Dr. Mohammed Hatem AlsubaihFor education and visit preparation; individual assessment requires a clinical history and examination.
What is moved?
The surgeon mobilises a flap of tissue to cover the internal fistula opening after addressing the tract. This aims to close the connection from inside without laying open the entire tract through the sphincter muscles.
What changes suitability?
Tissue quality, previous repairs, scarring, branches and collections matter. Active rectal inflammation, including Crohn-related proctitis, may change the timing or the choice of repair. Assessment includes baseline continence, not just the appearance of the external opening.
How is this different from LIFT?
A flap covers the internal opening; LIFT interrupts the tract between the sphincters. The available anatomy helps determine which can be performed. Neither method is universally best, and a sphincter-preserving intention does not remove all risks of recurrence or altered continence.
Agree on follow-up
Ask how closure will be assessed and whom to contact for renewed swelling, pain or drainage. Use the instructions from your operating team for wound care and medicines, because these depend on the actual procedure performed.
Questions for your appointment
- Is the tissue suitable for a flap now?
- Why choose a flap rather than LIFT for my tract?
- What happens if the repair does not heal?