✦ ANAL FISTULA · LASER

Laser Fistula Treatment

Q: How successful is FiLaC laser for anal fistulas?

FiLaC reports 60–75% cure after a single session. The key advantage is complete sphincter preservation — treatment can be repeated without cumulative continence risk.

Q: Can FiLaC be done for Crohn's fistulas?

Yes, FiLaC is suitable for Crohn's-related perianal fistulas with complete sphincter preservation, typically after biologic therapy has controlled inflammation.

Q: What happens if FiLaC does not cure the fistula?

If FiLaC fails, other sphincter-preserving options — VAAFT, LIFT, or advancement flap — remain available without having damaged the sphincter.

FiLaC — laser fibre ablation of the fistula tract with complete sphincter preservation.

30–45 Min TREATMENT DURATION

Day Care CARE SETTING

Laser APPROACH

2–5 Days RECOVERY TIMELINE

What is Laser Fistula Treatment?

FiLaC (Fistula-tract Laser Closure) uses a radially emitting laser fibre inserted into the fistula tract to ablate the epithelialised lining from within. The laser seals the tract and promotes fibrosis without any cutting of the sphincter muscles. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi performs FiLaC laser fistula treatment as a day surgery procedure. Complete sphincter preservation makes it suitable for complex transsphincteric fistulas where fistulotomy would risk incontinence.

Suitable for patients with transsphincteric or complex anal fistulas where fistulotomy would risk incontinence due to the amount of sphincter muscle involved.

How the Procedure Works

Internal Opening Closure

Internal fistula opening sutured closed with an absorbable suture to prevent recurrent luminal contamination.

Laser Fibre Insertion

Radially emitting laser fibre introduced through the external opening and advanced to the internal end of the fistula tract.

Laser Ablation

Laser energy delivered as fibre slowly withdrawn, destroying the epithelial lining with controlled thermal energy.

External Opening

External opening curetted and left open as a drainage point to prevent fluid accumulation.

Recovery

Same-day discharge. Review at 6 weeks. Repeatable without additional sphincter risk if fistula persists.

Outcomes

30–45 MinTREATMENT DURATION

Day CareCARE SETTING

LaserAPPROACH

2–5 DaysRECOVERY TIMELINE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→No scalpel — laser provides precise bloodless tract ablation without any cutting
→Complete sphincter preservation — zero incontinence risk
→Same-day discharge with minimal post-procedure discomfort
→Repeatable — can be performed again without cumulative sphincter damage

FiLaC laser gives us a sphincter-safe option for complex fistulas. The laser closes the tract from within without a single cut to the sphincter, and if needed, we can repeat it without any additional risk to continence.

— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How successful is FiLaC laser for anal fistulas?+

Can FiLaC be done for Crohn's fistulas?+

What happens if FiLaC does not cure the fistula?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tagore Grandhi and get a personalised treatment plan.

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