An anal fistula is a small tunnel that connects an infected gland inside the anus to an opening on the skin around the anus.
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of an injury or surgery. Infection or inflammation can also cause a fistula to form.
TYPES OF FISTULAS:
- ü ANAL FISTULAS/PERIANAL FISTULAS.
- ü Abnormal connection between the epithelialized surface of the anal canal and the perianal skin.
- ü Anorectal Fistula occurs between the anal canal and the skin around the anal opening.
- ü Rectovaginal or Anovaginal Fistula occurs when a hole develops between the rectum or anus and the vagina.
- ü Colovaginal Fistula occurs between the colon and the vagina.
What causes an anal fistula?
The leading causes of an anal fistula are clogged anal glands and anal abscesses. Other, much less common, conditions that can cause an anal fistula include:
Fistulas structure when aggravation causes wounds, or
ulcers, to frame within mass of the digestive tract or close by organs. Those
ulcers can reach out through the whole thickness of the inside divider, making
a passage to empty the discharge out of the contaminated zone. An abcess, or an
assortment of discharge, can likewise make a fistula structure
Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory disease of the intestine), Radiation (treatment for cancer), Trauma, Sexually transmitted diseases, Tuberculosis, Diverticulitis (a disease in which small pouches form in the large intestine and become inflamed), Cancer.
The signs and symptoms of fistula
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Frequent anal abscesses
Ø
Pain and swelling around the anus
Ø
Bloody or foul-smelling drainage (pus) from an
opening around the anus. The pain may decrease after the fistula drains.
Ø
Irritation of the skin around the anus from
drainage
Ø
Pain with bowel movements
Ø
Bleeding
Ø Fever, chills and a general feeling of fatigue
Ø
Abdominal pain
Treatments of fistula
Surgery is almost always necessary to cure an anal fistula.
The surgery is performed by a colon and rectal surgeon. The goal of the surgery
is a balance between getting rid of the fistula while protecting the anal
sphincter muscles, which could cause incontinence if damaged. Laser treatment of fistula.
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