University Hospitals Sussex introduces groundbreaking Crohn’s disease treatment
Innovative surgery offers new hope for patients with complex anal fistulas
Patients with Crohn’s disease in the South East are gaining access to a cutting-edge surgical procedure for complex anal fistulas, now available through the NHS for the first time in this region.
Crohn’s disease is an ongoing condition causing gut inflammation, leading to flare-ups and periods of remission.
Complex anal fistulas, one of the more distressing symptoms, can severely affect a patient’s daily life and relationships.
University Hospitals Sussex is introducing Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT), a minimally invasive approach using a small camera to directly visualise and treat the fistula tract.
This technique avoids the need for traditional surgery, preserves the sphincter muscle, and offers quicker recovery, less pain, and improved quality of life.
Performed as a day case procedure, VAAFT allows patients to return home the same day, minimising disruption to their lives.
The first VAAFT procedures were successfully completed on both paediatric and adult patients at Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital by Mr Alfredo Tonsi and his clinical team.
Mr Alfredo Tonsi, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Surgical Inflammatory Bowel Disease Lead, shared his enthusiasm: “The introduction of VAAFT marks an exciting step forward for our colorectal service and for patients across our local community. This is more than introducing a new technique; it is about restoring hope and improving quality of life for patients who have often struggled for a long time.”
Previously, patients had to travel to specialist centres in London for this treatment, which is now accessible closer to home at University Hospitals Sussex.
Polly Smith from Burgess Hill, whose son developed anal fistulas due to Crohn’s disease, saw the impact firsthand. Her charitable donation, matched by My University Hospitals Sussex, helped fund the advanced equipment necessary to deliver this service locally.
Polly said: “These are so tough to manage on a day-to-day basis and to have the normal life that you want when you’re young... Essentially making this donation plus the charitable fund money meant that patients at UHSussex can all benefit.”
Plans are underway to expand theatre capacity at Princess Royal Hospital, enabling the team to perform more complex fistula procedures and extend this innovative technique to all eligible patients.
The introduction of VAAFT is a significant milestone for University Hospitals Sussex, adding to its recognition as a centre of excellence in treating complex conditions involving the anus, rectum, and lower digestive tract.