Muscle-Preserving Method in Anal Fistula: FiLaC® Treatment

What is an Anal Fistula? Why Should It Be Treated? An anal fistula is an abnormal, inflamed tunnel structure that forms between the inner part of the anus (bowel) and the external skin, usually developing after a previous and not fully healed anal abscess. This condition, which does not heal spontaneously, restricts the patient’s social life with constant discharge, bad odor, pain, and recurrent abscess attacks.

The most critical point in fistula treatment is the preservation of the “anal muscles (sphincter).” Since this tunnel is cut open in classical surgical methods (Fistulotomy/Seton, etc.), the risk of damaging the muscles that control gas and stool is quite high. This situation can lead to permanent incontinence problems, which is the patients’ biggest nightmare.

FiLaC® (Fistula-tract Laser Closure) Technology in İzmir The FiLaC® method, applied in our İzmir clinic under the management of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özhan Çetindağ*, is the safest modern approach that preserves the muscle structure (sphincter-sparing) in anal fistula treatment. No scalpel is used in this technology, and muscles are not cut.

The fistula tunnel is entered with a thin and flexible laser fiber. The 360-degree radial laser energy emitted from the tip of the fiber sterilizes the tunnel by burning the inflamed tissue from the inside in a controlled manner (photothermal ablation). The procedure causes the tunnel to shrink and close from the inside out. Since the muscles are not cut, there is no risk of gas or fecal incontinence, and the recovery process is much faster and more comfortable compared to classical surgeries.