Fistula Plug / Fibrin Glue
Biological materials obliterate the fistula tract from within - a completely sphincter-safe approach for selected complex or recurrent fistulas where surgery carries high incontinence risk.
What is Fistula Plug / Fibrin Glue?
Fistula Plug and Fibrin Glue are biological approaches that avoid cutting or dissection. A bioprosthetic anal fistula plug is inserted into the curetted fistula tract and secured at the internal opening - providing a scaffold for tissue ingrowth and biological closure. Fibrin Glue is injected into the tract to seal it biologically. Dr. Samhitha Reddy offers these approaches at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for selected complex, high, or recurrent fistulas - particularly in patients where all other sphincter-preserving options carry unacceptable risk. As part of the cost-effective fistula care in Hyderabad programme, they provide a genuinely sphincter-safe option with no external wound and the ability to repeat or convert to other techniques if needed.
How the Procedure Works
Tract Preparation
The fistula tract is thoroughly curetted and irrigated to remove all granulation tissue and debris - essential for biological material to integrate effectively.
Plug Sizing
A correctly sized fistula plug is selected based on tract length and diameter. The plug is hydrated per manufacturer instructions.
Plug/Glue Insertion
The plug is pulled from the internal opening outward through the tract and trimmed flush. For fibrin glue, the two components are mixed and injected from the internal opening outward.
Internal Opening Closure
The internal opening is closed with an absorbable suture over the plug/glue - the critical step for success. External opening left open to drain.
Recovery
Day-care procedure. High-fibre diet, stool softeners, and sitz baths post-procedure. Follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks to assess closure.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Absolute sphincter preservation - no cutting, no dissection of sphincter muscle
- →Day-care procedure with very low post-operative pain
- →Completely reversible - failure does not compromise any future technique
- →Can be repeated if initial closure fails
- →Appropriate for patients with significant pre-existing continence concerns
- →Biological integration allows natural healing without prosthetic long-term risks
Fistula plug and fibrin glue occupy a unique and valuable niche. For a patient with a high fistula and already-compromised continence, offering a completely sphincter-safe option that can be repeated without consequence is genuinely important - and sometimes the most responsible choice.
— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
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