What is Anal Fistula?

An anal fistula may be a chronic abnormal communication between the end of the bowl and the skin near the anus. This originates from the anal glands, located between the internal and external anal sphincter, drain into the anal canal. Anal fistulae usually occur in people with a history of anal abscesses. They can form fistula when anal abscesses do not heal properly.

Anal fistulae do not generally harm but can be painful. It’s also very irritating because of the drainage of the pus. Formed stools can be passed through it.

Fistula Symptoms

Anal fistulae will gift with the subsequent symptoms:

• skin irritation occurs around the anus
• a constant, throbbing pain when you sit down, move around, poo or cough
• smelly discharge from the opening
• passing pus or blood once you poo
• swelling and redness around the anus and a high temperature if you also have an abscess
• difficulty in controlling bowel movements for some cases

Fistula Causes

The common explanation for an anal fistula is an anal abscess, but there are several other possible causes.

• Crohn’s disease may be inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diverticulitis is another condition that finishes up with small outpouchings that form numerous tiny pockets insides of the colon.
• HIV and AIDS may be a viral infection that will increase the susceptibility of anal infection and form an anal abscess and anal fistula.
• The formation of an anal fistula is also related to trauma (or abnormal structure) to the excretory opening. Ulcers, tumors, any surgical complications, and birth abnormalities, these operative procedures on brink of the anus are often the rationale for anal fistula.
• Tuberculosis may be a bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs however can also occur in any part of our body. It’s going to sometimes affect the rectum which can cause an anal abscess.
• Cancer in the anorectal region is a rare explanation for anal fistula.

Diagnosis of fistula

Diagnosis is by examination. The fistula could also be explored by using a narrow instrument called a fistula probe. The examination can be an anoscopy. Diagnosis may be power-assisted by performing a fistulogram, proctoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy.

Possible findings:

• The red opening of the fistula onto the skin can be observed
• The area could also be painful on examination
• An area of induration could also be felt, thickening due to chronic infection
• A discharge may be observed

Types of Fistula

Fistulae are classified into five types relying on the relations between internal and external sphincter muscles:

• An Extrasphincteric fistula develops at the rectum or colon and later extends downwards. It passes through levator ani or cuckoo muscles. Then open around the orifice.
• A Suprasphincteric fistula usually arises between each sphincter muscles and turns upward to point above the puborectal muscles. Then travel downward between the puborectal and levator ani muscle and open an inch or more away from the opening.
• A Transphincteric fistula (U formed fistulae) develops between internal and external sphincter muscles or behind the anus opening and open an inch distant from the anus.
• An intersphincteric fistula develops between internal and external sphincter muscles and opens on the brink of the anus opening.

Fistula Treatments

Surgery is sometimes needed to treat anal fistula. However, with the expansion of the medical invention, Fistula treatments techniques are now divided into two categories:  

1. Traditional open surgery
2. Laser surgery of Anal Fistula

We are using Laser treatment to treat fistula. By this technique, the probe is inserted into the fistula tract. The direct application of radiations done on the fistula tract to destroy it utterly. It’s also painless.

How Laser Works ?

Laser energy is delivered through the flexible, all-round radiating optical fiber probe which is inserted into the fistula tract from outside. Then the laser is slowly backward. The inflammatory tissue is destroyed in an exceedingly controlled manner. The anal gland got inactivated. By this method, the fistula tract is closed by a probe emitting laser energy without any cut or sews.

Pre-Surgery Instructions

• You need to use lotions or cream in surgical areas
• Do not commit to using the power to perform bowel activity.
• Try to eat a healthy and proper diet which is high in fiber. It will digest food easily.
• Drink a lot of water to regulate your stooling.
• Take all medicines (directed by a doctor) in time

Post-Surgery Instructions

• You should obey all instructions given by your doctor and health instructor
• Carry out instructed exercises on a daily basis
• Always use Seitz bath after bowel discharge
• Use soft tissues or wipes to wash your anal
• Take a fibrous diet and drink enough water to regulate your stooling.