Anal fistulas and pilonidal disease are painful and distressing conditions that can significantly affect quality of life, personal hygiene, self-esteem and ability to work. Traditional surgical treatments are often invasive, may require hospital admission, and carry risks such as wound complications or damage to the anal sphincter — potentially leading to faecal incontinence.

The Video-Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) system is a minimally invasive, camera-guided technique that allows surgeons to find, clean and seal abnormal tunnels (as in perianal fistulas and pilonidal disease) from the inside. Using a specialised fistula scope and targeted diathermy, the procedure treats the condition without large surgical wounds or damage to surrounding structures. This approach enables both diagnosis and treatment in a single day-case procedure, under local anaesthetic. It significantly reduces pain, recovery time and time off work, while maintaining a reported success rate of around 87%.

The VAAFT will reduce the number of invasive treatments of anal fistula tract by approximately 50%. The equipment can also be used to perform Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSiT), avoiding maximally-invasive surgery in approximately 30% of cases.

Over 100 patients per year across HHFT would benefit from this safer, more modern approach if available at both Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals.

Key Benefits

For the Patient

• Minimally Invasive – No large surgical wounds in the perianal or buttock region
• Protects Continence – Reduces the potential of faecal incontinence
• Day Case Procedure – Not need to stay in hospital
• Lower Re-Admission Rates – Reduced wound complications and postoperative care
• Faster Return to Normal Life – Less pain, quicker recovery and improved quality of life for the patient

For the Hospital

• Cost savings to Trust due to:
  1. Diagnosis and treatment both provided in a day case setting with no need to return to theatre
  2. Reduces Hospital Stays – Frees up theatre time and inpatient beds
  3. Single procedure performed under local anaesthetic.
  4. Fewer Scans – Direct visualisation removes the need for MRI scans or other multiple scans
  5. Reduced outpatient visits due to instant diagnosis
  6. Reduced re-admissions

By investing in VAAFT technology, HHFT will offer patients a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional surgery — improving dignity, recovery and long-term outcomes while saving money for the trust by reducing pressure on theatres, radiology and inpatient services.