Kaizen Fistula Care

Why Some Fistulas Don’t Heal with Conventional Surgery?

Fistulas, particularly anal fistulas, are a challenging medical condition that can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. These abnormal connections between two body parts—commonly between the anal canal and the skin—can cause pain, discharge, recurrent infections, and emotional distress. While conventional surgery remains the primary treatment modality, some fistulas persist or recur despite multiple surgical interventions.

At Kaizen Fistula Care Clinic, under the expert guidance of Dr. Samrat Jankar, we frequently see patients who have undergone conventional surgeries elsewhere without successful outcomes. Understanding why some fistulas don’t heal with traditional methods is important in guiding both patients and healthcare providers toward better solutions.

Common Reasons Why Conventional Surgery Fails:

Despite good surgical intent, there are several causes why conventional surgery fails to heal a fistula permanently:

  • Inaccurate Identification of the Tract: Conventional surgery may not always detect all branches of the fistula, particularly in complex cases. If even a tiny branch is missed or inadequately treated, the infection persists, leading to recurrence. Techniques like probing or visual inspection alone often fall short in detecting secondary or hidden tracts.
  • Damage to the Sphincter Muscles: Traditional surgeries like fistulotomy involve cutting open the fistula tract. In high or complex fistulas, this may require dividing a significant portion of the anal sphincter. This improves the risk of incontinence. Surgeons, therefore, may attempt a more conservative approach, which sometimes leads to incomplete tract removal, hence recurrence.
  • Recurrent Infections and Chronic Inflammation: If the underlying infection is not fully eradicated, the area remains inflamed and prone to reinfection. Inflammatory bowel diseases, tuberculosis, and other systemic conditions can further complicate healing. Conventional surgery often doesn’t manage these underlying medical conditions comprehensively.
  • Inadequate Postoperative Care: Aftercare plays an important role in fistula healing. Poor wound hygiene, constipation, or improper follow-up can all delay healing or cause surgical wounds to reopen. Conventional surgeries may not always be combined with detailed postoperative protocols that advanced centers like Kaizen Fistula Care offer.
  • Failure to Address Internal Openings: Every fistula has an internal opening (the origin inside the anal canal). If this internal opening is not properly sealed during surgery, the fistula can persist or recur. Conventional methods often do not focus enough on closing or sealing the internal opening effectively.
  • Use of Non-Specialized Techniques: Many general surgeons may use one-size-fits-all methods such as fistulectomy or seton placement without customizing treatment based on fistula type. This procedure may suffice for simple cases but is inadequate for complex or high fistulas.

Why You Need a Specialist Like Dr. Samrat Jankar?

Dr. Samrat Jankar, a leading GI Surgeon and Fistula Specialist in Pune at Kaizen Fistula Care Clinic has successfully treated hundreds of patients who suffered from recurrent or non-healing fistulas. His advanced training and experience allow him to offer modern, sphincter-saving, and minimally invasive techniques such as:

  • VAAFT (Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment): This method allows for visual inspection and treatment of the fistula tract using an endoscopic device, providing all branches are treated, and internal openings are closed under direct vision.
  • FiLaC (Fistula Laser Closure): FiLaC uses a radial laser probe to destroy the fistula tract from the inside, preserving sphincter function and minimizing tissue damage.
  • LIFT (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract): LIFT is a highly effective method for trans-sphincteric fistulas that involves tying off and removing the fistula tract in the intersphincteric space.
  • Fistula Plug and Bio-Prosthetic Grafts: These procedures involve placing a plug or graft to seal the internal opening and stimulate healing without cutting any muscles.
  • Stem Cell Therapy and PRP Injections: In select cases, regenerative medicine is used to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration, especially in chronic or complicated fistulas.

Tailored Approach and Comprehensive Care:

At Kaizen Fistula Care, every patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including:

  • Clinical examination
  • MRI Fistulogram (to detect complex tracts)
  • Diagnostic endoscopy if needed
  • Assessment of underlying conditions like diabetes or Crohn’s disease

Dr. Jankar customizes treatment plans based on fistula type, patient anatomy, medical history, and preferences. This individualized approach significantly decreases recurrence rates and enhances long-term outcomes.

When Should You Seek a Specialist?

If you’ve had conventional fistula surgery but still suffer from:

  • Persistent pain or pus discharge
  • New or recurring abscesses
  • Recurrence after a few weeks or months
  • Difficulty passing stools or signs of incontinence

…it’s time to consult with the best fistula specialist in Pune.

Early intervention with advanced techniques can save you from multiple surgeries and years of discomfort.

Conclusion:

Fistula surgery is not just about cutting and draining. It is about understanding the underlying disease, preserving anal function, and ensuring complete healing. At Kaizen Fistula Care Clinic, Dr. Samrat Jankar combines expertise, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care to offer permanent solutions for even the most complex fistulas.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a recurrent or non-healing fistula, don’t settle for repeated conventional surgeries. Seek specialized care today—because you deserve a pain-free and dignified life.