Dr Kundan Kharde Proctologist · Pune

Advanced Laser Fistula Treatment in Pune

FiLaC (Fistula-tract Laser Closure), VAAFT & LIFT — sphincter-sparing care at Sharvari Hospital, Wakad

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An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the inside of the anal canal and the skin near the anus. It usually develops after an anal abscess that doesn't heal properly. Left untreated, fistulas cause recurring pain, discharge and infection.

Dr. Kundan Kharde at Sharvari Hospital, Wakad, Pune offers advanced laser fistula treatment — a minimally invasive procedure with faster healing and lower recurrence compared to open surgery.

What Is an Anal Fistula?

A fistula in ano is an abnormal passage connecting the inner lining of the anal canal to the outer skin. It typically develops when an infection in an anal gland spreads and creates a channel through surrounding tissue.

Fistulas do not heal on their own. They require surgical treatment to close the tract and prevent the infection from returning.

Symptoms of Anal Fistula

  • Persistent pain around the anus that worsens when sitting
  • Pus or blood-stained discharge near the anal opening
  • Swelling, redness or tenderness around the anus
  • Recurring anal abscesses
  • Fever and general discomfort in severe cases
  • Irritated skin around the external opening

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a fistula specialist promptly. Early treatment prevents complications.

Types of Anal Fistula

  • Intersphincteric fistula — the most common type, passes through the internal sphincter
  • Transsphincteric fistula — crosses both internal and external sphincters
  • Suprasphincteric fistula — tracks above the external sphincter
  • Extrasphincteric fistula — rare, extends from the rectum through the levator muscles

Dr. Kharde uses MRI fistulography when needed to map complex fistulas before treatment.

Laser Fistula Treatment — How It Works

Dr. Kundan Kharde performs FiLaC (Fistula-tract Laser Closure) — a minimally invasive laser procedure that seals the fistula tract from inside without cutting the sphincter muscles.

Benefits of laser fistula treatment

  • No cuts to the sphincter muscle — preserves continence
  • Minimal post-operative pain
  • Shorter hospital stay — usually same-day or next-day discharge
  • Faster return to normal activities (typically 3–5 days)
  • Lower recurrence rate compared to traditional surgery
  • Minimal scarring

Fistula Treatment Cost in Pune

The cost of fistula treatment at Sharvari Hospital depends on the type and complexity of the fistula. Laser fistula treatment generally ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹65,000. We accept most major health insurance plans.

Contact our team for an exact estimate after consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Kundan Kharde for Fistula Treatment?

  • 17+ years of surgical experience specialising in anal and rectal conditions
  • 5,000+ patients treated successfully
  • Advanced laser and laparoscopic techniques
  • Founder of Sharvari Hospital — a 51-bed multi-speciality facility in Wakad, Pune
  • MS in General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery
  • Member — Indian Medical Association and Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India
  • 5★ average rating on Google

For a dedicated overview of credentials, see best fistula specialist in Pune — Dr. Kundan Kharde.

Recovery After Fistula Surgery

Most patients resume daily activities within 3 to 5 days after laser fistula treatment. Full healing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Dr. Kharde provides personalised post-operative care instructions including:

  • Sitz baths twice daily to promote healing
  • High-fibre diet to ensure soft stools
  • Prescribed medications for pain and infection prevention
  • Follow-up visits at 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks

Related information

Explore other services and symptoms that often overlap with anal fistula. These links are for education only — your plan is confirmed only after examination with Dr. Kharde.

Learn more about Dr. Kundan Kharde's training and approach before your visit.

Diet and myths: Spicy food and piles — myths vs facts · Why fistulas don't heal (FRIENDS) · Sharvari Hospital fistula hub

Helpful guides: anal fistula

Deep-dive articles for general education only — your treatment plan is individualised after examination with Dr. Kundan Kharde.

Main surgical centre: Wakad (Pimple Nilakh) location page · Contact / appointments

Frequently Asked Questions About Fistula

Can a fistula heal without surgery?

No. Anal fistulas do not heal on their own. They require surgical treatment to close the abnormal tract and prevent recurring infections.

Is laser fistula treatment painful?

Laser treatment causes significantly less pain than open surgery. Most patients report only mild discomfort that is managed with oral painkillers.

How long does fistula surgery take?

Laser fistula treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the complexity. It is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia.

What is the success rate of laser fistula treatment?

Laser fistula treatment has a success rate of 85–95% for simple fistulas. Complex fistulas may require staged procedures.

Will my fistula come back after treatment?

Recurrence rates with laser treatment are lower than traditional surgery — typically 5–15%. Dr. Kharde's technique and follow-up protocol help minimise this risk.

Can fistula heal without surgery?

True epithelialised fistula tracts rarely close permanently with antibiotics alone — infection may quiet briefly but the track remains. Occasionally very early post-abscess cases are watched briefly, but proven persistent tracts need definitive planning.

What is VAAFT fistula surgery?

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment uses endoscopic visualisation to identify and treat the tract — useful in select anatomy. It is not magic for every high transsphincteric fistula; imaging and continence discussions still apply.

Will fistula surgery cause incontinence?

Risk depends on how much sphincter must be divided or injured. Low fistulotomy in suitable anatomy has different continence math than high trans-sphincteric disease — Dr. Kharde explains your personal risk window before consent.

Why does my fistula keep coming back?

Missed side branches, undrained infection, Crohn’s disease, radiation change, or epithelialised long tracts (see FRIENDS factors on our blog) can all drive recurrence. Re-imaging after failure is common sense, not an insult to the patient.

What is the cost of fistula surgery in Pune?

Simple fistulotomy bands often start lower; complex MRI-planned cases can reach ₹1,20,000–₹2,40,000+ depending on staging, setons, and facility. Exact quotes follow mapping. Use +91 99602 83338 to book.

Do I need MRI before fistula surgery?

Not always for straightforward low tracks obvious on exam. Recurrence, multiple openings, prior surgery, or high suspicion usually justify MRI fistulography or endoanal ultrasound — skimping on imaging can cost continence.

How long is fistula surgery recovery?

Drainage and superficial soreness often last weeks; desk work may resume sooner than heavy lifting or cycling depending on wound size. Complete maturation can take months — follow-up honesty beats premature “all healed” statements.

Is fistula surgery covered by insurance?

Documented perianal fistula surgery is commonly covered subject to waiting periods and policy wording. Cosmetic requests are not. Sharvari billing can guide pre-auth once clinical notes are complete.

What is a seton in fistula treatment?

A seton is a thread-like drain through the tract that keeps it open for controlled drainage while inflammation settles or future definitive surgery is planned — especially for high fistulas where immediate lay-open would risk incontinence.

Can laser cure anal fistula completely?

Laser can assist tract destruction in selected cases with acceptable recurrence data in some series, but cure rates vary with complexity. Marketing that promises “100% laser cure” for every fistula is not clinically honest.

When is fistula an emergency?

Spreading redness, high fever, uncontrolled abscess pain, or immunocompromise with sepsis signs need emergency drainage — WhatsApp routine slots are not enough. Use emergency services if you are systemically unwell.

Where does Dr. Kharde operate for fistula?

Outpatient mapping occurs across his Pune clinics; surgery at Sharvari Hospital, Pimple Nilakh. Appointment line: +91 99602 83338.

What is LIFT for fistula?

Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract is a sphincter-sparing technique for suitable transsphincteric anatomy — not for every complex horseshoe tract. Imaging and examination decide if you are in the “LIFT window.”

Can MRI fistulography miss branches?

Any test can miss tiny branches or mucosal openings — that is why examination under anaesthesia and experienced surgical judgement still matter. MRI reduces blind surgery in high/complex cases; it does not replace skill.

How should I sit after fistula surgery?

Soft surfaces, donut cushions only if your team advises, and avoidance of long bike rides early — pressure and friction slow wound maturation. Desk workers often return sooner than delivery riders.

Book Your Fistula Consultation in Pune

Don't let a fistula disrupt your life. Dr. Kundan Kharde at Sharvari Hospital, Wakad, Pune provides expert diagnosis and advanced laser treatment with proven results.

Call now or book on WhatsApp to schedule your consultation.

Procedure-specific care details for Fistula Treatment

  • Tract mapping and sphincter preservation are central to planning in simple and complex fistulas.
  • Technique can include FiLaC, VAAFT, seton pathways, or staged surgery depending on tract anatomy.
  • Goal is durable healing with continence safety, not only short-term symptom suppression.

Recovery timeline

  • Days 1-3: pain and wound-care familiarization
  • Week 1-2: drainage trend and healing checks
  • Week 3-6: closure progression and recurrence monitoring

Expected treatment cost range

Typical range: INR 35,000 to INR 90,000

  • Complex/recurrent tracts and staged care increase cost range.
  • Imaging and anesthesia category influence the estimate.

Related articles for Fistula Treatment

Additional FAQs specific to Fistula Treatment

Why is MRI sometimes needed in fistula cases?

MRI helps map secondary branches and internal opening pathways in complex/recurrent disease, improving surgical planning.

Can fistula be treated in one stage always?

Not always; high or complex tracts may need staged management for safer healing.

What matters most for recurrence prevention?

Correct tract identification, appropriate procedure choice, and disciplined follow-up wound care are key factors.

This procedure is performed at Sharvari Hospital

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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical consultation. Always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

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