Fistulectomy

Fistulectomy is a surgical procedure where a fistulous tract is excised (cut out) completely. This is compared with fistulotomy, where the fistulous tract is merely laid open to heal.

Fistulae are a feature of many diseases, but commonly fistulectomy refers to an operation for an anal fistula (fistula-in-ano). Fistulectomy removes secondary fistulous tracts compared to fistulotomy, but fistulotomy has shorter healing times and less chance of damage to the sphincters.

See also

• Anal fistula
• perianal abscess
• Crohn's disease