Fistula Treatment without Surgery - Full Process to Heal Fistula

There are numerous processes of fistula treatment without surgery. The position of your fistula and the number of channels will determine which procedure is best for you. Several fistula treatment without surgery are:

1. Non-surgical methods
2. Homoeopathy
3. Ayurveda
4. Yoga
5. Lifestyle changes

Non-surgical treatments for fistula may be effective in certain cases, but may not be suitable for all patients. Fistula treatment without surgery includes:

• Fibrin Glue Injection: Fibrin glue treatment is an effective method of treating fistulae. In this method:

1. The physician first scans the anorectal area using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and locates the fistula. 
2. After this, the fibrin glue is injected into the tract.
3. The fibrin glue activates the thrombin to form a fibrin clot, sealing the fistula tract. 
4. Following this procedure, you will be scheduled for follow-up visits on weeks four, eight and sixteen to check on the closure of the fistula.
5. Usually, it takes about eight weeks for a fistula to close completely. 

• Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT): VAAFT is a relatively new and less painful method to treat fistula. In this procedure:

1. The physician first locates the fistula using a video-assisted probe called a Fistuloscope.
2. Then, the fistula will be removed using an electrode, with a process called fulguration. 
3. After fulguration, the dead tissue is removed with a brush.
4.  After this, the internal opening is stapled close. 
5. The entire procedure will be performed under video surveillance. 
6. This is a very simple procedure with no bleeding, where you can go back home the same day, and no wound care is required.  

• Bioprosthetic plug: Moderate to complex fistulas could be treated using another innovative method that is safe and effective. In this method:

1. There is an insertion of a customised plug to fit in the fistula tracts.
2. The bioprosthetic plugs are made up of tubes that are plugged inside the fistula tract by an experienced physician.
3. In addition, they have discs on the outer surface that place themselves in the small pockets of tissue that may be present in the fistula tract.
4. The implantation of a bioprosthetic plug to treat complex fistula is advantageous over the surgical options as it can avoid one of the significant side effects of surgery, faecal incontinence.

Anal fistula can be treated at home in the early stage. These top 4 natural homoeopathic remedies to treat their fistula:

1. Myristica sebifera: It has occasionally assisted in the complete healing of the fistula. It can effectively reduce pus discharge and heal the fistula.
2. Calcarea sulph: It is another best homoeopathic medicine for fistula, especially when there is a thick yellow pus discharge.
3. Hepar sulfate: It is a medication used to treat severe pain due to a fistula. It aids in healing the skin around the anal area, which is irritated and helps relieve it.
4. Silica terra: It is one of the most effective homoeopathic treatments for fistula, mainly when there is pus discharge. It helps the dry, itchy skin surrounding the anus.

The Kshar Sutra technique is evaluated and approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research. It is considered to be the most effective and convenient. The process includes:

1. Kshar Sutra is an ayurvedic treatment in which a sterilised metallic probe is coated with a specific set of ayurvedic medicines and is inserted by making a small cut at the perianal site. 
2. Thus, on insertion, the medicines coating the metallic probe are carefully released into the tract of the fistula. 
3. The collective effect of the coated drugs on the probe cuts the fistula tract and dries the wound. 
4. The entire healing of the wound usually takes place in 10 days. 
5. The thread must be replaced with a new one every seven to 10 days.
6. Complete healing will occur in four weeks as compared to the other two.

Yoga can treat fistula, and there is no need for a subsequent operation. Few yogasanas for treating fistula are:

1. Vajrasana: This activity helps with digestion and constipation thereby, helps prevent fistula. It can be done with the following steps:

• For comfort, put down a yoga mat.Sit back on your legs and cinch your ankles and knees together.
• As the big toes of both feet connect, ensure that you are sitting upright with your buttocks resting on your heels and your thighs resting on your calves.
• Put your hands on your knees and maintain a straight back, relaxed arms, and chin parallel to the floor.
• As you slowly take breaths in and out of your lungs, try to pay attention to your breathing.
• It is recommended to hold this position for 5 to 10 minutes at first and then progressively increase it to 30 minutes every day. 

2. Uttanasana: Uttanasana is a yoga pose that relieves pressure on the heart and brain, reducing stress, one of the leading causes of fistula.It can be done with the following steps:

• Start with your hands at your hips in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) at the front of the mat.
• Hinge from your hips.
• Your hands might touch the ground next to your feet.
• To lengthen your spine, inhale and lift your chest.
• Exhale and slowly straighten both legs without overextending.
• Gently spiral your inner thighs back while lifting your kneecaps.
• Extend your torso downward without curving your back as you exhale.
• Draw your shoulders down your back toward your hips as you lengthen your neck, stretching the crown of your head downward.

3. Chakrasana: The yoga pose known as Chakrasana is effective for both vaginal and anal fistulas. It can be done with the following steps:

• Your feet should be flat on the floor, parallel, and about a foot distant from your hips.
• Firmly plant your feet on the ground.
• Your fingers should be facing your shoulders when you place your hands on the floor slightly above your shoulders.
• Lifting your upper body off the mat while lightly resting your head on the mat requires pressing into your hands.
• To elevate your legs, pelvis, and abdomen off of the mat, press into your feet and engage your inner thighs.
• Increase your foot pressure so that your palms support more of your weight. It will safeguard your lower back.
• You can keep your arms strong and stable by continuing to press hard into the mat.
• Without straining your neck, let your head hang in a natural position.
• Hold for five to ten breaths.
• Slowly lower your arms and legs while bringing your spine vertebra by vertebra back to the mat to get out of the pose.

One can make a few lifestyle changes to get rid of the fistula or help alleviate its symptoms. A few modifications include:

1. Sitz bath: One of the most excellent ways to treat anal fistula symptoms, which include irritation, swelling, pain, and inflammation, is to take a sitz bath. Anal area bathing in simple, warm water is known as a sitz bath. The water should be warm. A fistula patient should sitz bath at least three to four times daily.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Avoid junk food and increase your intake of whole grains, leafy green vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and fibre.
3. Keep hydrated: To avoid anal fistula, you should drink enough water throughout the day.  It lowers the need to strain when passing stools by preventing constipation and producing soft stools.
4. Maintain personal hygiene: Wash your hands after each bowel movement. Maintaining good bathroom cleanliness can help avoid fistula.
5. Stay active: Mild exercise is good for digestion, stress management, and blood circulation, which in turn helps to alleviate the pain of the fistula.

The likelihood of treating an anal fistula is easier when it is acute. Consulting a doctor is always advised. You will have the best chance of having your anal fistula treated if you visit a medical professional. 

For anal fistula, you can get in touch with HexaHealth professionals or receive online advice from proctologists or general practitioners. We have skilled medical professionals who offer individualised solutions to give patients hassle-free care.