LIFT Procedure
Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract - a sphincter-preserving surgical technique that ties off and divides the fistula tract between sphincters without cutting any sphincter muscle, protecting bowel control completely.
What is LIFT Procedure?
The LIFT (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract) procedure addresses trans-sphincteric anal fistulas through a small incision in the intersphincteric groove. The fistula tract is identified where it crosses between the internal and external sphincters, ligated with absorbable sutures on both sides, and divided - without cutting any sphincter muscle fibres. The external tract is then curetted. Dr. Samhitha Reddy performs the LIFT procedure at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad as a preferred sphincter-preserving option for low and mid trans-sphincteric fistulas. As part of the minimally invasive anal fistula surgery in Hyderabad programme, it offers an excellent balance of cure rate and sphincter preservation - particularly valuable for patients at elevated incontinence risk.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative Imaging
Endoanal ultrasound or MRI confirms a single, well-defined trans-sphincteric tract suitable for LIFT.
Intersphincteric Incision
Under spinal or general anaesthesia, a small curvilinear incision is made over the intersphincteric groove at the appropriate clock position.
Tract Identification & Ligation
The fistula tract is identified in the intersphincteric space using a probe, ligated with absorbable sutures on both sides, and divided.
External Tract Curettage
The external portion of the fistula tract is curetted. The external opening is left open to drain. No sphincter fibres are divided at any point.
Wound Closure & Recovery
The intersphincteric incision is closed with absorbable sutures. Discharged same day or next morning. Recovery in 2–3 weeks with regular dressings.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Complete sphincter preservation - zero risk of incontinence from sphincter division
- →Simple intersphincteric approach with minimal tissue disruption
- →Day-care or overnight procedure - no extended hospital admission
- →Good success rates (70–80%) for primary, simple trans-sphincteric fistulas
- →Repeatable if the first attempt partially fails - does not compromise future techniques
- →Shorter recovery and less discomfort than open fistulotomy for high fistulas
The LIFT procedure gives us a very clean anatomical approach to trans-sphincteric fistulas. We work entirely in the intersphincteric plane without touching the sphincter fibres - and when it works, it provides durable, complete closure.
— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Samhitha Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.