Anal Fistula and Laser Fistula Treatment in South Delhi

An anal fistula is a small tunnel between the inside of the anal canal and the skin near the anus. It usually forms after an anal abscess and causes repeated discharge of pus or blood, swelling and pain. A fistula does not heal with medicines; it needs a procedure. At THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, South Delhi, Dr Aayush Nagpal (coloproctologist, DMC Reg. No. 103369) and Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC Reg. No. 37887) treat fistulas with fistulotomy, fistulectomy, laser fistula treatment, LIFT or seton. The method is chosen after examination and, often, an MRI, with the aim of protecting the sphincter muscles that control your bowels.

Procedures at: THE CLINICS MISC, H2, Hauz Khas, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016
Consultations: Hauz Khas and THE CLINICS Green Park, Mon–Sat
OPD hours: Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm. Round-the-clock nursing care for admitted patients. No dedicated emergency department; for urgent concerns, call +91 9217381353.
Book: WhatsApp +91 9217381353 · call Hauz Khas +91 92173 81353 · Green Park +91 84488 30013 · book online

Symptoms of an anal fistula

Discharge of pus, blood or mucus from an opening in the skin near the anus
Pain and swelling that come and go, often easing when the fistula drains
Irritation of the skin around the anus
A history of an anal abscess that was drained or burst

Go to the nearest emergency department or call 112 if you have high fever, rapidly spreading redness or severe pain; for other urgent concerns, call +91 9217381353.

Simple and complex fistulas

A simple fistula runs low and crosses little of the sphincter muscle. A complex fistula crosses more of the muscle, has branches, or has come back after earlier surgery. The type decides the treatment. An MRI of the pelvis (fistulogram MRI) is often used to map the tract before treatment.

Treatment options

Fistulotomy

The tract is opened along its length and left to heal from the inside out. It is used mainly for low, simple fistulas that cross little of the sphincter muscle.

Fistulectomy

The whole tract is cut out (excised) and the wound is left to heal. It may be used when the tract needs to be removed completely or sent for testing.

Laser fistula treatment (laser closure)

A thin radial laser fibre is passed into the tract and withdrawn slowly, sealing it from inside (laser closure, sometimes called FiLaC) while preserving the sphincter muscles. The internal opening is closed at the same time. It is a sphincter-saving option for many fistulas. Healing can take several weeks, and some fistulas need a repeat procedure.

LIFT (ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract)

Through a small cut between the two sphincter muscles, the tract is tied off and divided, which avoids cutting the muscles themselves. It is used for many fistulas that cross the sphincter.

Seton

A seton is a thin surgical thread placed through the fistula tract and left in place for some weeks. It keeps the tract draining and helps control infection. It is often used as a first stage for complex or high fistulas before another procedure and, in some cases, as the main treatment.

Your doctor explains the benefits, the chance of the fistula coming back and any effect on bowel control before you decide.

What to expect

Assessment: examination, and an MRI where needed.
Procedure: under spinal or general anaesthesia at Hauz Khas; most patients go home the same day or the next morning.
Dressings and sitz baths: you get clear wound-care instructions.
Follow-up: review visits until the tract has healed; some patients need a second stage.

Your doctors

Dr Aayush Nagpal

Coloproctologist and general surgeon. DMC Reg. No. 103369 · 5+ years in practice.
MBBS, MS (AIIMS New Delhi), FACRSI, FISCP. Treats fistulas with fistulotomy, fistulectomy, laser, LIFT and seton.
Timings: THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas, Mon–Sat 5–7 pm.

Dr Saurabh Bansal

GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon. DMC Reg. No. 37887 · 18 years in practice.
MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), FNB (Minimal Access Surgery), fellowship in colorectal surgery (Taiwan).
Dr Bansal's OPD: THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas, Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm; THE CLINICS Green Park, Mon–Sat 6–8 pm.

Fistula treatment near you

We see patients from Hauz Khas, Green Park, Safdarjung Enclave, Malviya Nagar, Saket, Vasant Kunj and across Delhi, as well as Gurgaon and Noida. Patients from abroad (Australia, the UK, the UAE and elsewhere) can send their MRI and reports on WhatsApp for review before travelling; see international patients. Insurance facilities are available; our team helps with the paperwork (insurance and costs).

Frequently asked questions

Can an anal fistula heal on its own or with medicines?

Usually no. Antibiotics can calm an infection, but the tunnel remains and the discharge returns. A fistula generally needs a procedure, such as fistulotomy, fistulectomy, laser treatment, LIFT or seton, chosen after examination.

What is laser fistula treatment?

A thin laser fibre is passed into the fistula tract and withdrawn slowly, sealing the tract from inside while preserving the sphincter muscles. Most patients go home the same day or the next morning. Healing can take several weeks.

Which fistula procedures are offered at THE CLINICS?

We offer fistulotomy, fistulectomy, laser fistula treatment (laser closure of the tract), LIFT and seton placement. The doctor chooses the procedure after examining you and, often, reviewing an MRI, based on how the tract runs through the sphincter muscles.

What is a seton for an anal fistula?

A seton is a thin surgical thread placed through the fistula tract and left for some weeks so the tract can drain and infection settles. It is often a first stage for complex or high fistulas before another procedure, and sometimes the main treatment. Your doctor explains how long it stays and what happens next.

Will fistula surgery affect bowel control?

Sphincter-saving methods such as laser closure and LIFT are designed to protect the muscles that control your bowels. The risk depends on the type of fistula, and your doctor explains it before treatment.

Can a fistula come back after laser treatment?

Yes, some fistulas come back, especially complex ones, and a repeat or staged procedure may be needed. Your doctor discusses the chance of recurrence for your type of fistula before you decide.

Do I need an MRI before fistula surgery?

Often, yes. An MRI maps the fistula tract and shows how it relates to the sphincter muscles, which helps choose the right procedure. For a simple, low fistula the doctor may decide from examination alone.

Where can I get fistula treatment near me in South Delhi?

At THE CLINICS MISC, H2, Hauz Khas, opposite Neeli Masjid. Dr Aayush Nagpal (Mon–Sat 5–7 pm) and Dr Saurabh Bansal see fistula patients. WhatsApp +91 9217381353 to book.

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This page was prepared with AI assistance and medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887). Last reviewed: 20 October 2026. It is general information and does not replace a consultation.