An infected tunnel forms between the skin and the muscular orifice at the end of the digestive system, which is referred to as an anal fistula in medical terms. The external opening via which feces are discharged from the body is known as the anus. A number of tiny glands that produce mucus are located just within the anus. These glands can occasionally become blocked and infected, resulting in an abscess. A fistula can form in around half of these abscesses.

Symptoms of Anal Fistula

• Anal abscesses
• Swelling and pain around the anus
• Drainage (pus) from an opening surrounding the anus that is bloody or foul-smelling
•  Irritation around the anus due to pus.
• Bowel movements are painful.
• Bleeding
• Fever, chills, and an overall tiredness

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, consult the best doctor for fistula treatment in ECIL.

Causes of Anal Fistula

The most common causes of an anal fistula are clogged anal glands and anal abscesses. An anal fistula can also be caused by the following less common conditions:

• Crohn’s disease
• Radiation during cancer treatment
• Trauma
• STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
• Tuberculosis
• Diverticulitis
• Cancer

Diagnosis

An anal fistula is often diagnosed by examining the region around the anus. Your doctor will search the skin for an opening (the fistula tract). The doctor will then attempt to assess the depth of the tract and its direction of travel. There will often be drainage from the exterior hole.

Some fistulas are not visible on the the skin’s surface. Your doctor may need to do more tests in this case.

Treatment Options

Most anal abscesses may be drained under local anaesthetic at a doctor’s office. If a fistula has grown, the doctor will have to remove it surgically.

Non-invasive treatments

Fibrin glue: A pharmaceutical adhesive that is used to close fistulas.

Plug: In this, the fistula is usually filled with a collagen matrix.

Catheters: They are used to drain fistulas and are often used on small fistulas to treat the infection.

Surgical Treatments

Transabdominal surgery – An abdominal wall incision is used to access the fistula.

Laparoscopic surgery – This is a minimally invasive procedure that entails making a small incision and repairing the fistula with the use of cameras and small tools.

When to seek medical advice?

You should consult a doctor if you have visual symptoms of an anal fistula, such as difficulties emptying your bowels or sitting while doing other tasks. Anal fistula might be confirmed by your symptoms and other tests. A thorough rectal examination can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, which can be treated with surgery by a colorectal surgeon.

Why Suvidha Hospitals?

Suvidha Hospitals has seasoned and best Laparoscopic surgeons in ECIL who have successfully operated on hundreds of fistulas. The hospital has cutting-edge technology, including a 24/7 in-house laboratory, round-the-clock CT scanning, Critical Care, Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Medical services, and much more. Reach out to us at http://suvidhahospitals.com/book-an-appointment/ to know more.