Ksharasutra

Q1. What is Ksharasutra?

Ans. Ksharasutra is nothing but a surgical linen thread of gauge 20, which assumes the size of Gauge 14 or 15 after 21 repeated coatings of Kshara, Haridra and Snuhi latex in a special manner.

Q2. How does Ksharasutra act?

Ans. It comprised of excision and primary closure of the tract with prevention of fibrous tissue formation in the deeper portion of Fistula by effectively induced drainage of the oozing tissue fluid.

Q3. Whether Ksharasutra is a surgical method?

Ans. No, it is a para-surgical approach rather than a surgical fistulectomy.

Q4. What is the use of Kshara in Ksharasutra?

Ans. Kshara produces debridement by way of its hygroscopic nature.

Q5. Whether Ayurveda advocates Ksharasutra as the only therapy for Ano-rectal diseases?

Ans. No, Ksharasutra therapy is one among four methods of treating the diseases viz. medicinal method, Kshara/Ksharasutra method, Agni method & surgical method.

Q6. Whether Ksharasutra is applied only in cases of Fistula-in-Ano?

Ans. No, Ksharasutra is not only for the treatment of Fistula-in-Ano but also for all those conditions which demand gradual excision of overgrown soft tissues like piles mass, polyps, warts, papillae & also non-healing chronic sinuses and debridement ulcers.

Q7. What are the additional advantages of the Ksharasutra therapy?

Ans.

• It is an ambulatory treatment for Fistula in Ano.
• It can be carried out at OPD level.
• Ksharasutra can be replaced with a new one once a week.
• The Therapy depends upon the length of the tract.
• There is cutting and healing of the tract simultaneously.
• It can also be carried out in cases associated with certain systemic diseases like Tuberculosis, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Ischemic Heart disease, Neuropathic condition, Anaemia, Urinary tract infection etc.

Q8. Whether there are any chances of recurrence after Ksharasutra therapy in Fistula-in-Ano?

Ans. Yes, Fistula in Ano treated with Ksharasutra MAY reoccur IN FEW CASES (ABOU 4% - 6% CASES)

Q9. What is Fistula?

Ans. A fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting two body cavities (such as the rectum and the vagina) or a body cavity to the skin (like the rectum to the outside of the body). One way a fistula may form is from an abscess -- a pocket of pus in the body. The abscess may be constantly filling with body fluids such as stool or urine, which prevents healing. Eventually the fistula breaks through to the skin, another body cavity, or an organ (taken from google)

 

A fistula is a tubular structure, which connects two epihelialised cavities with each other (or one cavity to the surface having unhealthy granulation tissue and chronic fibrous material) and is often associated with communicates with large abscess cavity which is filled with purulent discharge. It may occur in any part of the body.

Q10. What is Fistula-in-Ano?

Ans.
Fistula-in-Ano is a chronic inflammatory tubular structure which is supposed to communicate with the Ano rectal canal at one end & the surface of perineal or peri-anal skin on the other.

Q11. What is the use of Snuhi Ksheera in Ksharasutra?

Ans. It has strong sticking property and can holds the particles of other ingredients firmly over the thread along with debridement of tissues because of the proteolytic enzymes present in it.

Q12. What is the use of Haridra powder in Ksharasutra?

Ans. The excessive hygroscopic phenomenon of Kshara will be prevented by Haridra. It has also got antiseptic and anti histaminic actions and promotes healing.

Q13. In which order are the 3 materials of Ksharasutra to be coated?

Ans. The Linen thread is initially coated 11 times with Snuhi latex. Next, seven coatings with Snuhi latex and Kshara powder and finally, three coatings with Snuhi latex along with Haridra powder.

Q14. How much time is required for the complete cure/healing of Fistula in ano by Ksharasutra therapy?

Ans. In general the Healing of the tract occurs with the rate of 1 cm per week approximately.

Q15. If there is any plan to include Ksharasutra into the mainstream National Health delivery system?

Ans. Yes, the department of AYUSH is planning to setup Ksharasutra speciality clinics at Allopathy outlets inDistrict, Sub-District and Primary Health Centers.

Q16. Is there any programme organized at National level about Ksharasutra?

Ans. Yes, there was a national seminar on Ksharasutra organized by Department of AYUSH on 23rd and 24th August, 2007 for general awareness.