Skip to content
header-logo
Treatment

FiLaC: Laser Treatment That Aims To Protect The Sphincter

FiLaC uses a flexible laser fibre inside an anal fistula. Energy is delivered around the tract as the fibre is pulled back. The aim is to close the tunnel without cutting through the sphincter muscles that help control the bowel.

Book Consultation

Before FiLaC

The fistula route must be understood and any abscess controlled. Some patients need MRI, ultrasound, a seton or another procedure first.

The Procedure

Under local anaesthetic for suitable Feylix patients, the tract is cleaned and the laser fibre is guided through it. The inner opening may also need treatment. You normally go home the same day.

Main Benefit

FiLaC is sphincter-sparing. This matters most when opening the tract would divide important muscle and increase the risk of leakage.

Main Limitation

Healing is not guaranteed. Published results vary, and a repeat treatment or a different operation may be needed.

Alternatives

Fistulotomy, seton treatment, LIFT, advancement flap and other sphincter-saving methods may be considered. No single method suits every fistula.

Questions People Ask

Book Consultation

Sometimes, but a shallow simple fistula may heal more reliably after fistulotomy (a simple cut) with a low risk to muscle. The choice must be individual.

There are usually small openings rather than a long laid-open wound, but drainage during healing is normal.

Pain and discharge should improve, and the openings should close. Follow-up matters because symptoms can return.

Sometimes. A repeat treatment may be reasonable, but the fistula should be reassessed first.

FiLaC is designed to avoid cutting the sphincter, so the risk is low, but no anal procedure has zero risk and existing symptoms matter.

Related Links