What is Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is a tunnel that runs from the anal opening and connects the skin around it. One of the most common reasons behind the formation of a fistula is an infection that didn’t heal properly. There are multiple glands present inside a human anus that create mucus but when these glands get clogged, dirt and debris accumulates and causes an infection. This infection leads to formation of abscesses which turn into an anal fistula.
Different Methods of an Anal Fistula Surgery and their Cost:
Surgery is necessary when an anal fistula does not heal on its own. There are different methods through which a fistula can be treated. The best method for you will be recommended by your proctologist depending on the position of your fistula or if it’s a single channel or branches off. The methods that are best suited to you will present a difference in the final cost. Some of the most common surgeries for treating anal fistula are:
- Fistulotomy: A Fistulotomy is the most common and most effective way to treat fistulas. A fistulotomy involves cutting along the whole length of the fistula so it opens up and heals as a flat scar. The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure and as a result, the patient can return home on the same day. A fistulotomy is performed if the fistulas do not pass through the sphincter. If the sphincter muscles are reached, the risk of inconsistency is considered too high and an alternate method is recommended. The average cost of a fistulotomy in India starts from Rs. 30,000 and can go as high as Rs. 80,000. It is to be noted however, that the final cost will differ based on many factors.
- Laser Surgery: The laser surgery for an anal fistula is a minimally invasive and USFDA approved surgery method to treat a complex fistula without the use of any stitches. In laser surgery, a small laser beam is used to seal a fistula. It is a commonly used method for treating fistulas which branch off into different directions instead of a single channel. A laser surgery does not cause any major damage to the sphincter or the muscles around it so proctologists usually prefer it over a fistulotomy. The average fistula laser treatment cost in India ranges between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,40,000. but the final price will depend on a multitude of factors.
Common Factors that affect the Cost of Anal Fistula Surgery:
The various factors that impact how much the final cost for an anal fistula surgery will be depends on multiple factors. Some of the most common factors are:
- Severity of the anal fistula: The more you delay your fistula treatment, the more likely it is for it to worsen overtime. The severity of your fistula will bring some differences in the final cost of your surgery.
- Number of diagnostic tests performed: Your surgeon may perform multiple diagnostic tests to determine the best suited method of surgery for you. The number of diagnostic tests may present a difference in final cost.
- Surgeon’s fee: A more experienced surgeon will charge extra as compared to a less experienced one.
- Method of surgery: Depending on the severity of your anal fistula, your surgeon will recommend the best suited method of surgery to you. Due to its minimally invasive nature, a laser surgery is preferred. This surgery can be performed under local anesthesia.
- Choice of hospital: The hospital you choose will present some change in the final cost of your surgery. A private hospital with better facilities and amenities will cost more than a government hospital with slightly inferior facilities and amenities.
- Post operative care and medications: Post-surgery consultation and medications may present some difference in the final cost of anal fistula surgery.