Anal fistula is not just a physical condition. It is a daily burden that affects comfort, confidence, and emotional well-being. Persistent pain, continuous discharge, fear of stains or odour, and the hesitation to sit, travel, or speak openly about symptoms often force people to quietly restructure their lives around discomfort.
Across the city, many individuals live with anal fistula symptoms for months or even years before seeking help. Some hope it will resolve on its own. Others feel embarrassed. Many simply do not know where to turn.
You’re Not Alone — And Healing Is Possible
What matters most is this clear medical truth: anal fistula is treatable, and with accurate diagnosis and specialist-led care, long-term healing is not rare — it is expected.
Patients searching for the best fistula doctor in Kolkata often seek care from Dr Ashutosh Nayak, a colorectal and proctology specialist recognised for combining advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and laser-based procedures with empathy and discretion.
What Is an Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula, medically referred to as fistula-in-ano, is an abnormal tunnel that forms between the anal canal and the skin surrounding the anus. It usually develops after an anal abscess that was untreated or only partially drained.
Studies show that anal fistula affects approximately 1.2 and 2.8 per 10,000 in India, with higher prevalence among men aged 20–50 years.
However, statistics alone do not capture the lived reality — the repeated infections, the anxiety, and the disruption to everyday life.
How does an anal fistula form?
An infection begins in the anal glands. Pus collects and forms an abscess.
If the abscess ruptures or heals incompletely, a small internal opening remains. Over time, this opening connects to the skin surface, forming a tract that continuously leaks and reignites inflammation.
This ongoing cycle is why fistulas don’t “settle on their own” — and why proper treatment matters.
Symptoms of Anal Fistula That Require Medical Attention
Anal fistula symptoms are typically persistent and recurrent. They rarely follow a predictable pattern and should not be ignored.
Common symptoms include:
- Ongoing anal pain, often worse while sitting or during long work hours
- Localised swelling or redness near the anal opening
- Continuous discharge of pus or blood that may stain clothing
- Itching with a foul odour, leading to embarrassment
- Fever during episodes of active infection
Many people tolerate these symptoms longer than they should, adjusting routines and social interactions. Recognising the symptoms of anal fistula and treatment options early can prevent prolonged discomfort and complications.
Why Anal Fistula Pain Often Returns
Mistaking Fistula for Piles
A frequent cause of delayed care is confusing an anal fistula with piles (haemorrhoids). While piles usually cause bleeding during bowel movements, fistulas cause continuous discharge, even when stools are normal. Temporary relief from ointments or painkillers does not heal the internal tract.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Treatment
Most recurrent fistula cases are linked to incomplete treatment or missed secondary branches. [Source].
Accurate identification of the internal opening is critical and is best achieved using MRI fistulography or endoanal ultrasound.
Why Specialist Evaluation Matters
An experienced specialist evaluates the entire tract system — not just what is visible externally. Determining whether a fistula is simple, complex, high, or horseshoe-shaped directly influences treatment success and the risk of recurrence. This is why consulting the best fistula doctor in Kolkata can significantly change outcomes.
Anal Fistula Treatment Options in Kolkata
Conventional Surgical Approaches
Traditional procedures may be appropriate depending on fistula type:
| Procedure | Description | Recovery Time | Suitability |
| Fistulotomy | The tract opened to heal from the base upward | 4–6 weeks | Simple, low tracts |
| Seton Placement | The thread allows gradual drainage while protecting the sphincter muscles | 6–8 weeks | Protects sphincter function |
| Advancement Flap Surgery | Healthy tissue closes the internal opening | 8–10 weeks | Complex or high tracts |
These methods are effective but require careful wound care and patience. In complex cases, there is a small risk of continence-related concerns.
Laser and Minimally Invasive Fistula Treatment
Modern laser techniques focus on sealing the fistula tract from within, without large incisions or muscle damage. A specialised probe delivers controlled energy to close the channel while preserving surrounding tissue.
A [report] indicates recurrence rates below 10% with faster recovery compared to traditional surgery. Many patients seek laser fistula surgery in Kolkata because it offers:
- Minimal pain and bleeding
- Same-day discharge
- Healing within 10–14 days in most cases
- Lower infection and recurrence risk
- Preserved sphincter control
For many, this approach represents non-recurring fistula surgery in Kolkata, as it treats the underlying cause rather than surface symptoms.
Precision Through Advanced Diagnostics
Patients seeking care at a trusted colorectal / proctology clinic in Kolkata value not only technical expertise but also clarity on recovery, expectations, and even concerns such as the cost of fistula surgery in Kolkata.
Dr Ashutosh Nayak uses modern tools such as:
- MRI fistulogram for three-dimensional tract mapping
- Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) systems
- FDA-approved FiLaC laser closure technology
These allow precise planning, reduced tissue trauma, and shorter recovery — outcomes patients deeply appreciate.
What to Expect During Treatment
Healing doesn’t end in the operating theatre.
Patients receive structured follow-up, infection monitoring, and personalised guidance on hygiene, diet, and lifestyle — because long-term success depends on the whole picture.
The treatment journey typically includes:
| Step | Description |
| Initial Consultation | A calm, detailed discussion of symptoms and concerns |
| Imaging | MRI or endoanal ultrasound to fully understand the tract |
| Treatment Planning | Clear explanation of options, risks, and recovery |
| Procedure | Laser or conventional surgery based on fistula complexity |
| Follow-Up | Reviews every 7–10 days |
| Lifestyle Guidance | Support for habits that prevent recurrence |
This structured approach reflects the backbone of effective anal fistula treatment in Kolkata.
Life After Treatment: Healing Beyond Surgery
Understanding how to cure fistula permanently in India depends on combining expert treatment with disciplined after-care.
Hygiene
- Warm sitz baths twice daily for the first week
- Keep the area clean and dry
Diet
- High-fibre foods
- At least 2.5 litres of water daily
- Reduce spicy and fried foods
Lifestyle
- Avoid heavy lifting for three weeks
- Walk daily for circulation
- Maintain bowel regularity
- Manage diabetes or weight if applicable
These steps don’t just support healing — they restore confidence.
Why Early Consultation Improves Outcomes
Untreated fistulas tend to branch and deepen, making treatment more complex. Early surgical management can achieve cure rates up to or equal to 90% and significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. [Sources].
Early care is not an overreaction. It is informed self-care.
When You Should Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Contact your doctor if you experience:
- High fever or chills
- Severe or worsening pain
- Excessive bleeding or foul-smelling discharge
- Sudden swelling near the surgical site
Final Glance
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If anal pain or discharge is affecting your daily life, you do not need to endure it in silence. A single consultation can bring clarity, reassurance, and a clear path forward.
Consult Dr Ashutosh Nayak, the best fistula doctor in Kolkata, for compassionate, expert care.
People Also Ask
Is anal fistula a serious condition, or can it be ignored?
Anal fistula is a chronic infection that does not heal on its own. Ignoring it can lead to repeated abscesses, increased pain, and more complex surgery later.
Which doctor to consult for an anal fistula in Kolkata?
You should consult a colorectal or proctology specialist experienced in fistula management, such as Dr Ashutosh Nayak, for anaccurate diagnosis and definitive treatment.
What is the most effective treatment for anal fistula today?
Laser and minimally invasive fistula procedures are highly effective, offering faster recovery and lower recurrence compared to traditional surgery.
How long does it take to recover after fistula surgery?
Recovery usually takes 10–14 days with laser treatment and several weeks with conventional surgery, depending on fistula complexity.
When should one see a doctor for anal pain or discharge?
If anal pain, swelling, or discharge persists or keeps returning, medical evaluation should be done early to prevent complications.
