VAAFT Anal Fistula Treatment in Limassol, Cyprus
VAAFT (Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment) is a minimally invasive technique that treats an anal fistula from inside the tract, under direct camera vision. It lets Dr. Koulouteris find the internal opening precisely and close the fistula while protecting the sphincter muscles and continence.
- Technique
- VAAFT — endoscopic, sphincter-preserving fistula treatment under camera vision
- Anaesthesia
- Regional or general anaesthesia
- Procedure time
- Approx. 30–60 minutes, depending on the fistula
- Hospital stay
- Day-case — usually home the same day
- Return to routine
- Often within a few days
- Private or through GESY
- These operations are covered both within GESY and privately and/or through insurance funds.
What is VAAFT?
VAAFT — Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment — is a minimally invasive technique for treating an anal fistula. A fine endoscope (a tiny camera) is passed along the fistula tract, allowing the surgeon to see the inside of the fistula directly, find the internal opening accurately and identify any side branches.
Because the whole fistula is treated from within and the internal opening is closed, there is no need to cut through the sphincter muscle. This makes VAAFT a sphincter-preserving option that aims to clear the fistula while protecting continence — particularly useful for complex or branching fistulas. Dr. Koulouteris will advise whether VAAFT, FiLaC® laser or conventional surgery is the best fit for your fistula.
When VAAFT may be recommended
VAAFT is considered for anal fistulas where protecting the sphincter is a priority. It may be suitable if you have:
- A persistent or recurring anal fistula with discharge from an opening near the anus
- A complex or branching fistula seen on examination or imaging
- A fistula that crosses a significant amount of sphincter muscle, where laying it open would risk continence
- A recurrent fistula after previous surgery
- A preference for a minimally invasive, sphincter-preserving approach
- A fistula where locating the internal opening precisely is important
When to seek prompt care
A painful, swollen, hot area near the anus — especially with fever — may be an abscess that needs prompt drainage before any definitive fistula treatment. Ongoing discharge or a non-healing opening near the anus should always be assessed.
How VAAFT works
VAAFT has two phases — a diagnostic phase to see and map the fistula from within, and a treatment phase to destroy the tract lining and close the internal opening. The whole procedure is carried out through the fistula and the anus, with no external cutting of the sphincter.
- 01
Consultation & assessment
The fistula is examined and its track mapped — sometimes with imaging such as MRI or ultrasound — to confirm VAAFT is suitable and plan the treatment.
- 02
Anaesthesia
The procedure is carried out under regional or general anaesthesia.
- 03
Video-assisted diagnosis & treatment
A fine endoscope is passed along the fistula to view it from within and find the internal opening. The tract lining is then destroyed and cleaned, and the internal opening is closed — all without cutting the sphincter.
- 04
Recovery room
You are monitored briefly in the recovery area and, in most cases, return home the same day.
What to know before your treatment
- 01Tell the Doctor about all medication you take — some blood-thinning medicines may need to be paused.
- 02You may be given simple bowel-preparation instructions before the procedure.
- 03Arrange for someone to drive you home, particularly if sedation or general anaesthesia is used.
- 04Tell the Doctor about any previous anal or fistula surgery, which can affect planning.
What recovery looks like
Because VAAFT does not cut the sphincter, recovery is generally quick and comfortable. The timeline below is a general guide — your individual recovery depends on the complexity of the fistula.
Day 1–3
Mild discomfort and a small amount of discharge are normal and managed with simple pain relief. Warm baths and gentle hygiene help.
Week 1
Most people return to everyday activities and desk-based work. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity.
Weeks 2–6
Healing continues. Follow-up confirms the fistula is healing and continence is preserved.
Beyond 6 weeks
Most patients are fully recovered. Complex or recurrent fistulas may need more than one procedure.
Contact the clinic if you notice
- •Increasing pain, redness or swelling around the anus
- •Fever, or a return of abscess-like symptoms
- •Heavy or persistent bleeding
- •Difficulty controlling wind or stool
Frequently asked questions
Conventional surgery may lay the fistula open (fistulotomy), which can risk the sphincter for higher fistulas. VAAFT treats the fistula from within, under direct camera vision, and closes the internal opening without cutting the sphincter — making it a sphincter-preserving option, especially useful for complex fistulas.
Discuss VAAFT with Dr. Koulouteris
If you have a complex or recurrent anal fistula, VAAFT offers a minimally invasive, sphincter-preserving option. Book a consultation for an expert assessment and a treatment plan suited to you.
This information is reviewed by Dr. Eleftherios Koulouteris, General & Laparoscopic Surgeon. It is for general guidance only and does not replace a personal medical consultation.