An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops between the anal canal and the skin around the anus, often following an infection or abscess. It can cause persistent pain, swelling, pus discharge, and recurrent infections, significantly affecting daily life. Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) in Vasant Kunj is an advanced minimally invasive procedure that allows precise diagnosis and treatment of anal fistulas using a specialized fistuloscope. Dr. Sanjay Verma specializes in advanced laparoscopic and colorectal surgery, offering modern fistula treatment with minimal tissue damage, reduced pain, and quicker recovery.

Unlike conventional fistula surgery, VAAFT preserves the anal sphincter muscles, reducing the risk of incontinence while effectively treating complex and recurrent fistulas.

What Is Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT)?

Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to identify, clean, and close the fistula tract from within. A tiny camera called a fistuloscope is inserted into the fistula opening, allowing the surgeon to directly visualize the entire tract and its internal opening.

Using specialized instruments, the infected tissue is removed, and the internal opening is securely closed, promoting healing while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue.

VAAFT is particularly beneficial for complex, high, branching, and recurrent anal fistulas.

Who May Need VAAFT?

Dr. Sanjay Verma may recommend VAAFT for patients with:

• Complex anal fistulas
• Recurrent anal fistulas
• High anal fistulas
• Multiple fistula tracts
• Persistent pus discharge
• Recurrent perianal abscesses
• Chronic anal pain
• Horseshoe fistulas
• Patients wishing to avoid extensive surgery
• Patients requiring sphincter-preserving treatment

A detailed examination is performed to determine whether VAAFT is the most suitable treatment option.

Symptoms of Anal Fistula

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent pain around the anus
• Swelling near the anal opening
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge
• Recurrent perianal abscess
• Bleeding from the fistula opening
• Skin irritation around the anus
• Pain during bowel movements
• Fever in case of infection
• Difficulty sitting comfortably
• Recurrent infections

Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and repeated infections.

Causes of Anal Fistula

Anal fistulas commonly develop due to:

• Perianal abscess
• Infection of anal glands
• Crohn's disease
• Tuberculosis
• Previous anorectal surgery
• Trauma to the anal region
• Radiation therapy
• Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Sexually transmitted infections (rare)
• Poorly healed anal abscess

Identifying the underlying cause helps guide effective treatment.

Benefits of Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT)

VAAFT offers several advantages over traditional fistula surgery:

• Minimally invasive procedure
• No large surgical incision
• Direct visualization of the fistula tract
• Precise identification of internal opening
• Preservation of anal sphincter muscles
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Lower risk of fecal incontinence
• Faster recovery
• Minimal scarring
• Early return to daily activities

How Is VAAFT Performed?

The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia.

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

Before surgery, patients undergo:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Digital rectal examination
• Proctoscopy
• MRI Fistulogram for complex fistulas
• Endoanal ultrasound when indicated
• Blood investigations
• Cardiac and anesthesia fitness assessment

Step 2: Diagnostic Phase

A fistuloscope is inserted through the external fistula opening. The surgeon carefully examines the entire fistula tract on a video monitor to identify:

• Primary tract
• Secondary branches
• Internal opening
• Areas of infection

Step 3: Operative Phase

Specialized instruments are used to:

• Remove infected tissue
• Clean the fistula tract
• Destroy unhealthy lining
• Irrigate the tract thoroughly
• Close the internal opening using sutures or surgical stapling techniques when appropriate

Step 4: Completion of Procedure

The tract is inspected to ensure complete treatment before the procedure is completed.

Step 5: Recovery

Patients receive pain management, wound care instructions, dietary advice, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Recovery After VAAFT

Recovery is generally faster than conventional fistula surgery.

Recovery usually includes:

• Day-care or 1-day hospital stay
• Minimal postoperative pain
• Early walking
• Return to a normal diet
• Regular wound hygiene
• Follow-up examinations
• Gradual return to routine activities

Most patients resume normal daily activities within 5–10 days, while complete healing usually occurs over 4–8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the fistula.

Lifestyle and Postoperative Care

To support healing and reduce recurrence, patients are advised to:

• Maintain proper anal hygiene
• Eat a high-fiber diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid constipation and excessive straining
• Take prescribed medications
• Perform sitz baths as advised
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits
• Seek medical attention if fever, excessive pain, or persistent discharge develops

These measures help ensure a smoother recovery and better long-term outcomes.

Why Choose Dr. Sanjay Verma for Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment in Vasant Kunj?

Dr. Sanjay Verma provides advanced colorectal and minimally invasive surgical care with expertise in treating simple and complex anal fistulas using the latest VAAFT technology. Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan focused on complete fistula healing while preserving normal anal function.

Why choose Dr. Sanjay Verma?

• Expertise in advanced colorectal surgery
• Specialized VAAFT treatment for anal fistulas
• Experience in managing complex and recurrent fistulas
• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
• Sphincter-preserving surgical techniques
• Modern minimally invasive technology
• Personalized treatment plans
• Compassionate, patient-centered care

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is VAAFT?

Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that uses a specialized camera to diagnose and treat anal fistulas without making large surgical incisions.

2. Who is a suitable candidate for VAAFT?

Patients with simple, complex, recurrent, or high anal fistulas may be suitable candidates after a thorough evaluation by a colorectal surgeon.

3. Is VAAFT better than conventional fistula surgery?

For many patients, VAAFT offers benefits such as less pain, faster recovery, minimal scarring, and a lower risk of damage to the anal sphincter muscles.

4. How long does the procedure take?

The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the fistula.

5. Will I need to stay in the hospital?

Most patients are discharged the same day or within 24 hours, depending on their recovery.

6. Is VAAFT painful?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Most patients experience only mild postoperative discomfort that can be managed with medication.

7. How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within 5–10 days, while complete healing generally takes 4–8 weeks.

8. Does VAAFT affect bowel control?

VAAFT is a sphincter-preserving procedure, which significantly reduces the risk of fecal incontinence compared to traditional fistula surgery.

9. Can anal fistulas recur after VAAFT?

Although recurrence is possible with any fistula treatment, careful patient selection, complete treatment of the fistula tract, and regular follow-up help improve long-term success.

10. How can I book a consultation?

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanjay Verma in Vasant Kunj for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan for anal fistulas using the advanced VAAFT technique.