В Южном Сассексе на базе NHS запустили инновационную операцию VAAFT для лечения свищей при болезни Крона

A pioneering new surgical procedure is improving the lives of Crohn’s disease patients. Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment (VAAFT) is now being offered at University Hospitals Sussex in the South East, marking its first availability on the NHS in the region. VAAFT is a minimally invasive technique for treating complex anal fistulas, a painful complication of Crohn’s disease that can significantly affect daily life. Alfredo Tonsi, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Surgical Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Lead, said: "I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved by introducing VAAFT within our Trust. "For patients living with complex anal fistulas—particularly those with Crohn’s disease—this can be a long and very difficult journey, often marked by pain, repeated procedures and uncertainty." Read more: - Free health check roadshow returning with appointments for residents - Hove vet launches a new pet healthcare plan with unlimited consultations - Two mental health services shortlisted for prestigious national awards The first procedures were carried out on a child at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and an adult at Princess Royal Hospital. Until now, patients had to travel to specialist centres in London for treatment. The introduction of VAAFT in Sussex allows patients to receive care closer to home. The equipment was funded through a donation from a patient’s family and My University Hospitals Sussex charity. Plans are underway to expand the service across the trust and increase theatre capacity at Princess Royal Hospital.