Fistula-in-ano, a silent yet agonizing ailment, has always posed a treatment challenge to surgeons worldwide. The refractory nature of Fistula along with its tendency to recur continues to leave the best doctors perplexed. Consequently, those suffering from this condition find themselves anxiously searching for a definitive cure. In light of this scenario, Dr. Ashwin Porwal, renowned Proctologist and founder of Healing Hands Clinic, India, set out on devising a technique called DLPL that provides an assured and lasting cure.
Anal Fistula aka Fistula-in-ano is an abnormal track that forms between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It is commonly associated with a collection of pus in the bottom area called Rectal Abscess. Symptoms may be due to the underlying Abscess or due to Fistula per se. This includes throbbing pain, oozing of pus/watery fluid, swelling, itching and foul odor. Diagnosis is confirmed by a simple test called Proctoscopy. For a detailed study of the abscesses and track branching, Dr. Porwal introduced 3D Endo-anal Imaging. This imaging can also be used intra-operatively thus increasing the precision of the surgery.
Until recent times, Fistula was treated using different techniques like Fistulectomy, VAAFT, LIFT, Ksharsutra, Fistula Plug etc. However, these conventional techniques were quite painful or had high recurrence rates. Being a Proctologist, Dr. Porwal would come across a large number of previously treated Fistula cases who were rendered helpless after recurrences. Subsequently, he developed his own technique DLPL (Distal Laser Proximal Ligation). In this procedure, any abscess cavity along with the internal opening is first excised. This is followed by the closure of the distal tract. The proximal part of the fistula track is then sealed with the Laser energy. With the radially emitting fiber of the laser, energy is applied circumferentially to the track ensuring it’s complete ablation. Complete healing takes about 8 weeks on average.
Using this technique Dr. Porwal has treated Complex and Recurrent Fistulae with noteworthy success. Patients from across the globe come to Healing Hands Clinic in the hope of a cure. Dr. Porwal has presented numerous research papers at national and international conferences. The benefits of DLPL will definitely bring hope to despondent patients of Fistula who muddle along for years in search of a cure.