The small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus is called anal fistula. This painful condition occurs when an anal abscess (a pus-filled infection) doesn’t heal properly, leaving behind an abnormal connection between surfaces that shouldn’t be connected.
What Causes Anal Fistulas?
Fistulas are typically the result of an injury or surgery. Infection or inflammation can also cause a fistula to form. Here are some common causes of anal fistula:
- Crohn’s disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
- Tuberculosis
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Previous radiation therapy in the pelvic area
- Trauma to the anal area
- Certain surgeries in the rectal area
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Recognizing the Symptoms
Here are the common symptoms of an anal fistula:
- Pain and swelling around the anus
- Skin irritation around the anus
- Discharge of pus or blood
- Difficulty sitting comfortably
- Fever and fatigue if infection is present
- Pain during bowel movements
If there is a continuous pain, swelling, or atypical discharge around your anal area, seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
An anal fistula can usually be diagnoses through a physical examination of a doctor. An MRI scan, an ultrasound, or a colonoscopy may be needed in some cases.
Surgery is the optimal treatment for anal fistulas. The specific procedure depends on the fistula’s location and complexity. Several surgical options are available:
- Fistulotomy: Typically, this is the procedure where the surgeon opens the fistula tunnel, scrapes out infected tissue, and leaves it to heal as a flat scar.
- Seton placement: To drain infection and allow for gradual healing, s surgical thread is placed through the fistula.
- Advancement flap procedure: Healthy tissue is used to cover the internal fistula opening, commonly used for complex fistulas.
- LIFT procedure: A newer technique that preserves the anal sphincter muscles or a ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract.
Recovery and Prevention
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, although complete healing may take several months.
To help prevent recurrence:
- Maintain good anal hygiene
- Eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation
- Stay hydrated
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care
- Attend all follow-up appointments
When to Seek Medical Help
If you feel you have an anal fistula, it is essential to consult anal fistula singapore, a healthcare provider without delay as an anal fistula will not heal on its own. Remember that while anal fistulas can be embarrassing to discuss, they are a common medical condition that doctors frequently treat. With proper medical care, most people recover completely and can return to their normal activities without further issues. Early treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
