VAAFT: Step-by-Step Guide | Advanced Treatment for Fistula
Anal fistulas are painful, chronic conditions that occur due to an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. Traditional treatment methods often involve invasive surgery, which can lead to significant pain, long recovery periods, and a high risk of recurrence. However, modern medical advancements have introduced Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) as a minimally invasive and highly effective solution. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of VAAFT, its benefits, and why it is considered an advanced treatment option for anal fistulas.
What is Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT)?
VAAFT is a state-of-the-art surgical technique that allows doctors to treat anal fistulas with precision and minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Unlike traditional fistula surgeries, VAAFT utilizes a specially designed endoscope that provides a clear video view of the fistula tract, enabling the surgeon to accurately locate and treat the fistula from the inside. This method significantly reduces the risk of complications and improves patient outcomes.
How VAAFT Works?
VAAFT works by utilizing a combination of video technology and minimally invasive approaches to target and treat anal fistulas. The endoscope provides a detailed view of the fistula’s internal structure, allowing the surgeon to navigate and treat the affected area with great accuracy. This precise approach helps in closing the fistula effectively while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Step-by-Step Guide to VAAFT:
- Pre-operative Assessment: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a detailed examination to assess the fistula’s complexity. Imaging studies, like MRI, may be used to provide a clear picture of the fistula tract.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under spinal or general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free.
- Diagnostic Phase – Fistuloscopy: The surgeon inserts a fistuloscope, a special instrument equipped with a camera, into the external opening of the fistula. The fistuloscope allows the surgeon to examine the fistula tract from the inside, identify any side branches, and locate the internal opening.
- Cleaning and Debridement: Once the internal opening is identified, the surgeon cleans the fistula tract. Any infected tissue or side branches are carefully removed to prevent future complications.
- Closure of Internal Opening: The internal opening is closed using sutures, which helps to prevent the entry of fecal matter into the fistula tract and promotes healing.
- Cauterization and Tract Destruction: The surgeon uses an electrocautery device to burn the granulation tissue lining the fistula tract. This tissue is often the primary cause of the fistula’s persistence. The cauterization is done under direct vision, ensuring that the entire tract is treated.
- Use of Laser Fiber: In some cases, a laser fiber may be used to further shrink and seal the fistula tract. The laser is inserted through the same sheath as the fistuloscope and is fired to ablate the tract completely.
- Debris Removal: After cauterization, any remaining debris is removed using a specialized brush. This step is crucial to prevent any residual tissue from causing a recurrence.
- Final Inspection: One way of checking if the treatment went well is the surgeon to check if the fistula tract has been completely treated. The surgeon collects any leftover tissue that is left and clears the tract with a saline solution to make it clean.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Post surgery, the patient is first monitored for a short period before being discharged. Dr. Raviram S. gives elaborate directions for the aftercare, which include pain management, hygiene practices, and the follow-up visits to observe healing.
Benefits of VAAFT:
- Minimally Invasive: The VAAFT technique involves making very small cuts or no cuts at all which decreases the risk of damage to the surrounding tissue.
- Quicker Recovery: Generally, patients undergo a faster recovery period than usual surgical procedures, and many of them come back to their daily activities within a couple of days.
- Reduced Pain: The minimally invasive nature of VAAFT usually results in less post-operative discomfort and pain.
- Lower Risk of Complications: The precision of VAAFT reduces the chance of complications such as infection or incontinence.
Why Choose VAAFT?
In the list of modern treatments for an anal fistula, Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment is a non-invasive alternative that provides superior clarity of visualization. The patented technique called video VAAFT which allows surgeons to see exactly the fistula tract is a perfect solution for many patients. If you’re dealing with an anal fistula and are considering your treatment options, VAAFT might be the best choice for you.
Dr. Raviram S., a renowned Proctologist in Thrissur, specializes in advanced treatments like VAAFT. His expertise in modern proctological procedures ensures that you receive the highest level of care and the best possible outcomes for your condition.
For personalized advice and to explore whether VAAFT is suitable for you, contact us Dr. Raviram S. at the Thrissur Piles Clinic. With his extensive experience and commitment to cutting-edge treatments, Dr. Raviram S. can provide you with the best options for managing and treating your anal fistula.