The Columbia Anal Fistula Center is here to bring you top-quality care from world-leading experts in colorectal and anal conditions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an anal fistula, let us help by calling (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online today.
About Anal Fistulas
Anorectal fistulas are a common and frustrating problem that can significantly affect quality of life.
Anal fistulas usually occur after an anorectal abscess that develops due to infection in the glands within the anal canal lining that secrete mucus. This process is similar to how acne develops on the skin. Anyone is at risk of developing the condition, however, they may be associated with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, where fistulae might be more complex and particularly difficult to manage.
Anorectal fistulas can cause daily discomfort and pain. When left untreated, anal fistulas can lead to repeated infections and abscesses. Abscesses often need emergency drainage, which can mean urgent visits to the doctor’s office and emergency room.
Our Services
The Columbia Anal Fistula Center offers relief for people suffering from anal fistulas by giving multiple surgical options, delivered with the highest quality of care.
Surgery is the only option for curing anal fistulas. Different procedures can be used, however success rates depend on the type of procedure, the skill of the surgeon performing the operation, the center where it is done and the specific disease process the patient might have.
The surgeons at the Columbia Anal Fistula Center have extensive experience performing every fistula procedure and have a high rate of success with all fistulas, no matter the level of complexity. Fistulotomy, seton placement, rectal advancement flap repair, and LIFT procedures are performed by our surgeons and are individualized to the patient depending upon the nature and location of the fistula.
We work under the guidance of our director, Dr James Church, who was instrumental in building one of the most reputable colorectal division in the world at the Cleveland Clinic over nearly four decades and has now come to Columbia to pass his expertise on to a new generation of surgeons. A recent study that reviewed the results of Dr Church’s obliteration-of-the-intrasphincter-tract procedure revealed a success rate of healing of 98% in patients without Crohn’s disease and 87% in those with Crohn’s disease.
Our Team
All the colorectal surgeons on our team employ the obliteration-of-the-intrasphincter-tract procedure for anal fistula using Dr Church’s technique and principles of treatment. They have all been proctored by Dr Church and co-manage patients under his guidance.
P. Ravi Kiran, MD | Chief and Program Director, Division of Colorectal Surgery
James M. Church, MD | Director of Research, Section Head of Hereditary Cancer and Familial Polyposis, Division of Colorectal Surgery
Debbie Bakes, MD | Director of Regional Practice Operations
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Marco Bertucci Zoccali, MD | book an appointment online »
Beatrice Dionigi, MD | book an appointment online »
Joseph Riad, MD | book an appointment online »
David Schwartzberg, MD | book an appointment online »
Clinical Research
The Anal Fistula Center is at the forefront of research in the field. We organize and participate in numerous trials to improve standards of care.
Recent publication: Advancement Flap Repair: A Good Option For Complex Anorectal Fistulas
Our Offices
The Columbia Anal Fistula Center is located at the main NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus in Washington Heights. Can’t make it to our offices? We also offer virtual visits.
Washington Heights-NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center (Main Campus)
Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10032
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment with the Anal Fistula Center, please call us at (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online today.
We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your plan when you call to make your appointment. Medical records can be faxed to (212) 305-0267.