What is Kshar Sutra Therapy?

Ksharasutra Therapy is an Ayurvedic Parasurgical Technique. Great Indian Surgeon Sushruta narrated in his teachings the use of Kshara for cure of fistula in ano and other anorectal diseases. The work of Sushruta was later compiled as "Sushrut Samhita" in the 5th century A.D. Acharya Chakrapani Datta (10-11 Century A.D.) and Acharya Bhav Mishra (16-18 century A.D.) have described in their classical Ayurvedic texts, the method of preparation and treatment of fistula in ano by use of Kshara Sutra (K.S.). It is being used for the successful treatment of Anorectal Diseases from many years.

In this technique, a specially prepared thread (Kshar Sutra) is used to cure diseases. Kshar Sutra acts by "Herbal Chemical Cauterisation" and removes the disease from the body.

Many studies have been published by Ayurvedic doctors recently with encouraging results for treatment of fistula in ano and other anorectal diseases by use of Kshara Sutra.

What is Kshar Sutra?

Kshar Sutra or Alkaline Medicated Thread is the thread that is used to treat various anorectal problems. This thread is specially prepared by high potency ayurvedic herbs and can be used in many ways.

Preparation of Kshar Sutra:

Requirements:

  • - Thread: Surgical Linen thread of size 20.
  • - Latex of Euphorbia neriifolia
  • - Haridra (Curcuma longa)
  • - Apamarg Kshar (Achyranthus aspera)

Method of Preparation:

For the preparation of thread, surgical linen thread gauge number 20 is manually coated eleven times with the latex of Euphorbia neriifolia, followed by seven coatings of the latex and the alkaline powder of Achyranthus aspera alternatively, and dried. In the final phase, three coatings of latex and powder of Curcuma longa is to be given alternatively.

The thread thus prepared is sterilized by ultra violet radiation and placed in a polythene bag or glass tube.

Learn more

Common treatable diseases

through Kshar Sutra Treatment

Ayurvedic medicines containing herbal kshar is also used to treat various illnesses like psoriasis, eczema, non-healing wounds, ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, asthma, kidney stones and a number of digestive problems.

How the treatment is done?

Different procedures are adopted for different problems

  • In Piles/Hemorrhoids - Kshar Sutra is tied at the base/root of the pile mass.
    - The blood supply is cut and pile mass starts to dry.
    - After a few days, pile mass sheds off.
    - The root was permanently damaged through Kshar Sutra thereby reducing the chances of recurrence.
    - Read in detail
  • In Fissure - Fissure wound is healed by putting kshar sutra at the wound.
    - Muscles got relaxed by the kshar present on the thread reducing the congestion.
    - Read in detail
  • In Fistula - Kshar Sutra is put in the fistula track.
    - It starts draining out all the infection.
    - Kshar Sutra is changed every week.
    - Eventually the thread comes out itself by cutting the whole fistula.
    - Read in detail
  • In Pilonidal Sinus - Sinus cavity is cleaned.
    - Kshar paste is used to scrap the cavity walls.
    - Kshar Sutra is put in the track and changed on weekly basis.
    - Eventually the thread comes out itself by cutting the sinus track.
    - Read in detail
  • In Rectal polyp - Kshar Sutra is tied up at the base of polyp.
    - It dries up and finally shed off.
    - Read in detail

Mode of Action of Kshar Sutra

  1. The cut through of fistulous tract is affected by the pressure exerted on anorectal tissue by the moderately tight Kshar Sutra tied in the fistulous tract.
  2. The presence of Kshar Sutra in the fistulous tract does not allow the cavity to close down from either ends and there is a continuous drainage of pus along the Kshar Sutra itself.
  3. The Kshar Sutra slowly and gradually cuts through the fistulous tract from apex to the periphery. There is an ideal simultaneous cutting and healing of the tract and no pocket of pus is allowed to stay back.
  4. The Kshara (Caustics) applied on the thread are anti-inflammatory, anti-slough agents and in addition, have property of chemical curetting. The Kshar Sutra remains in direct contact of the tract and therefore, it chemically curettes out the tract and sloughs out the epithelial lining, thereby allowing the fistulous tract to collapse and heal.
  5. The Kshar Sutra, due to its antibacterial property, does not allow bacteria to multiply in its presence.
  6. The pH of Kshar Sutra was towards the alkaline side and therefore it did not allow rectal pathogens to invade the cavity.

Benefits

Kshar Sutra Therapy Benefits

Out of many treatment options, Kshar Sutra Therapy is the most popular non-surgical treatment because -

Facts & Figures

Watch Kshar Sutra Therapy Video

Video

Frequently asked questions

Is Kshar Sutra Therapy necessary in all piles?

No, most of the piles and fissures can be treated through ayurvedic medicines. Only in advanced cases Kshar Sutra Therapy is recommended.

I have been operated for pilonidal sinus but it has recurred. Can Kshar Sutra Therapy be done?

Yes of course, it can be done in all new and previously operated cases of pilonidal sinus. The only difference is that in previously operated cases the treatment duration may be more.

Can constipation be treated through Kshar Sutra Therapy?

No, constipation cannot be treated through any kind of therapy or surgery. You have to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep the constipation away. You may take ayurvedic treatment for constipation if the problem is worse.

Can Kshar Sutra Therapy be done at my home?

No, it is done in hospitals as a day care procedure. Hospital admission is not required, you may go home within a couple of hours after the therapy.

Post Kshar Sutra Therapy Instructions

Immediately after the therapy

  • Patients are allowed to take orally only liquid diet before six hours of operation.
  • From next morning, warm Pancha Valkal Kwath sitz bath are advised to take at least thrice a day adding 5gm Sphatikadi yog for a minimum period of 3 weeks.
  • Semi solid diet is allowed after 3-4 hours of the procedure.
  • Tab. Triphala Guggulu – 500 mg TDS Haritaki Churna - 5-10 gm. once at bed time followed by warm water were prescribed.
  • Jatyadi Tail Matrabasti (10 ml.) was prescribed twice a day for another two weeks.
  • If the pain is there, some suitable analgesic was prescribed.
  • Antibiotics were generally avoided.

General advices

Patients are advised strictly:

  • To be ambulated (stay active like walking) during the period of treatment.
  • To take normal food daily and avoid irritant spicy food.
  • To take fibre containing diet & vegetables with plenty of water.
  • To avoid such types of foods which cause constipation.
  • To keep the bowel clear regularly by taking suitable and mild laxatives.
  • To avoid prolonged sitting as well as standing during the treatment.
  • To avoid long distance travelling and driving.
  • To keep the anal region clean and do proper dressing

Read Case Studies

Do not suffer in silence

Get rid of Piles, Fissure, Fistula and Pilonidal sinus

Search doctor Consult online

Do not suffer in silence

Have Questions?

Chat now Contact us