationship to the anal sphincter muscles: intersphincteric fistulas (most common — pass between the sphincter layers), trans-sphincteric fistulas (cross both sphincters), and suprasphincteric or extrasphincteric fistulas (complex, rare). The classification determines the surgical approach, as the sphincter muscles that control continence must be carefully identified and preserved.

The treatment for anal fistula is always surgical — fistulas do not heal with antibiotics alone. Simple fistulas are treated with fistulectomy or fistulotomy. Complex fistulas (involving significant sphincter muscle) are treated with sphincter-preserving procedures such as the LIFT technique.

Why trust this content

Experience · Expertise · Authority · Trust

Every page on this site is written and medically reviewed by Dr Samir Contractor — a practising fellowship-trained surgeon — not by a content agency. Here is the evidence behind that claim.

Experience

Over 25 years of continuous surgical practice at Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara. Every claim on this page is drawn from direct clinical experience — not textbook paraphrasing.

25+ years in active surgical practice

8,000+ total procedures performed

5,000+ laparoscopic procedures

400+ bariatric procedures (sleeve & bypass)

1,500+ anorectal procedures

Senior Consultant, Sterling Hospitals since 2000

Expertise

Fellowship-trained at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh with subspecialty MIS training at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Board-certified in multiple countries.

MBBS — Medical College Baroda

MS (General Surgery) — Medical College Baroda

FRCS — Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (UK)

FMAS — Fellow in Minimal Access Surgery

FACS — American College of Surgeons (USA)

PN1 Certified Exercise & Nutrition Coach

Authoritativeness

Affiliated with Sterling Hospitals — a leading multi-specialty hospital in Vadodara. Active member of recognised surgical bodies in India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Senior Consultant, Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara

Indian Medical Association (IMA)

Indian Assoc. of GI Endo Surgeons (IAGES)

Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI)

Association of Surgeons of India (ASI)

General Medical Council, United Kingdom

Trustworthiness

Transparent pricing published on every procedure page. Surgery recommended only when clinically indicated. 4.9★ patient rating from named, verified patient reviews.

★ 4.9 average verified patient rating

Transparent package pricing on all pages

Medical disclaimer on every page

Content last reviewed: May 2026

Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara — established institution

Surgery discussed only when clinically appropriate

Qualifications

MBBS MS — General Surgery FRCS (Edinburgh, UK) FMAS FACS (USA) PN1 Certified

Memberships & Registrations

IMA IAGES ASI OSSI GMC, United Kingdom Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh American College of Surgeons

Who needs this procedure

Is this surgery right for you?

A consultation with Dr Samir Contractor is required for a definitive assessment of candidacy.

✓ SUITABLE Typical candidates

Any symptomatic anal fistula (perianal discharge, wetness, pain)
Recurrent anorectal abscess (strong indication that fistula is present)
Simple (intersphincteric) fistula — fistulotomy or fistulectomy
Complex (trans-sphincteric) fistula — LIFT procedure
Fistula after previous failed surgery (specialist re-do surgery)
Fistula with concurrent abscess (drain abscess first, then repair fistula)

✗ DISCUSS FIRST May need alternative approach

Active anorectal abscess without fistula (drainage only)
Crohn's disease fistula (requires specialist medical management first)
HIV-positive patients with impaired immunity (staged approach)
Rectovaginal fistula (different surgical approach)
Asymptomatic incidentally found fistulas (discuss timing)

Why this treatment

Benefits of the surgical approach

Definitive cure for a distressing condition

Anal fistula causes chronic perianal discharge and soiling that severely impacts quality of life. Surgery is the only curative treatment.

LIFT preserves sphincter function

The LIFT procedure allows treatment of complex fistulas without cutting through significant sphincter muscle — protecting continence.

MRI-guided precision

Pre-operative MRI fistulography maps the tract precisely before surgery — reducing risk of incomplete treatment or sphincter injury.

Prevents abscess recurrence

Untreated fistulas cause repeated painful abscesses. Surgical closure eliminates the source of recurrent infections permanently.

How it's done

The procedure, step by step

MRI before surgery

An MRI of the fistula tract is performed before surgery to map the tract accurately — identifying its course, the internal opening, and its relationship to the sphincter muscles.

Examination under anaesthesia

Under general or spinal anaesthesia, the fistula is probed from the external opening to identify the internal opening inside the anal canal.

Simple fistula — fistulotomy or fistulectomy

For low intersphincteric fistulas involving little or no sphincter, the tract is laid open (fistulotomy) or excised (fistulectomy). The wound heals from base to surface over 4–6 weeks.

Complex fistula — LIFT procedure

For fistulas involving significant sphincter muscle, the LIFT technique is used. An incision is made in the intersphincteric groove, the fistula tract is identified between the sphincters, ligated and divided. The external wound is curetted. The sphincter is preserved intact.

Seton (if needed for very complex cases)

Occasionally a seton suture is placed through the fistula tract as a first stage to reduce inflammation and define the anatomy before definitive repair at a second procedure.

Wound management and discharge

Wound loosely packed. Patient discharged after 24–48 hours with wound care instructions. Regular sitz baths essential.

What to expect

Your recovery timeline

Day 0–1

Surgery and discharge

Most patients discharged after 24–48 hours. Wound care instructions provided. Stool softener started.

Days 2–7

Wound healing begins

Regular sitz baths (warm water, 10–15 min, 3 times daily) essential. Wound dressings changed daily. Mild pain managed with paracetamol. High-fibre diet.

Days 5–7

Return to desk work

Most desk workers return within 5–7 days. Driving fine when comfortable. Wound care continues.

Week 2–4

Wound granulation and healing

Wound heals progressively from base to surface (secondary intention). Regular clinic visits to check healing. Light activity fine.

Week 4–8

Full healing

Simple fistulas heal in 4–6 weeks. Complex LIFT repairs may take 6–10 weeks for complete wound closure. Full activity at 6 weeks.

Transparent pricing

Package rates at Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara

All-inclusive package costs — no hidden charges. Two room categories available. Final confirmation at consultation.

Procedure

Standard Room

Deluxe Room

Fistulectomy / Fistulotomy (simple fistula)	₹68,500	₹1,05,000
LIFT Procedure (complex fistula)	₹82,800	₹1,30,300

✓ Included

Surgeon fee · Anaesthesia · OT charges · Room rent (2 days) · Doctor visits · Miscellaneous

✗ Billed separately

Labs · Pharmacy · Radiology · Consumables

Packages include surgeon fee, anaesthesia, OT charges, room rent (2 days), doctor visits & miscellaneous. Excludes labs, pharmacy, radiology & consumables. MRI fistulography billed separately as pre-operative investigation.

Confirm package on WhatsApp Call Sterling Hospital

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions about Anal Fistula Surgery (Fistulectomy / LIFT Procedure)

How do I know if I have an anal fistula?

The classic symptom is a small hole or opening in the skin around the anus that intermittently discharges pus, blood or mucus — often with a history of a previous perianal abscess. You may feel a tender lump near the anus that periodically bursts and drains, then "heals" temporarily before recurrence. Persistent perianal wetness, soiling or itching is also a common presentation. An examination by Dr Samir Contractor will confirm the diagnosis and classify the fistula.

Will the fistula heal on its own without surgery?

No. Anal fistulas do not heal spontaneously and antibiotics alone cannot cure them. This is because the internal opening of the fistula inside the anal canal constantly reseeds the tract with bacteria. Surgery is the only definitive treatment. Delaying surgery only leads to repeated abscess episodes, enlargement of the tract, and more complex surgery in the future.

What is the risk of incontinence after fistula surgery?

The risk depends entirely on the fistula type and the technique used. For simple intersphincteric fistulas treated with fistulotomy, the continence risk is minimal (< 1%) as little or no sphincter is divided. For complex trans-sphincteric fistulas, the LIFT procedure is specifically designed to avoid sphincter division — published success rates are 80–90% with a very low risk of incontinence. Fistulas that involve the upper sphincter or have previously had failed surgery are the most challenging and are discussed individually.

How long does the wound take to heal after fistula surgery?

Simple fistulotomy wounds heal in 4–6 weeks. LIFT procedure wounds typically heal in 6–10 weeks. The wound heals from the base to the surface (secondary intention healing) — daily sitz baths, wound care and follow-up visits are important. The external wound may look alarming initially but heals steadily with proper care.

Can an anal fistula come back after surgery?

Recurrence depends on fistula type and surgical technique. Simple fistulotomy for low fistulas has a recurrence rate under 5%. LIFT for complex fistulas has a recurrence rate of 10–20%, which is significantly better than other sphincter-preserving techniques. If a fistula recurs, re-do surgery is possible — though more complex — with specialist experience.

Patient outcomes

What patients say after their treatment

Had a fistula for two years with repeated abscesses every few months. Was told by another surgeon that the operation was risky for my continence. Dr Samir did the LIFT procedure and I healed completely without any continence issues. Exceptional expertise.

Jayesh Patel

Complex anal fistula · Vadodara

★★★★★

Came from Bharuch after being recommended Dr Samir by a colleague. Simple fistulotomy done expertly. Wound care instructions were clear and follow-up was thorough. Healed in 5 weeks, fully cured.

Vinod Kumar

Anal fistula · Bharuch

★★★★★

Book a consultation

Meet Dr Samir at Sterling Hospital, Vadodara.

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+91 98245 93464

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Appointments — Sterling Hospital

+91 98989 89797

Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM IST.

Clinic

Sterling Hospital, Opp. Inox Cinema
Race Course Circle (W), Vadodara – 390007

OPD: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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Dr Samir Contractor

MS FRCS (UK) FMAS FACS (USA) PN1

Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara 25+ years · 8,000+ surgeries ★ 4.9 rating