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.
Fistula plug and fibrin glue have lower success rates (50–70%) than other sphincter-preserving procedures. They are appropriate for selected cases. Failure does not preclude any future surgery - no bridges are burned.
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, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Fistula Plug / Fibrin Glue Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of fistula plug or fibrin glue treatment in Hyderabad depends on the type of anal fistula, complexity of the tract, investigations required, and the care needed before and after the procedure.
For selected cases of anal fistula where a sphincter-preserving approach is considered, the approximate cost of fistula plug or fibrin glue treatment ranges between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fistula Plug / Fibrin Glue Treatment | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
The final cost may vary depending on your individual condition, fistula characteristics, findings during evaluation, and whether any additional procedures are required.
Factors That Influence Fistula Plug / Fibrin Glue Treatment Cost
The overall cost may depend on:
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Type and complexity of fistula: The location, length, and complexity of the fistula tract can influence the treatment approach and overall cost.
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Pre-operative evaluation: Required investigations, clinical examination, and imaging tests such as MRI fistulogram may affect the overall cost.
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Additional procedures: If procedures such as fistula tract assessment, drainage of infection, seton placement, or other fistula management procedures are required, the cost may vary.
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Hospital stay and post-operative care: The duration of admission, medicines, wound care, and follow-up requirements may influence the final estimate.
Is Fistula Plug / Fibrin Glue Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Fistula plug or fibrin glue treatment may be covered by health insurance when it is performed for a medically necessary condition. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, inclusions, and approval process.
Our insurance support team can assist you with checking your policy coverage, required documentation, cashless approval process, and insurance-related queries before the procedure.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Samhitha Reddy
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
During consultation, Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Proctologist and Colorectal Specialist in Hyderabad, will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and investigation reports to determine whether fistula plug or fibrin glue treatment is suitable for you. She will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, and guide you regarding the estimated cost based on your individual condition and treatment requirements.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Samhitha Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.