Anal fistula is almost always treated through surgery. Anal fistula surgery, also known as fistulectomy, involves cutting a small portion of your anal sphincter muscle to open the tract. This allows your surgeon to connect the internal opening within the canal to the external opening. A groove will be created that will heal from the inside out. Within one to two months, this will heal into a flattened scar. If the fistula involves a lot of your sphincter muscle, a two-stage procedure or more complicated surgery may be necessary.
Why Anal Fistula Surgery?
Often, anal fistulas do not heal on their own. Treatment is generally necessary to reduce chances of infection in an anal fistula and to alleviate symptoms. Many fistulas do not respond to non-surgical therapies such as and thus require surgery and/or wound care.
Surgery has proven to be the most effective method for curing anal fistula. If proper healing occurs after the surgery, it is unlikely for anal fistula to return.
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What To Expect?
Before the procedure
Limit or cut out smoking or alcohol.
Stop all current medications one week prior to the procedure or as instructed by your doctor.
You may be given bowel preparation to help you clear your bowels before the surgery.
You will be asked to fast accordingly.
During the procedure
You will be given anaesthesia to aid in falling asleep.
Your surgeon will guide a probe into your fistula.
The probe is used as a guide to cut along the length of the fistula.
A tool is used to scrape out any tissue buildup from your fistula and any abscesses may also be drained.
Your surgeon may need to close the rectal opening to the fistula. The other opening on the skin will be held open with stitches or other alternatives. This is to allow fluid to drain and the wound to heal.
A bandage may be placed over your wound. Healing may take any time from one to four months on a case-by- case basis.
After the procedure
You may be discharged on the same day or within the next few days.
Discomfort will be mild to moderate for the first week post-operation. Painkillers may be administered to place this under control.
Laxatives may be prescribed to soften your stools to ease bowel movement.
Eat a diet high in fibre and consume plenty of fluids. This will also help to soften your stools.
Wear dressing to cushion the affected area to prevent the drainage from soiling your clothes.
You will need to change dressing daily.
You will likely be able to resume normal activities within one to two weeks.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor within the next two weeks.
Our Fees & Costs – Anal Fistula
Anal fistulas start from an infection near the anus that causes a collection of pus (abscess) in the nearby tissue. This condition causes an abnormal connection between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus.
Patients with anal fistulas commonly feel discomfort and pain in the anus, and may even experience faecal incontinence (the inability to control your bowel movement).
Surgery to remove anal fistula (also known as fistulectomy) may be recommended as the option to treat the condition.
At G&L Surgical, we understand the concerns that often arise when dealing with anal fistulas and endeavour to support you in your recovery. We also strive to be transparent in our fees and charges, so that you receive adequate financial counselling ahead of your surgery.
What Is Cashless Eligibility for a Procedure?
Cashless eligibility refers to the option of zero out-of-pocket fees upon your procedure and hospitalisation.
G&L Surgical provides services to help you check on your eligibility for a seamless and stress-free treatment, WHATSAPP or call us at +65 8218 7799 to find out more.
I Have Private Health Insurance; How Can I Ensure That I Do Not Have to Pay With Cash for My Fistulectomy?
The Integrated Shield Plan allows Singaporeans to obtain additional coverage on top of what is offered by Medishield Life for private healthcare. Suppose you have purchased a hospital plan rider from your insurer, which covers the cost of the deductible along with co-insurance.
In that case, you may be eligible for a cashless procedure during your hospitalisation. If you are unsure of your eligibility for a cashless procedure, contact us or speak to your insurer to find out more.
I Have an Integrated Shield Plan. What Are My Out-of-Pocket Fees at a Private Hospital?
If you are considering seeking treatment at a Private Hospital and have an Integrated Shield Plan, your out-of-pocket fees may amount to the following:
To understand how you can enjoy seamless and cashless eligibility for your procedure, speak to your insurer or contact our friendly staff via WHATSAPP or call our CLINIC for assistance.
How Much Does an Anal Fistula Surgery cost in Singapore?
The professional fees for a fistulectomy ranges from $2,000 to $3,200. This is not inclusive of additional hospitalisation fees along with your eligibility for insurance and other claimables. To obtain an estimated fee for anal fistula surgery, visit MOH’s Historical Transacted Bill Sizes and Fee Benchmarks.
To understand your financing options and out-of-pocket costs, speak to your insurer, or you may contact our friendly staff via WHATSAPP or call our CLINIC for assistance.
Can I Use My Medisave to Pay for Anal Fistula Surgery in Singapore?
Removal of anal fistulas are Medisave claimable although they may be subjected to prevailing withdrawal limits set by the CPF Board.
If you are unsure about the claimables that you are entitled to along with the costing concerns, consider approaching our clinic staff at G&L Surgical Clinic for advice on your anal fistula surgery.
G&L Surgical Provides Medical Services in These Hospitals:
Your medical fees and charges may differ depending on the selection of hospitals and bedding arrangements at different medical institutions.
Dr Ganesh Ramalingam can perform the procedure at the following hospitals:
Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard & Novena)
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Parkway East Hospital
Gleneagles Hospital
Why Choose Us For Your Anal Fistula Surgery In Singapore?
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in treating anal fistulas for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our fistulectomy or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on anal fistula surgery in Singapore.
Patient Feedback
I had to undergo an emergency surgery because the abscess on my bum was getting pretty bad. Dr Ganesh was detailed and wasted no time in treating me as I was in a lot of pain and honestly, I could feel pus coming out and it’s just disgusting, I just wanted it treated.
Dr Ganesh helped me get the abscess cleaned and drained and gave me some medication to recover at home. So far, I have been feeling much better and he did a great job so there was no scars or major pain.
Thank you Dr Ganesh.
5
I had severe food poisoning which resulted in a split in the skin near my buttocks. I was so shocked when I saw blood in the toilet thinking it was some terminal illness. Thankfully, after seeing Dr Ganesh, he diagnosed that I have an anal fissure and it can be treated quite easily.
I followed his advice to clean and improve my diet and within 2 weeks, I have fully recovered. Thank you Dr Ganesh!
5 Stars
Dr Ganesh is a trustworthy and caring doctor. I was hesitant at first to be seen as I noticed there was swelling and pus near my anus and wasn’t sure what to do. When I finally had to see a doctor, I found him online and I can see why people say he is friendly and patient. He managed to explain how I can get my condition treated without being difficult to understand. I followed his advice and got him to treat me, it was surprisingly not as painful as imagined and he got the pus drained. Thank you to Nurse Jiaxin for helping to clean my wound as well.
Truly a great team and clinic!
5 Stars
I had a great experience with G&L Clinic. Dr Ganesh is professional and detailed in explaining to me about my condition, anal fistula. Apparently I had it without knowing until the pain was unbearable.
Because it was much more serious, I had to undergo a minor surgery for it. But following his advice, I am able to recover ahead of the time and am already back at work.
Thank you to Dr Ganesh, Lisa, Jiaxin, Ann and Angeline for being a wonderful, efficient team!
5 Stars
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Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam
Specialist in General Surgery
As a strong proponent of treating the patient holistically instead of just their condition, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam advises patients as to how they can manage their daily habits and diets to lead healthier lifestyles. As a consultant with G&L Surgical Clinic specialising in General Surgery, he sees many patients with conditions related to the stomach and is skilled in bariatric surgery, upper GI and hernia surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, endoscopies, and trauma.