Anal fistula surgery

If the operation is successful, you should no longer have any infection or pain.

Most anal fistulas do not heal on their own. Surgery is usually needed to treat the problem.

Surgery for anal fistula is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The operation usually takes between a quarter of an hour and half an hour.

To lessen the risk of bowel incontinence (when you pass a motion without wanting to) your treatment may involve several operations over a number of months. The type of surgery you need will depend on where the fistula is.

If the fistula is below or crosses the lower part of the sphincter muscles, your surgeon will cut it open to the skin and leave the wound open so that it can heal with healthy tissue.

If the fistula has branches that pass through the upper part of the sphincter muscles, your surgeon may place a special stitch (called a seton stitch) in the fistula to allow pus to drain easily.

The fistula may be suitable for treatment with a plug made from pig-bowel tissue. Your surgeon will not need to make a cut in the skin or the sphincter muscle.

If the fistula reaches above your sphincter muscles, you may need to have a temporary colostomy (bowel opening onto the skin). However, this is not common.

General complications of any operation:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Unsightly scarring

Specific complications of this operation:

• Difficulty passing urine Involuntarily passing wind or loose faeces
• Bowel incontinence

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. You should rest for the first few days, walking as little as possible, to help the wound to heal. The wound often takes several weeks to heal completely and you may need to wear a pad until then. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible.

Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice. In a small number of cases, the fistula can come back.

An anal fistula can cause continued infection and pain. Symptoms usually get worse without an operation.

Surgery for anal fistula costs are covered by most medical insurance policies, but please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own treatment, the cost of the operation will be explained and confirmed in writing when you book the operation. Ask the hospital for a quote beforehand, and ensure that this includes the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee and the hospital charge for your procedure.

The cost of surgery for anal fistula (high) repair

Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.

Patient pathway	Initial consultation	Diagnostic Investigations	Main treatment	Post discharge care	Guide price
Hospital fees	N/A	Not included	£4,300	Included	£4,300
Consultants fees from	£200	N/A	Included	Included	£200
Guide price	£4,500

The cost of surgery for anal fistula (low) repair

Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.

Patient pathway	Initial consultation	Diagnostic Investigations	Main treatment	Post discharge care	Guide price
Hospital fees	N/A	Not included	£3,075	Included	£3,075
Consultants fees from	£200	N/A	Included	Included	£200
Guide price	£3,275