What is Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is an abnormal opening between the external skin of the buttocks and the anal canal. It occurs in around 30-40% of patients with an anal abscess.
An anal fistula develops when an anal abscess bursts before it is treated or is not entirely cured. An anal abscess is a painful pus-filled lesion caused by a bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding the anus.
Types of Anal Fistula:
An anal fistula can be categorized into the following types depending on its location:
- A Suprasphincteric Fistula
- Transphincteric Fistula, or Horseshow Fistula
- An Intersphincteric Fistula
- An Extrasphincteric Fistula
Symptoms of Anal Fistula
An anal fistula can cause the following symptoms:
- Irritation of the skin surrounding the anus
- Excruciating pain while sitting, moving and passing stool
- An unpleasant discharge from the anus
- Pus or blood in the poop
- Swelling and redness around the anus, as well as fever if you have an abscess.
- Controlling bowel movements may be difficult in some instances.
The end of the fistula may be visible as a hole in the skin around the anus; however, patients may be unable to see it.
When to see a doctor?
If there are persistent symptoms of an anal fistula, talk to the primary healthcare provider immediately. Suppose the doctor thinks you might have a fistula. In that case, they can refer you to a specialist for further tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most suitable treatment.
Causes of Anal Fistula
One of the most common causes of anal fistula is an anal abscess that fails to heal completely even after the absence of pus. Other factors include:
-
Crohn’s Disease
causes inflammation of the intestines and is the main cause of anal fistula.
-
Diverticulitis
is another cause of anal fistula. It is swelling and infection in one or more diverticula that leads to fever, nausea, etc.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a skin condition that leads to scarring and abscesses. It leads to the formation of an anal abscess.
Risk factors
If an anal abscess develops, the chance of anal fistula formation. The following are some risk factors for developing an anal fistula:
Prevention of Anal Fistula
Here are some tips to help you avoid an anal fistula:
- Maintain good anal hygiene by keeping the anal area clean and dry.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements by consuming a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated.
- Treat any anal infections or abscesses promptly to prevent them from developing into fistulas.
- Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections that can lead to anal fistulas.
- Avoid prolonged sitting, as it can increase pressure on the anal area and contribute to the development of fistulas.
- Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms like persistent anal pain, swelling, or drainage, as these could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
Diagnosis of Anal Fistula
The anal fistula diagnosis include:
Treatment of Anal fistula
The strength and complexities of the sphincter muscles are used to treat anal fistulas. However, no medications are available to treat this condition; the following surgical procedures must be performed:
- Fistulotomy This is the most common and effective surgical operation used to drain and open an anal fistula.
- Seton Techniques This procedure involves inserting the surgical thread into the fistula tract, allowing it to drain and heal entirely.
- Advancement Flap Procedure If the fistula passes through the anal sphincter muscles, this procedure is used to cover the hole and allow the fistula to heal.
- Fibrin Glue of Collagen Plug This is a non-surgical method in which the surgeon injects a special glue while under general anesthesia. This closes the fistula and initiates healing.
Do’s and Don’ts
Bowel movements are related to food intake. The doctor always advises patients to adjust their diet if they have gastrointestinal diseases or conditions such as piles, fistula, fissures, etc. This aids in the relief of symptoms and the facilitation of smooth bowel motions.
What's more essential is to avoid foods that may aggravate the illness. The concern with anal fistula may reoccur with minor dietary and lifestyle changes. Following a good diet and healthy lifestyle practices ensure that the rectal fistula heals faster.
Do’s
|
Don’ts
|
Wear a pad over the anal area until healing is complete. |
Take any over-the-counter medicines without consulting the doctor. |
Avoid spicy and oily foods, |
Eat salty foods |
Eat a diet high in fiber and drink plenty of fluids. |
Drink caffeinated beverages |
Use a stool softener if needed |
Eat bakery items such as pastries, foods made of refined flour, hydrogenated oils, etc. |
Eat a balanced diet to maintain bowel movements. |
Use harsh soaps in the affected region. |
Apart from these dos and don’ts, one should eat on time, avoid big meals, and drink enough water. However, if the problem persists with severe pain or discomfort, visit your doctor for the finest fistula therapy.
Anal Fistula Care at Medicover Hospitals:
At Medicover hospitals, we have the best team of general surgeons and other specialists who treat anal fistula and its severe symptoms. Our highly trained doctors use the most up-to-date diagnostic tools and procedures to perform various medical tests, and treat patients.
Our medical experts collaborate closely with patients to evaluate their health and treatment progress to achieve a faster and more lasting recovery.
Citations
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fistula/treatment/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/anal-fistula
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3160529/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557517/
https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/abscess-and-fistula-expanded-information
https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/511238EN