Technology to preserve function
Five minimally invasive anal fistula options
The tract and its sphincter muscle relationship guide procedure selection.
Laser for anal fistulas · FiLaC
FiLaC is minimally invasive: a thin optical fiber passes through the tract, delivers heat energy and closes it from the inside out.
- Sphincter protection. Without cutting anal muscles, continence is preserved and incontinence avoided.
- Less pain. It causes much less postoperative pain than traditional open surgery or fistulotomy.
- Fast recovery. It allows cleaner healing and a much faster return to daily life and work.
- Less tissue damage. It reduces secondary infection, bleeding and cosmetic or functional complications such as anal stenosis.
VAAFT · Video-assisted anal fistula treatment
An advanced minimally invasive technique viewing and treating anal fistulas internally with a small camera.
- Sphincter preservation. Without cutting anal muscles, continence is protected and incontinence risk avoided.
- Direct visualization. It views and treats secondary tracts or branches other surgery may miss.
- Minimally invasive. It needs no large incisions and leaves no large external perianal wounds.
- Fast recovery. It causes less postoperative pain and permits return to daily activities within days.
- Outpatient. It is generally performed without an overnight hospital stay.
Biological anal fistula plug · AFP
A biocompatible, biodegradable sponge-like material, usually collagen, is inserted into the tract to block it and support natural closure.
- Sphincter preservation. It avoids anal muscle injury, virtually eliminating postoperative incontinence risk, a common complication of open surgery or fistulotomy.
- Less pain and invasiveness. Without extensive wounds, postoperative pain is minimal or absent.
- Fast recovery. It allows same-day discharge and an early return to daily activities.
- Repeatable. Failure does not compromise anatomy or prevent other surgical techniques later.
Platelet-rich plasma · PRP
A regenerative treatment using platelet-rich plasma from the patient's own blood to accelerate healing and close the fistula tract.
- Sphincter protection. It helps heal the fistula without cutting anal muscles, preventing incontinence risk.
- Safe procedure. As an autologous product from the patient, it avoids allergic reactions or rejection.
- Minimally invasive. A straightforward method reducing pain and inflammation compared with traditional open surgery.
- Fast recovery. It allows a faster return to daily activities and reduces complications in chronically inflamed areas.
Hybrid techniques · Laser and VAAFT
Dr. Eduardo Navarro also offers hybrid techniques combining laser and VAAFT.
An individual decision
Techniques are compared according to tract and infection
Options may include opening the tract, sphincter-preserving procedures, controlled drainage or staged care. The best strategy balances closure, function and recurrence risk in your case.
Request an assessmentCare for patients in Guadalajara, Zapopan and the metropolitan area
Request assessment at either location
Our support team checks times at Unidad Médica Shakespeare or Torre de Consultorios Hospital Ángeles Andares. Indication and procedure availability are confirmed during care.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before choosing
Can every fistula be treated with laser?+
No. Suitability depends on tract, sphincter relationship, branches, infection and previous treatment.
Does laser surgery avoid sphincter injury?+
By not cutting anal muscles, FiLaC preserves continence and avoids incontinence. Tract course and sphincter relationship guide technique choice.
Does laser guarantee the fistula will not return?+
No. Any strategy can recur, and further procedures may be needed. Risk depends on type, cause and previous treatment.
What if I have pus, fever or increasing pain?+
These may indicate infection or an abscess needing urgent care. Do not wait for WhatsApp if unwell or worsening.
Do I need tests before consultation?+
Do not obtain new tests yourself. Bring existing reports or images; the doctor indicates further assessment if needed.
What do I need to send via WhatsApp?+
Simply ask about times and location. Clinical details are reviewed during assessment.
