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About Anal Fistula
Anal fistula is a common anorectal health condition that is estimated to affect 8.6 per 1,00,000 people across the globe.
A fistula develops anywhere between an intestine and the skin, or the vagina and the rectum, making an abnormal passage, connecting two organs or vessels that do not usually connect. Although, the most common occurrence of a fistula is around the anus.
Thus book an appointment online with an anal fistula doctor from the expert panel of surgeons at IMG Halthcare and know more about symptoms, causes, procedure and anal fistula laser treatment.
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What is Anal Fistula?
A fistula develops anywhere between an intestine and the skin, or the vagina and the rectum, making an abnormal passage, connecting two organs or vessels that do not usually connect. Although, the most common occurrence of a fistula is around the anus.
The anus is a medium through which faeces are expelled from the body. Within the anus are a number of small glands that produce mucus. Occasionally, these glands get clogged and become infected, leading to an abscess. And about half of these abscesses may develop into a fistula.
How does Anal fistula form?
When the abscesses that form near and around the anal mucosal tissues are not treated, it tends to keep growing and worsening over time. Eventually, the abscess punches out like a hole making its way outside the skin.
Causes
Symptoms
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Around 50% of the anal fistulas arise from an anal abscess. Other causes of anal fistula include:
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Hidradenitis suppurative. A skin condition that results in abscesses and scarring.
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Crohn’s disease. Inflamed digestive tract.
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Diverticulitis. Small infected sacks coming out of the side of the large intestine.
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Sexually transmitted diseases.
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Tuberculosis or HIV infection.
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Anorectal Pain, Swelling, Redness And Tenderness
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Fever
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Pressure While Defecating, Cough, Sitting
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Pain During Bowel Movements Or Constipation
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Painful Urination
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Foul-Smelling Discharge From The Perianal Skin
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Sometimes, Rectal Bleeding
DIAGNOSIS
Our surgeon will Carefully Evaluate the Medical History and Anorectal Symptoms and Perform a Rectal Examination under Anaesthesia. Any Draining Pus Or Blood And Heaped Up Tissue Seen In The External Opening May Be Considered As An Anal Fistula. Whereas, If the Anal Fistula Is Not Visible on the Skin Surface, Our surgeon May Order an Endoscopic Ultrasound or MRI to Define the Fistula Tract. CT scan, Mri or Barium Contrast X-Ray May Be Used for Internal Fistulas Evaluation.
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Digital examination – In this test, the fistula specialist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check if there are any kind of abnormal growths.
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Visual inspection – The proctologist or the anorectal surgeon might examine the lower rectum using a proctoscope, an anoscope or a sigmoidoscope. Using any of these devices, the doctor will carefully examine the lining of your anal tissues to check the severity and depth of your anal fistula.
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Anoscopy – Anoscopy allows the anorectal doctor to examine the inner lining of your anus and rectum. The test checks for abnormal growths, bleeding, inflammation, and conditions such as diverticulosis.
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Sigmoidoscopy – Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a useful test to look for an underlying aetiology in fistula-in-ano.
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Imaging tests – Your physician may also order an ultrasound or MRI of the anal area to get a better view of the fistula tract.
What Steps Are Necessary Post-Treatment For An Anal Fistula?
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Most Fistulas Respond Well To Surgery. Post-Surgery, Our Expert Surgeon From House Of Doctors May Recommend That You Soak The Affected Area In a Warm Bath, Known As a Sitz Bath And That You Take Stool Softeners Or Laxatives For a Week.
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Since You May Also Have Some Pain Or Discomfort In The Area After Surgery, Our Doctor Will Usually Inject Local Anaesthetic Such As Lidocaine To Decrease Your Discomfort And May Prescribe Pain Pills. A Few More Medicines Such As Opioids May Usually Be Prescribed For a Quick Recovery After Laser Fistula Surgery.
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In a Conclusion, Proper follow-up helps in avoiding recurrence.
PRECAUTIONS AFTER SURGERY
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It is important to discuss post-surgery care and recovery. Minimal ache or discomfort after surgery in the affected area is common. Most fistulas respond well to surgeries and for easy recovery, HOD’s Fistula Specialists may recommend:
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Immersing the affected area in a warm bath.
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Painkillers.
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Stool loosening purgatives for a week.
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Diet full of nutrients and fibre.
Prevention of anal fistula:
Here are some of the tips that can help you prevent anal fistula:
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Consuming high-fibre diet – One of the easiest ways to prevent anal fistula is to prevent passing of hard stools. To prevent hard bowel movements, the best thing to do is stock up your diet with fiber-rich food. If you want to avoid getting anal fistula, it is crucial to eat at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Some foods rich in fiber are:
Whole grains, oatmeal, and brown rice
Beans and lentils
Vegetable and Brussel sprouts
Fruits such as bananas, apples, pears, and berries
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Drink sufficient water – Water along with a fiber-rich diet is very important for the prevention of any anorectal disease. Drinking enough water prevents constipation and hard stools which in turn decreases the need to strain while passing a bowel movement. To prevent anal fistula, drinking enough water throughout the day is extremely important. It will help your digestive system function properly.
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Maintain cleanliness and dryness in your anal region – Anal fistula often forms as a result of clog and blockages in the anal canal. Long term accumulation of dirt and debris leads to the formation of anal fistula. To prevent this, it in crucial to clean the anal area every time you pass a bowel movement. Don’t leave the area wet after cleaning, pat it well and dry so that there’s no bacteria or infection.
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Don’t strain while passing stool – Do not strain while making bowel movements. Straining can make the condition of the anal skin worse and lead the anal fistula to aggravate in nature. It is equally important to take care that you don’t spend long hours sitting on the toilet seat. The longer you sit on the toilet seat, the more you are likely to strain while making your bowel movements worse.
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Regular exercises – Almost all anorectal diseases have a direct relation with physical activities and how you keep your body active. Staying physically active keeps the colon active and functions in a regular manner. But that being said, you should know which exercise is good for you and which is not. Avoid any activity that puts strain and pressure on your abdominal region. Do not lift weights. Do not sit in one place for long hours. Indulge in moderate physical exercises regularly.
ANAL FISTULA SPECIALISTS DOCTORS
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Anal Fissure Surgery
Once you have developed anal fistula, antibiotics or home remedies alone will not cure the condition. You will require surgical intervention to get the condition treated. Surgical options for anal fistula treatment include:
Fistulotomy – In this treatment, the fistula is opened and allowed to heal from inside out. The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. As such, the patient can return home the very same day.
Laser surgery for Anal fistula – Laser treatment for the closure of fistula-in-ano is a minimally invasive and low-complication treatment which is considered as the most effective treatment for complex fistulas. The treatment does not cause any severe damage or injury to the sphincter muscles.
What Are The Complications Of The Fistula?
Fistula, If Untreated For Long, Can Lead To Serious Complications Including Infection And Subsequent Sepsis - a Dangerous Condition Resulting In Organ Damage. Thus With Minimum Fistula Laser Treatment Cost In Mumbai, We At House Of Doctors Will Put An End To Your Search For The Best Fistula Treatment Near Me.