Fistula Doctor Debunks Top 5 Fistula Laser Treatment Myths

Fistula is a difficult and distressing condition. Rarely do anal fistulas heal independently; therefore, surgery is usually required.

The objectives of any fistula surgery are to remove the existing fistula and preserve the sphincter muscle to prevent fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements.)

An anal fistula can be treated through a variety of surgical procedures. Among these, laser surgery is the most prevalent and effective.

The surgeon uses a laser beam to cut along the length of your anal fistula while you are under general anesthesia, to allow it to heal as a flat scar.

Despite the prevalence of the procedure, laser surgery is still plagued by myths. These myths prevent patients from availing of laser surgery.

Therefore, in this post, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a fistula doctor in Kolkata, will debunk the top five laser surgery myths.

Myth 1: Sphincter muscle damage from laser surgery

Fact: 

Laser surgery is a safe and effective method of treating anal fistula without affecting the anal sphincter muscle. The procedure is bloodless, scarless, and painless.

Myth 2: Laser Surgery Cannot Heal Critical Anal Fistula

Fact:

According to Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a fistula surgeon in Kolkata, laser surgery can effectively treat critical anal fistula without the risks associated with conventional surgery.

This treatment is also safe for high-risk patients, including those with cardiac issues, hypertension, and advanced age.

Myth 3: Critical Laser Surgeries Require Patients to Stay At Home to Recover

Fact:

Contrary to traditional surgery, which requires a recovery period of two to three months before returning to normal activities, laser surgery requires a recovery period of only 24 to 48 hours. 

In addition, the patient can return home the same day as laser fistula treatment is a minimally invasive daycare procedure.

Myth 4: Laser Therapy Causes Pain and Bleeding

Fact:

Laser treatment of fistulas does not involve large incisions or cuts. Therefore, the treatment is associated with no or minimal blood loss and post-operative pain.

Myth 5: Fistula Laser Treatment in Kolkata is Expensive 

Fact: 

Laser treatment may be more expensive than conventional surgery. However, because it is a daycare procedure and demands less time to recover, you will save money on your hospital stay and other facilities that you might need to recover after conventional surgery.

Therefore, undergoing laser surgery will allow you to save money in the long run.