West Midlands
Surgical Centre

Colorectal & General Surgery Specialist

West Midlands
Surgical Centre

Colorectal & General Surgery Specialist

Call us

Call : 191 767 898

Anal Fistula
Expert Surgical Treatment

Complex

Specialist sphincter-saving surgery

MRI Guided

Precision fistula mapping

Day Case

Most procedures same-day

Overview Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Why Specialist

— What is an Anal Fistula?

Understanding Anal Fistula

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the inside of the anal canal to the skin near the anus. Most develop following an anal abscess. Without treatment, fistulas rarely heal on their own and require surgery to resolve permanently.

Mr Kumar has extensive experience in the full range of fistula surgery, from straightforward lay-open procedures to sphincter-saving techniques such as LIFT, advancement flaps, and video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) for complex cases. Treatment is carefully tailored to preserve continence.

— Recognising an Anal Fistula

Symptoms

🔴

Persistent Discharge

Pus, blood or faecal material leaking from a small opening on the skin near the anus is the hallmark symptom.

🌡

Pain and Swelling

Recurrent pain, throbbing or swelling around the anus, particularly if an abscess is developing.

🚿

Skin Irritation

Persistent moisture and discharge around the anus can cause skin irritation, itching and excoriation.

🔁

Recurrent Abscesses

A history of repeated anal abscesses strongly suggests an underlying fistula.

⚕ Clinical Note

An anal fistula very rarely heals without surgery. Early specialist assessment allows the correct surgical approach to be planned, reducing the risk to continence.

— Diagnosis

Investigation

Clinical Examination

The external opening is usually visible. Mr Kumar will perform a careful examination to assess the likely course of the fistula track.

MRI Fistulogram

MRI is the gold standard for mapping complex fistula anatomy, identifying any secondary tracks and their relationship to the sphincter muscles.

Examination Under Anaesthetic (EUA)

In selected cases, EUA allows direct probing of the fistula track and, where appropriate, treatment at the same sitting.

— Surgical Options

Treatment

Treatment depends on the complexity of the fistula and its relationship to the sphincter muscles:

Simple Fistula

Lay-Open (Fistulotomy)

The fistula track is laid open to heal from the inside out. Suitable for low fistulas not significantly involving the sphincter. Highly effective with low recurrence rates.

Complex Fistula

Sphincter-Saving Techniques

LIFT procedure, mucosal advancement flap, or VAAFT preserve sphincter function while closing the internal opening. Important when significant sphincter muscle is involved.

— Why Choose a Specialist?

Why Choose Mr Kumar?

Anal fistula surgery carries a small but real risk to continence if the sphincter is inadvertently divided. Mr Kumar’s specialist colorectal training ensures the safest approach is selected for each individual patient, balancing cure against continence preservation.

Book a Consultation

Specialist opinion when it matters

Appointments typically within 3–5 working days.

Emergency Advice

West Midlands Surgical Centre

Quick Links

Useful Links

Contact Us

© 2025 West Midlands Surgical Centre. All rights reserved. · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions This website provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician.