Anal fistula is an anorectal condition with over 90% of cases being
cryptoglandular in origin and occurring after anorectal abscesses. The traditional method of
treatment of an anal fistula is by excision or de roofing the tract awaiting complete healing.. Aim:
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of diode laser 980 nm in the treatment of low fistula in
ano. Methods: The study was performed between June 2019 to end of September 2019, at the
institute of laser for postgraduate study in Baghdad university. A cohort of ten male patients with a
provisional diagnosis of low type anal fistula were selected for this study and treated by interstitial
photothermal therapy of fistula epithelium by diode laser 980nm . They were ageing from 21-45
years. Results: The mean operative time was 18.9 minutes (range of 12-25) minutes. All patients
discharged after procedure to their home. No pain is presented by seven patients. Only three
patients reported a mild pain and occasional need for a pain killer. No patient complained of
incontinence anytime during postoperative period. The mean time for closure of the fistulae was
12.7 days(range of 7-18 days). Conclusions: The procedure described in this work indicate that it
may be possible to affect healing of a low anal fistula tract by mere photocoagulation of the tract
without excision or deroofing.