PATIENT GUIDE · LAHORE
Treat the tract while protecting bowel control.
Repeated discharge or an opening near the anus may be caused by an anal fistula. A treatment plan should account for the tract, previous operations and the sphincter muscles.
Consultations with Prof. Dr. Zahid Mahmood, MBBS, FCPS
General, Laparoscopic & Laser Surgeon
بھگندر: بار بار پیپ، سوجن یا سوراخ کی شکایت میں معائنہ ضروری ہے۔ علاج کا انتخاب ناسور کے راستے اور پاخانے کے کنٹرول کے پٹھوں کو دیکھ کر ہوتا ہے۔
اپائنٹمنٹ کے لیے فون یا WhatsApp پر رابطہ کریں؛ کلینک آپ کے وقت کی تصدیق کرے گا۔
Symptoms · Treatment options · Recovery & follow-up · Common questions · Clinic & appointments
When to seek urgent medical care
Increasing anal pain, swelling, fever or feeling severely unwell needs urgent assessment for an abscess or spreading infection. Do not wait for a routine booking reply.
If severely unwell, go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment or a WhatsApp reply.
Watch: Complex Anal Fistula Treatment | Laser Surgeon Lahore | Prof. Dr. Zahid Mahmood
View patient awareness posters (5)
Anal fistula: patient awareness posters
Tap any poster to view it full size.
Symptoms & reasons to seek assessment
An anal fistula is a tunnel between the anal canal and nearby skin, often following an abscess. It rarely heals permanently on its own.
- Repeated pus or blood-stained discharge near the anus.
- An opening, skin irritation or recurrent swelling.
- Throbbing pain; fever can occur with an associated abscess.
What happens at your consultation?
Clinical examination identifies openings and infection. MRI or other imaging may help map complex or recurrent disease before a procedure.
Bring relevant reports and scans, previous treatment details, and a list of medicines and allergies. Examination and tests are selected for your situation; not every patient needs every test.
Understanding the treatment options
Control infection
An associated abscess may need drainage. Antibiotics alone do not usually close a fistula.
Simple low tracts
Fistulotomy may be suitable when little sphincter muscle is involved.
Complex tracts
A seton, LIFT or other sphincter-preserving procedure may be considered. Laser is an option for selected cases, with uncertainties about lasting success.
Recovery, risks & follow-up
Dressings and follow-up depend on the procedure. Some fistulas need staged treatment. Discuss recurrence, infection and effects on continence before surgery.
Your consulting surgeon
Prof. Dr. Zahid Mahmood
MBBS, FCPS (Surgery)
General, Laparoscopic & Laser Surgeon
Consultations at Hameed Latif Hospital and Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Discuss your findings, treatment choices and the need for any further specialist referral.
Common patient questions
Can recurrence happen after treatment?
Yes. Complexity and previous procedures affect the plan; further treatment may be needed.
Is laser suitable for every fistula?
No. The anatomy and muscle involvement determine which options are reasonable.
How much will assessment or treatment cost?
Costs depend on the required tests, procedure, hospital and expected stay. Ask for an itemised estimate after assessment. A fixed price cannot be confirmed without reviewing your case.
Is my appointment confirmed when I send a message?
No. A call or message requests an appointment. The clinic will confirm the location, date and time.
Request a consultation
Call 0300 4130159 or send an appointment request on WhatsApp. State your name, preferred clinic and suitable day.
Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore
Tuesday & Thursday
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Please confirm availability before travelling. An appointment is confirmed only after the clinic responds. These contact routes are for routine appointments, not emergency care.
Further information
Laser Proctology Surgery Lahore — further information
Medical information sources: NHS: anal fistula; NHS: fistula treatment.
Updated 9 November 2026. This information is for general education. Diagnosis and treatment require an individual clinical assessment.