Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is a new minimally invasive and sphincter-saving endoscopic treatment for complex fistulas. VAAFT is an effective and safe procedure for complex anal fistula, where sphicter is at risk and risk of incontinance . Dr. Samrat Jankar, a well-known colorectal surgeon in Pune, India, specializes in complex fistula surgery. Dr. Samrat Jankar use the VAAFT Procedure for fisutla treatment to date, Dr. Jankar has performed more than 100+ VAAFT procedures with excellent results

What is VAAFT procedure?

Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment, also known as VAAFT is one of the advanced surgical intervention introduced for Fistula-in-ano. This innovative treatment involves the use of an tiny endoscope, which is a thin tube that has a camera and light attached to it. The endoscope allows the surgeon to visualize the fistula tract and locate the internal opening of the fistula. This technique comprises two phases: a diagnostic one and an operative one. More importantly, this method can also detect abnormal branching patterns of the fistula tracts and carry on the necessary therapeutic techniques at the same time. After the complete removal of the fistula, the internal opening is closed with the help of either sutures or staplers, preventing the leakage of stools back in to the fistula tract and the entire canal is sealed off using a mild electric cautery. At the end gentle flushing of the wound with normal saline is done followed by a routine dressing at the site of fistula removal. This method is highly encouraged, in order to clean dead tissue left inside the fistula tunnel so that it will result in a proper and quick healing.

When is the VAAFT Procedure recommended?

The VAAFT procedure is recommended for patients who have complex anal fistulas who has sphicter at risk . Complex anal fistulas are those that have multiple tracts or those that have previously failed to respond to other treatment methods. Patients who have recurrent anal abscesses may also benefit from this procedure. The technique comprises a diagnostic phase and an operative phase.

1. The diagnostic phase: The purpose of this phase is the correct location of the internal fistula opening. The fistuloscope is inserted through the external fistula opening with the washing solution providing a clear view of the fistula pathway which appears on the screen. The surgeon follows the fistula pathway using slow left-right and up-down movements.
2. The operative phase: Purpose of this phase is the destruction of the fistula from the inside. As a next step, the fistula canal is cleaned / the waste material removed and its internal opening is then closed hermetically. We start destroying the fistula under vision using a unipolar electrode which can be passed through the operative channel of the fistuloscope and is connected to the electrosurgical power unit. Starting at the internal fistula opening, all fragments of the whitish material adhering to the fistula wall and all granulation tissue are coagulated. Dr. Samrat Jankar complete this phase of the operation, centimeter by centimeter, from the internal opening to the external opening.

Advantages of VAAFT Procedure:

The VAAFT procedure has several advantages over traditional surgical techniques used to treat complex anal fistulas, including:

1. Minimally invasive: The VAAFT procedure is minimally invasive, which means that it involves less pain, scarring, and recovery time than traditional surgery.
2. Good success rate: The VAAFT procedure has a good success rate, with studies reporting success rates of up to 80%.
3. Shorter hospital stay: The VAAFT procedure is an outpatient procedure, which means that patients can go home on the same day as the procedure.
4. Reduced risk of incontinence: Because the VAAFT procedure does not involve cutting the anal sphincter muscles, there is a reduced risk of incontinence, which is a potential complication of traditional surgical techniques.
5. Fast recovery: Patients who undergo the VAAFT procedure can typically return to their normal activities within a few days, compared to several weeks for traditional surgery

Disadvantages of the VAAFT Procedure:

1. Lower Success Rates: The VAAFT procedure has been found to have lower success rates compared to the “gold standard” fistulotomy, which is a notable disadvantage of this technique.so it applicable only for complex fistula
2. Difficulty in Exploration: Due to the construction of the instruments used in VAAFT, adequate exploration of multiple or curved fistula tracts and proper identification of an internal opening may be difficult. The rigid shaft of the fistuloscope might not be able to navigate sharp curves of the tract, making it challenging to explore the entire fistula tract.
3. Tract Width and Cauterization Effectiveness: The fistula tract must be wide enough to allow the fistuloscope through, but narrow enough for the electrocautery to be effective. Wide tracts or collections can render the cauterization ineffective, impacting the success of the procedure.
4. Collateral Thermal Damage: Excessive cauterization during the VAAFT procedure may cause collateral thermal damage to tissues lying outside the area of the fistula, leading to potential complications.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an anal fistula, it is important to visit the best fistula specialist in Pune to determine the best treatment options for you.

Why Dr. Samrat Jankar is Best for LIFT Procedure Treatment in Pune, India?

1. 13+ years of experience in treating the different fistula problem
2. Have a successful track record in treating anal fistula problems
3. Availability of customized treatments
4. Advanced treatment techniques
5. Latest treatment equipment
6. Less recovery time after the surgery
7. Affordable treatment procedures
8. 100% guaranteed results
9. Success rate more than 95%

If you are experiencing symptoms of an anal fistula, it is important to visit the best fistula specialist in Pune to determine the best treatment options for you.