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Bleed-free and minimally invasive solutions from the Surgical Clinic of Peristeri Medical Center

For the combined technique of the new revolutionary E-RaFisTura method, which is applied at the Surgical Clinic of Peristeri Medical Center, writes Dr. Anastasios G. Xiarchos, General Surgeon, Director of the Surgical Clinic of Peristeri Medical Center

Perianal or perianal fistula:

The perianal (or perianal) fistula is a small communication channel between the final part of the large intestine (rectum) and the skin around the anus. Most often it is caused by an anorectal abscess, which begins as an infection in one of the anal glands.

This infection can be limited to the space between the sphincters or spread to the skin around the anus or extend to the external anal sphincter. It is very likely that a fistula is also associated with diseases such as Crohn’s disease, sexually transmitted diseases, injuries, tuberculosis, malignancies or diverticulitis. In recent years, this condition has been on the rise, with the disease mainly “preferring” children and young men, because these two categories of the population have relatively high levels of male hormones.

The incidence of the disease is 10 cases per 100,000 population, but in patients with Crohn’s disease the incidence reaches 30-40%. It has been observed that perianal fistula can lead, although extremely rarely, even to sepsis.

What are the causes of their appearance?

The main cause of their creation is the obstruction of the excretory duct of the perianal glands, which leads to inflammation, swelling and ultimately the creation of a perianal abscess. Statistically, approximately 80% of abscesses develop into a fistula.

Perianal fistula & symptoms?

Perianal fistula may present from minimal to obvious symptoms. Among other things, the patient will experience itching, bad odor, pain, the creation of granulomatous tissue that bleeds, while the creation of an abscess is not excluded, if it blocks the external opening. Any of these symptoms should prompt the patient to visit a specialized surgeon immediately, no matter how uncomfortable they may feel, in order to avoid any unpleasant outcome.

Combination of minimally invasive techniques, E-RaFisTura: Definitive and permanent solution

However, the development of technology has given us the ability to use minimally invasive methods such as Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT). Using this specific technique, an endoscopic “Syringoscope” (Fistuloscope) is inserted through the external opening of the fistula and examines the duct from the inside, discovering any additional ducts and abscess cavities.

This allows the surgeon to find the exact path of the fistula and project it on a three-dimensional enlarged image, which allows the operation to be performed with great precision. At the same time, combining the revolutionary method “Rafaelo” destroys the epithelium of the fistula, without causing burns to the surrounding tissues, in a completely targeted manner. The immediate result of this method is the treatment of the perianal fistula without damaging the sphincter, thus avoiding the risk of incontinence.

What are the advantages of this combination of minimally invasive methods?

By combining these two methods, the patient reaps all the benefits of minimally invasive techniques. Within a short time, which in most cases does not exceed 15-20 minutes, painlessly, bloodlessly and with local anesthesia, patients have a quick recovery and return to work and daily activities, the next day. Most importantly, however, patients are relieved, immediately after the procedure, while at the same time, the possibility of its recurrence is eliminated.

Peristeri Medical Center | Minimally Invasive Solutions for the Permanent Treatment of “Taboo” Diseases.

The Surgical Clinic of Peristeri Medical Center, under the Direction of Dr. Anastasios Xiarchos, General Surgeon, is the only clinic in Greece and one of the few in Southern Europe that applies the new, revolutionary method E-RaFisTura. The innovative combination method, which was applied for the first time in Greece, at the surgical clinic of Peristeri Medical Center, definitively treats “taboo” diseases (hemorrhoids, fistulas, coccygeal cyst)It is a Training Center in Greece certified by the company F Care Systems, based in Belgium, which offers a comprehensive training program, aimed at surgeons from Greece and abroad.

Based on all of the above, the choice of the attending physician should be based on parameters such as the experience and specialization of the surgeon, the broader hospital environment, the organized structures and, above all, the personalized treatment of the patient, as they exist and are applied in the hospitals of the Athens Medical Group.

Daily information on new technologies and materials, combined with the Group’s continuous investments in biomedical equipment, allows us to have the latest in modern treatment for surgical diseases of the anus.

At the same time, and through the collaboration of the Interdisciplinary Team, we are able to offer the most personalized solution for each case, no matter how complex it may be.