AYURVEDA TREATMENT OF FISTULA
Kshara Sutra is utilized in the treatment of fistula in Ayurveda.
KSHARA SUTRA
Kshara Sutra is a seton thread medicated with organic alkalis,such as Apamargakshara(Achyranthesaspera), Arkakshara(Caltropisgigantea) or Snuhikshara (Euphorbia lingularia). The alkali is repeatedly coated on the seton thread 15 – 21 times. Apart from this, natural antibiotic like haridra powder, guggulu, etc are also used to make Ksharasutra. The mechanical action of the threads and the chemical action of the drugs coated , collectively do the work of cutting, curetting, draining, and cleaning the fistulous track, thus promoting healing of the track/ wound. This also acts both as the antiseptic and fibrotic agent to induce healing. The process of healing starts from deeper tissues and moves towards the periphery. This can be applied and changed periodically till the thread cuts the fistulous tract. Since the sphincter heals by fibrosis, there is no incontinence.
Under local anaesthesia, the kshara sutra is inserted into the tract and the two ends of the thread are tied forming a loop. The alkalis coated on the thread are continuously released throughout the length of the track there by cutting, curetting, draining cleansing and healing the track. This therapeutic action of the thread lasts for seven days. The old thread is then replaced with a new thread following the same procedure. Depending on the length of the tract and the extent of damage, the kshara sutra may be changed up to 5 times. The changing of the thread is a simple procedure taking about 1 to 2 minutes and requires no anaesthesia.
BENEFITS OF KSHARA SUTRA
The procedure does not require hospitalization for more than 4 to 5 hours
The patient requires minimal bed rest and can resume daily activities within 12 – 24 hours
No painful dressings required
The drugs coated on the Kshar-Sutra are slowly and gradually released into the track and the wound, leaving no abscess overseen. These abscess are drained out by the action of the drugs.
The sphincteric muscles are not dissected and hence the possibility of incontinence is ruled out.
COMPLICATIONS OF FISTULA
Depending on the effectiveness of the treatment, fistula may result in infection or incontinence of stools.
RECURRENCE OF FISTULA
The reoccurrence rate of fistula treated with kshara sutra ligation procedure is less than 2%. This is because the medicines on the thread gradually and continually curate the payogenic membrane and fibrous tissue in the track and thus leave no pus pockets undrained.
In some cases, the fistula can reoccur despite having surgery. After having a fistulotomy, the reoccurrence rate rises to 21%. After an advancement flap procedure, the reoccurrence rate may be as high as 36%.
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