Anal Fistula Treatment in Vietnam: A Complete Guide for International Patients

Anal fistula is a painful, recurrent condition that forms when an abnormal tunnel connects the anal canal to the skin near the anus. It usually develops after an anal abscess that fails to heal completely. Anal fistulas rarely resolve on their own and typically require surgical intervention to prevent persistent infection, discomfort, and repeated abscess formation.

Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for anal fistula treatment, offering modern surgical techniques, highly skilled colorectal surgeons, excellent hospital facilities, and affordable costs. This guide provides a full overview of symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, surgical options, recovery expectations, pricing, and the best hospitals in Vietnam for international patients.

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What Is an Anal Fistula?

An anal fistula is a small, infected channel that forms between:

• The inside of the anal canal

• And the skin near the anus

It commonly begins with an infected anal gland that causes an abscess. When the abscess drains, a persistent tunnel may remain. This tunnel leaks pus or fluid and can cause significant discomfort.

Anal fistulas typically do not close without treatment. Surgery is the only definitive way to repair them.

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Common Symptoms of Anal Fistulas

Patients often report:

• Persistent drainage of pus or fluid

• Pain when sitting or during bowel movements

• Redness, swelling, or irritation around the anus

• Itching or burning sensation

• A visible hole or opening near the anus

• Recurrent abscesses

• Foul-smelling discharge

• Fever (if infection is severe)

Symptoms tend to worsen over time when left untreated.

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What Causes Anal Fistulas?

Most anal fistulas occur due to infection of anal glands that leads to abscess formation. Additional causes include:

• Prior anal abscess

• Crohn’s disease

• Ulcerative colitis

• Tuberculosis

• Trauma or injury

• Post-surgical complications

• Sexually transmitted infections (rare)

• Radiation therapy (rare)

Around 90% of cases are directly linked to anal abscesses.

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Types of Anal Fistulas

Anal fistulas are classified according to their relationship with anal sphincter muscles:

• Intersphincteric fistula – most common

• Transsphincteric fistula – involves both internal and external sphincters

• Suprasphincteric fistula – more complex

• Extrasphincteric fistula – rare

• Horseshoe fistula – multiple branching tracts

The type of fistula determines the appropriate surgical technique.

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Diagnosis of Anal Fistulas in Vietnam

Colorectal specialists in Vietnam use advanced tools for accurate diagnosis:

• Physical examination

• Digital rectal examination

• Probing of the fistula tract

• Anoscopy

• Endoanal ultrasound

• MRI pelvis (gold standard for complex fistulas)

• CT scan (in cases of spreading infection)

Proper imaging is essential to map the fistula tract fully and minimize recurrence.

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Anal Fistula Treatment Options in Vietnam

Surgery is the only effective treatment. Vietnam offers a wide range of modern procedures performed by experienced colorectal surgeons.

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1. Fistulotomy (Open Fistula Surgery)

Fistulotomy is the most common and effective method for simple fistulas.

Procedure overview:

• The surgeon opens the entire fistula tract

• It heals naturally from the inside out

• Performed under local, spinal, or general anesthesia

Advantages:

• High success rate

• Fast recovery

• Low recurrence

Best for:

Simple, low-lying fistulas not involving major sphincter muscles.

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2. Seton Placement

A seton is a medical thread or rubber loop inserted into the fistula.

Types:

• Loose seton: for drainage without cutting muscle

• Cutting seton: gradually tightens to divide tissue safely

Advantages:

• Preserves anal sphincter function

• Reduces the risk of incontinence

• Effective for complex fistulas

Best for:

Transsphincteric or deep, complex fistulas.

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3. LIFT Procedure (Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract)

A minimally invasive option that avoids dividing sphincter muscles.

Procedure overview:

• Surgeon accesses the tract in the intersphincteric space

• The tract is tied off and removed

• No cutting of sphincter muscles

Advantages:

• Low recurrence rate

• Very low risk of incontinence

• Faster healing

Best for:

Complex fistulas involving sphincter muscles.

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4. Advancement Flap Surgery

Used when other procedures fail or when the fistula is high-lying.

Procedure overview:

• The internal opening is covered with a flap of tissue

• The fistula tract is cleaned or removed

Advantages:

• Good for recurrent cases

• Preserves continence

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5. Biological Glue or Fibrin Sealant

A minimally invasive option for selected cases.

Advantages:

• No cutting or incisions

• Fast recovery

• Very little pain

Limitations:

Lower long-term success rates than surgical techniques.

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6. Anal Fistula Plug

A specially designed plug (often collagen-based) is inserted into the fistula.

Advantages:

• Minimally invasive

• Muscle-sparing

• Good option for non-complex fistulas

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7. Laser Fistula Treatment (FiLaC / FILAC)

Some hospitals in Vietnam offer laser-based treatment.

Advantages:

• Minimally invasive

• Low bleeding

• Fast healing

• Effective for selected fistulas

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8. Fistula Treatment for Crohn’s Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may require combined therapy:

• Anti-TNF medications

• Antibiotics

• Seton placement

• Drainage procedures

Vietnamese specialists are familiar with managing complex Crohn’s-related fistulas.

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Recovery After Anal Fistula Surgery

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure.

General recovery timeline:

• 1–3 days: mild discomfort

• 1–2 weeks: resume daily activities

• 4–6 weeks: healing for fistulotomy cases

• 6–12 weeks: healing for LIFT or flap procedures

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Post-operative Care Tips

• Warm sitz baths 2–3 times daily

• Keep the area clean and dry

• High-fiber diet to prevent constipation

• Use stool softeners if needed

• Avoid heavy lifting for 1–2 weeks

• Attend follow-up appointments

• Report fever, worsening pain, or heavy bleeding

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Possible Complications

While surgery is generally safe, potential risks include:

• Fistula recurrence

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Temporary or rare permanent incontinence

• Pain or discomfort

• Delayed healing

Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces the likelihood of complications.

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Cost of Anal Fistula Treatment in Vietnam

Vietnam provides high-quality treatment at significantly lower prices.

Estimated costs (2025):

Compared to Western nations, Vietnam is 70–90% cheaper.

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Best Hospitals for Anal Fistula Treatment in Vietnam

1. Vinmec International Hospital (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City)

Advanced colorectal surgery with international standards.

2. FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)

JCI-accredited, popular among expatriates and international patients.

3. Viet Duc University Hospital (Hanoi)

Leading surgical hospital in Vietnam with experienced proctology teams.

4. Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center (UMC)

Reliable colorectal care and modern diagnostic tools.

5. 108 Military Central Hospital (Hanoi)

Particularly strong in complex surgical cases.

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Why Choose Vietnam for Anal Fistula Treatment?

• Affordable surgical costs

• Highly trained colorectal surgeons

• Modern operating rooms and imaging

• Minimally invasive surgical options

• English-speaking staff (in private hospitals)

• Quick scheduling and minimal waiting times

• Ideal environment for medical tourism

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Travel Tips for International Patients

• Plan 7–10 days in Vietnam (consultation, surgery, follow-ups)

• Bring medical records, MRI, or ultrasound if available

• Choose accommodation near the hospital

• Avoid long flights immediately after surgery unless cleared

• Have travel insurance if needed

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FAQ

1. Can an anal fistula heal without surgery?

No, surgery is required for definitive treatment.

2. Is the surgery painful?

Mild discomfort is normal, but pain is manageable.

3. Will bowel control be affected?

Modern techniques preserve sphincter muscles and minimize risks.

4. How long is hospital stay?

Many procedures are outpatient; complex cases may require 1–2 days.

5. When can I travel?

Most patients can travel within 5–7 days, depending on the procedure.