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Anal fistula: Diagnosis and treatment

What is an anal fistula?

An anal fistula is a small passageway connecting an abscess, guest broadcast aka infected cavity in the anus to an opening in the skin that is around the anus. The anus is the external opening through which feces exit the body. Right inside the anus are several small glands that produce mucus. Sometimes these glands become blocked and cause an infection in the rectal area. This leads to an abscess and causes a fistula.

Causes of anal fistula:

The main cause of anal fistula is blocked anal glands that lead to anal abscesses. While this is the main known cause, other factors that cause an anal fistula are:

Trauma

Radiation therapy - cancer treatment

Crohn's disease - an inflammatory disease of the intestines

Tuberculosis

Cancer

Diverticulitis – the formation of small pouches in the large intestine that become inflamed

transmitted diseases - transmitted diseases

Symptoms of anal fistula

Some of the common symptoms of an anal fistula include:

Pain and swelling around the anus

Frequent anal abscesses

Foul discharge (smell of pus) or blood from the opening around the anus. The pain decreases as the fistula drains from the body.

Irritation of the skin around the anus from painful drainage

Bleeding

Pain with bowel movements

Chills, fever, and feeling tired

Diagnosis and treatment of anal fistula:

An anal fistula is usually diagnosed by examining the area in the anus and around the anus. The doctor will look at the opening in the skin, also known as the fistula tract. They then try to determine the depth of the tract and the direction it is going. In most cases, drainage is from an external opening.

Some fistulas show no visible signs on the outer skin. In such cases, the doctor may perform more tests to investigate the problem in depth. Such processes may include:

Anoscopy – this involves inserting a special instrument to look into the anus or anus.

Sometimes your surgeon will examine you in the operating room under anesthesia to diagnose the fistula.

Most fistulas are treated only with over-the-counter medications. If not, or in unavoidable circumstances, surgery is performed. This is a minor surgical procedure and can also be performed at local clinics. You do not need to visit the hospital.

While detecting a fistula, your doctor would still perform some more tests to rule out any underlying mishap. This can also be done to control Crohn's disease, which is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. According to a study by WebMD, about 30% of people with Crohn's disease develop fistulas. In some cases, a colonoscopy is performed to further analyze the internal damage. During a colonoscopy, an instrument like a light guide is inserted into the colon through the anus. The process is performed under conscious sedation, which is light anesthesia.

Most fistulas respond well to medication and surgery. Your surgeon may recommend soaking the affected area in a warm bath, also known as a sitz bath. It is about softening the stool. Some stool softeners and laxatives are also recommended for a week after surgery.

Because some pain is prevalent after surgery, the doctor applies an anesthetic such as lidocaine to ease the discomfort. They may also give you some pain medication for a short time. The medication is maintained until the fistula is healed and no pain is felt.

Depending on where the fistula is present, your doctor may guide you to cut the sphincter muscle, which handles opening and closing the anus. They try not to damage the skin, but it's a tricky business and it's harder to control the bowels after the procedure. But, with medication and proper treatment, it can be controlled.

Why Redhead?

Redhead experts are available for online consultations.

Our hospital premises are safe for COVID and all necessary precautions are taken for treatment.

It will take a long time for our doctors to recommend the final step of surgery.

Our employees help and guide you at all stages. Don't worry about finances! We have the best offers and insurance on the table for you.