Colorectal surgeons at the Top Ihilov Medical Center have extensive experience in the surgical treatment of fistulas (fistulae) of the rectum. In most cases, a small operation is sufficient for effective treatment, during which the fistulous tract is opened, the bottom of the wound is sutured, and it heals on its own.
During the surgical treatment of fistulas, our specialists pay special attention to preserving the integrity of the anal sphincter, which allows for 100% prevention of serious postoperative complications such as defecation disorders.
Treatment of Colorectal Fistula in Israel: Main Methods
Colorectal fistula is most often a consequence of a previous periproctitis – infection of the rectal mucosa leading to subsequent suppuration, abscess formation, and the development of a fistulous tract, usually opening onto the skin in the perianal area. Treatment of colorectal fistula is generally surgical, and depending on the location of the fistula, it may involve either opening the abscess and excising the fistula (fistulotomy) or complete removal along with the fistulous canal (fistulectomy).
- Fistulotomy – opening of the fistula tract with simultaneous drainage. This operation is performed particularly often in cases of submucosal location of the fistula and allows for the removal of pus, cleaning the fistulous tract, and creating conditions for healing.
- Fistulectomy – complete removal of the fistula. This operation is a more extensive intervention and is performed in cases of complex fistula location, the presence of additional fistulous tracts, and some other indications. Although it requires a longer recovery period, it allows for very precise removal of all existing fistulous tracts (including hidden ones).
The operation can be performed under local or general anesthesia. After a few weeks, the wound heals, and the drains are removed. According to our clinic's statistics, 90% of patients experience complete wound healing after fistulotomy within 2 weeks. At the Top Ihilov Center, surgical treatment of colorectal fistulas is performed using high-frequency diathermocoagulators – devices that operate on the principle of electrocoagulation and serve as an effective alternative to the conventional surgical scalpel.
Postoperative treatment involves preventing wound infection and includes a course of antibiotics, the use of suppositories and ointments that promote aseptic healing of the wound surface.
Colorectal surgeons at the Top Ihilov clinic also employ other methods for treating fistulas:
- a combination of fistulotomy and anatomical plastic surgery of the fistulous tract;
- filling the fistulous tract with fibrin glue;
- blocking the internal opening of the fistula with a plug made from submucosal intestinal tissue;
- closing the fistula using a superelastic clamp made of nitinol;
- ligation of the fistula using the LIFT technique;
- electrocauterization of the fistula openings using the PERFACT method.
Diagnosis of Colorectal Fistula at the Top Ihilov Center
The final diagnosis and identification of all features of localization and development of the rectal fistula at our clinic takes from 3 to 4 days.
First Day – Arrival in the Country
Upon arrival at the airport, the patient is met by a clinic coordinator who acts as a translator and intermediary, addressing issues related to hotel accommodation, transportation, everyday matters, as well as those directly related to diagnosis and treatment. On the same day, a primary consultation is conducted with a leading specialist – a proctologist or colorectal surgeon.
Second Day – Diagnosis
Several types of examinations are used for diagnosing colorectal fistula, ranging from the simplest to high-tech methods such as MRI and fistulography. The examination allows not only to identify the fistula but also to localize the entry and exit openings of the fistula and detect hidden secondary fistulas.
- Physical examination.
- Rectosigmoidoscopy – examination of the intestinal mucosa using a rectoscope.
- Examination of the fistula canal (fistulous tract) using a special probe.
- Anoscopy – examination of the rectum using an anoscope.
- Fistulography – mapping the fistulous tract using radiological examination.
- Anal ultrasound.
- Magnetic resonance imaging – a diagnostic method that allows for very precise visualization of the fistula's location and identification of additional fistulous tracts.
Third Day – Treatment Program
The third day is dedicated to developing a treatment program. For this purpose, a medical council is convened, which includes the attending physician and other specialized specialists. The council reviews the diagnostic results and selects the most effective treatment method.
Price for Treatment of Colorectal Fistula in Israel
When comparing the cost of treating rectal fistula in Israeli clinics and medical centers in Europe or the USA, it can be noted that the difference reaches 30% or more. This is likely due to the fact that the Israeli government actively finances large medical centers.
Advantages of the Top Ihilov Center
- Operating rooms equipped with the most modern surgical equipment. Intraoperative control over the course of the intervention using the latest mobile tomographs.
- Experienced proctologists and colorectal surgeons who have been treating fistulas for decades and are actively conducting research in this field.
- Care for the postoperative quality of life of the patient. Surgical treatment of fistulas is conducted with full preservation of the anal sphincter, allowing the patient to fully retain all bodily functions afterward.
- The cost of treatment is 30-50% lower than in clinics in Western Europe, Canada, or the USA.
- Payment is made after the provision of medical services. No prepayment and no hidden fees.