Apologies for posting this here as well as the 'general surgery' forum, but want to cast as wide a net as possible.
Hi,
I am 3 months along from my 2nd Fistulotomy ('laying open') of what was meant to be a simple, superficial anal fistula. I had this done both times in the UK on the NHS with the same colorectal surgeon.
Apparently there's a 1/5 chance of a recurrence with simple fistulas, so I fall into the "unlucky" camp having had it recur. The first surgery was done about 1 year 3 months prior to the recent second op.
My research suggests recurrence is usually because the surgeon 'missed' part of the tract during the 'laying open' operation, so with one recurrence already under my belt, I'm not at all confident this second op will be the end to this and fear he's missed something this time as well. I seriously do not want to spend waste another year hoping I've healed, only to discover it starts all over again.
More research suggests it's advisable to get an MRI if there's a recurrence, to make sure you understand what you're dealing with and aren't missing something. This was never offered to me.
I'm going for my first check-up with the NHS surgeon in a month and plan on pushing him hard to get an MRI done to see if it's really worked, but I'm doubtful I'll get one.
So back to my post title, does anyone have a suggestion for a good private radiologist doing MRI in the UK, ideally specialising in anal fistual?
Rather niche request I know, but hey, if you can't request a private specialist in radio imaging for a potential tiny tunnel hidden in your arse that's ruining your life on this site, where can you.
Thanks to all and everyone, wouldn't it be nice if we had arses that actually acted like arses rather than arseholes.
NeverEnds (less funny every time I log in)

Gets confusing, though, with answers, if you post in more than one part of the forum. Hope you saw the suggestion on your other post!

Hi Savaici,
replied in the other forum and yes you're right, one place is better!
Thanks
N

hello Neverends.
I have not seen the other reply from savaici... but from my personal experience (having had 2 MRIs, as I was lucky enough to have a good private insurance), MRIs are utterly useless if the fistula track is very small or thin. My MRI scans were looked at by the surgeon himself and while it was generally useful, it didn't provide any insights about its actual measurements and in my case if there was an internal opening or not. What I was told instead, is that an ultrasound under anaesthesia is more useful and based on which the "laying open" could be done. Scary.. isn't it, going under the knife with an understanding that a decision will be made when you are unconscious by surgeons who have missed the spot twice before (I just had my 3rd op). That being said... your fistula track may be bigger than mine and in which an MRI can help. Definitely go for it, leave no stone unturned. However do insist that they use an ultrasound during the OP to follow the track, as that should help much more.
Good luck mate.. may the force be with you!