The Surgeon Behind the LIFT Technique for Anal Fistula: Prof. Dr. Arun Rojanasakul

For those suffering from recurrent or complex anal fistulas, the journey to healing can be long and discouraging. But hope has a name—Emeritus Professor Dr. Arun Rojanasakul, the world-renowned Thai colorectal surgeon who invented a revolutionary treatment: the LIFT technique.

The Man Behind the Breakthrough

In 2007, in Bangkok, Dr. Arun Rojanasakul introduced a new way to treat one of the most stubborn and painful anorectal conditions. His technique—LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract)—is a minimally invasive, sphincter-sparing procedure that avoids many of the complications associated with traditional surgeries.

 

The LIFT technique involves:

• A precise incision at the intersphincteric groove
• Careful identification and ligation of the fistula tract
• Removal of infected cryptoglandular tissue
• Scraping and cleansing of granulation tissue
• Suturing the defect at the external sphincter to promote natural healing

 
This method, which preserves continence and shortens recovery, demonstrated an impressive 94% healing rate in its early studies—and has since been adopted worldwide as a gold standard for complex anal fistula care.

 

From Inventor to Healing Hands

Today, Emeritus Prof. Dr. Arun Rojanasakul continues to perform the very procedure he pioneered—offering hands-on care at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok. His passion for healing and decades of experience make him one of the world’s most trusted experts in this highly specialized field.
 
Patients come to him from across the globe—many having undergone multiple unsuccessful surgeries—because they know they are being treated by the best: either by the original innovator himself, or by the skilled surgeons he has personally trained.

 

Bumrungrad: The Final Destination for Difficult Cases

If you’ve been told your condition is too complex...
If you’ve had previous surgeries but still experience symptoms...
If you're seeking a solution that truly works...

 

Bumrungrad International Hospital is your destination—offering:

• Advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical technology
• Personalized care from Emeritus Prof. Dr. Arun Rojanasakul and the expert team under his direct mentorship
• A compassionate, multilingual international patient support team

 

FAQs About LIFT Surgery for Anal Fistulas

Q:  What is the LIFT procedure for anal fistulas?
A: LIFT (Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract) is a minimally invasive surgery that treats complex anal fistulas while preserving the anal sphincter, reducing the risk of incontinence.
 
Q: Who should consider LIFT surgery?
A: Patients with complex, recurrent, or previously failed anal fistula surgeries are ideal candidates. A colorectal specialist can confirm if LIFT is the best option.
 
Q: What are the main benefits of LIFT surgery?
A: LIFT offers high success rates, minimal pain, no sphincter cutting, faster recovery, and excellent long-term results—improving comfort and quality of life.
 
Q: Why choose Bumrungrad for LIFT surgery?
A: At Bumrungrad International Hospital, LIFT is performed either by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Arun Rojanasakul himself—the inventor of the technique—or by expert surgeons trained by him, all supported by the specialized Colorectal Surgery Center team.
 
 
Discover the Complex Anal Fistula Surgery Program at Bumrungrad


Colorectal Surgery Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital
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Reviewed by Dr. Navara Dusitanond