VAAFT Procedure for Anal Fistula
Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment — direct endoscopic tract visualisation and ablation with complete sphincter preservation.
What is VAAFT Procedure for Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and perianal skin, usually caused by a previous perianal abscess. VAAFT uses a fistuloscope — a miniature camera passed through the external opening — to directly visualise the entire tract, identify all secondary branches, and ablate the lining from within under magnification.
Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi performs VAAFT. The key advantage over conventional fistulotomy is complete sphincter preservation — no sphincter muscle is divided at any point, eliminating incontinence risk while treating complex and high fistulas.
Suitable for patients with complex, high transsphincteric, or suprasphincteric fistulas where fistulotomy (laying open) would risk incontinence due to the amount of sphincter muscle involved.
How the Procedure Works
Fistuloscope Insertion
Rigid fistuloscope passed through the external opening into the fistula tract. Continuous irrigation maintains clear magnified vision throughout.
Tract Mapping
Entire fistula tract and all secondary extensions visualised under direct endoscopic magnification. Internal opening identified precisely.
Electrocautery Ablation
Fistula tract epithelium destroyed under direct vision using electrocautery passed through the fistuloscope working channel.
Internal Opening Closure
Internal opening sutured closed with an absorbable suture to prevent recurrent contamination from the gut.
Recovery
Same-day discharge. Review at 6 weeks. MRI if fistula persists. Repeat procedure possible without additional sphincter risk.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Zero risk to sphincter muscles — complete continence preservation throughout
- →Direct visualisation of entire tract — identifies secondary branches missed on MRI
- →Same-day discharge — day surgery with minimal post-procedure discomfort
- →Repeatable without cumulative sphincter damage if further sessions needed
VAAFT lets us see and treat the entire fistula from within, under magnification with perfect tract identification. For complex fistulas, it is the most sphincter-protective technique available.
— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
VAAFT Procedure Cost for Anal Fistula in Hyderabad
The cost of VAAFT (Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment) in Hyderabad depends on factors such as fistula complexity, recurrence history, procedure requirements, and post-operative care.
For patients with complex or recurrent anal fistula, the approximate cost of VAAFT ranges between ₹70,000 and ₹1,40,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| VAAFT Procedure | ₹70,000 – ₹1,40,000 |
The final cost may vary depending on your individual condition, fistula anatomy, hospital stay, and follow-up requirements.
Factors That Influence VAAFT Cost
The overall cost may depend on:
- →
Complexity of fistula: Recurrent or complex fistulas may require detailed evaluation and specialised treatment planning.
- →
Pre-operative evaluation: MRI fistulogram, examination, and other investigations may influence the overall cost.
- →
Procedure requirements: The use of specialised equipment, anaesthesia, hospital care, and monitoring can affect the final estimate.
- →
Recovery and follow-up: Post-procedure care, medications, and follow-up consultations may contribute to treatment expenses.
Is VAAFT Covered by Insurance?
VAAFT may be covered by insurance when performed for a medically necessary condition. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, insurer approval, and documentation requirements.
Our insurance support team can assist you with policy verification, required documents, and cashless approval procedures.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Tagore Grandhi
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
During consultation, Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Proctologist at Lux Hospitals, will evaluate your fistula condition, previous treatments, and examination findings to determine the most suitable treatment option. She will explain the procedure, recovery process, expected outcomes, and provide an estimated cost based on your individual condition.
Consult Now Consult NowCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Tagore Grandhi and get a personalised treatment plan.