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Concierge colorectal · UK

Anal fistula surgery (LIFT / VAAFT) - sphincter-sparing options for complex fistulas.

Modern surgical options include LIFT (ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract) and VAAFT (video-assisted anal fistula treatment). The right operation depends on MRI mapping and the fistula anatomy.

A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Why patients choose us

  • 01

    A subspecialty consultant

    A UK colorectal consultant matched to your case - not a generalist on a list.

  • 02

    Booked in days, not weeks

    Weekday, evening and weekend slots across London and the major UK cities.

  • 03

    Independent, and free

    We take no fee from clinics, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.

Indicative pricing

What private anal fistula surgery costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.

In short

anal fistula surgery in our network: £3,000–£7,000, results in Day case or overnight.

Procedure Indicative range
Anal fistula surgery (LIFT / VAAFT) £3,000–£7,000
Consultant consultation £200–£400
Pre-procedure bloods £80–£220
Follow-up review £150–£300

Prices vary by hospital, by consultant and by the complexity of your case.

The problem

The right anal fistula surgery, at the right time - with the right consultant.

NHS pathways are excellent but capacity is stretched. Private care shortens the timeline and lets you choose the consultant.

  • NHS waits are long

    Median waits for elective work vary by region and specialty; private care shortens the timeline.

  • The right consultant matters

    Outcomes in colorectal track with volume and subspecialisation - not just hospital brand.

  • Insurer processes are opaque

    We handle preauth, coding and any second-opinion requirements on your behalf.

The journey

From enquiry to follow-up - what happens, in order.

One team from first message through procedure and follow-up.

  1. 01

    Before

    Send us your history

    Symptoms, prior tests, any letters - a short message is enough.

  2. 02

    Before

    Match to a consultant

    A colorectal consultant matched to your case, not a general list.

  3. 03

    Before

    Preparation instructions

    Fasting, medication and consent guidance ahead of the visit.

  4. 04

    On the day

    The procedure

    Anal fistula surgery (LIFT / VAAFT) performed by your consultant in a CQC-registered unit.

  5. 05

    On the day

    Same-day observation

    Nursing observation before discharge with written instructions.

  6. 06

    After

    Report and results

    Consultant report within Day case or overnight, sent to you and your GP.

  7. 07

    After

    Follow-up and plan

    Next-step plan agreed at MDT where indicated.

When it helps

When anal fistula surgery is the right step.

Situations where anal fistula surgery is a reasonable next step in the UK.

  • Recurrent perianal abscess

    Fistula suspected - MRI first.

  • Discharging perianal opening

    Chronic sepsis, low grade discharge.

  • Crohn’s perianal disease

    Biologics plus staged setons.

  • Failed prior fistulotomy

    Sphincter-sparing repair required.

  • Transsphincteric fistula on MRI

    LIFT or advancement flap indicated.

Procedure options

Options within anal fistula surgery.

Technique and delivery vary by consultant and case.

  • Fistulotomy

    For low, simple fistulas - high healing rates.

  • LIFT

    Sphincter-sparing division at the intersphincteric plane.

  • VAAFT

    Endoscopic identification and closure of the internal opening.

  • Advancement flap

    Complex or recurrent transsphincteric fistulas.

  • Seton drainage

    Staged control in Crohn’s or complex sepsis.

Our vetted UK network

A small panel of colorectal consultants, we picked them.

UK consultants across London and the major cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.

  • CQC-registered hospitals and day units across the UK

  • UK GMC-registered subspecialty consultants performing the procedure

  • Same-week appointments including evenings and weekends where clinically safe

  • Direct insurer preauth handling for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

The safety profile is well understood - the honest bits are here.

  • Recurrence

    20–40% depending on complexity - MRI-guided planning helps.

  • Incontinence risk

    Sphincter-sparing techniques minimise this.

  • Bleeding

    Usually minor.

  • Wound care

    Daily sitz baths and dressings for weeks.

  • Time off work

    2–4 weeks, more for complex repairs.

  • MDT in Crohn’s

    Gastroenterology and colorectal joint plan.

Reading your notes

Your report in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever centre performs the procedure, the report keeps to the same shape.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication and consent

    Why the procedure was done, what was consented and any relevant history.

  2. 02 Findings

    What was seen or done

    The technical detail - anatomy, samples, devices used, measurements.

  3. 03 Assessment

    Consultant interpretation

    What the findings mean in your clinical context.

  4. 04 Impression

    Summary and next step

    Read this first - the bottom line and recommended follow-up.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Usually covered by UK private medical insurance when there is a specialist referral and a clear clinical indication.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about anal fistula surgery.

  • How much does private anal fistula surgery cost in the UK?

    £3,000–£7,000 at our network centres - a firm quote depends on the consultant, unit and any add-ons. We share two or three options with cover checked.

  • Is anal fistula surgery covered by UK private medical insurance?

    Usually yes with a specialist referral and clear indication. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna are the mainstream insurers we work with.

  • How soon can I be booked?

    Most patients are seen within a week; urgent cases the same week where clinically appropriate.

  • Where is it performed?

    In CQC-registered UK hospitals and clinics across London and the major cities. We match you to a consultant, not a switchboard.

  • Will the NHS see the results?

    Only if you ask us to share them. The report goes to you and - with your consent - your NHS GP.

  • Is there an NHS pathway for this?

    Yes, but waits vary by region. Private care is an option when timing, choice of consultant or symptom burden makes waiting unattractive.

Related

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