A specialist surgical technique has been introduced to a Sussex hospital trust for the first time on the NHS, offering new treatment options for patients with a debilitating complication of inflammatory bowel disease.

Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment is now available at University Hospitals Sussex, marking the first instance of the procedure being accessible through the health service in the South East region.

The technique involves minimally invasive surgery designed to treat complex anal fistulas, a condition frequently associated with Crohn’s disease that can significantly affect quality of life.

Consultant colorectal surgeon Alfredo Tonsi, who leads surgical inflammatory bowel disease services at the trust, said the team had succeeded in bringing the treatment to local patients.

Patients with complex fistulas, particularly those related to Crohn’s disease, often face prolonged treatment periods involving discomfort, multiple operations and ongoing uncertainty about outcomes.

The inaugural procedures using this technique were performed on a young patient at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and on an adult patient at Princess Royal Hospital.

Previously, patients requiring this form of treatment were required to travel to specialised facilities in London.

The introduction of VAAFT in Sussex enables patients to receive necessary care locally rather than making lengthy journeys.

The trust has announced plans to extend the availability of the technique across its facilities and increase operational capacity at Princess Royal Hospital.