An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that is under the skin and is connected to the anal canal in the colon to the skin of the buttocks. Well, most of the anal fistulas are going to be formed in reaction with the anal gland that has developed an infection that is a pus-filled abscess.
There are some anal fistula symptoms through which you will be able to identify, whether you are facing the issue or not.
Symptoms
These are the symptoms of the anal fistula that you face:
- Fever and chills
- Swelling and pain around the anal area
- Feeling sick and tired
- Soreness, redness, or itching around the anal opening
- Pus draining near the anal opening area.
Who is at the most risk?
When you develop an anal abscess, there is a 50 percent chance of developing the condition of anal fistula. If the abscess is going to drain on its own, then also you are at risk of getting the fistula.
There are certain conditions that can affect your lower digestive tract or the anal area which may also increase the risk. These are going to include:
- Colitis
- Chronic diarrhea
- Crohn’s disease
- Radiation treatment for the rectal cancer
Diagnosis:
Well, when you are having the symptoms that suggest you are going to face the anal fistula, then your healthcare provider is going to refer you to a specialist who will specialize in the colon and rectal diseases. The specialists are going to ask you about the symptoms and your medical history.
Well, during the physical exam the doctor will look for the fistula opening that is near the anal opening. They might press the area in order to see if that is sore and if the pus is coming out or not.
There are different methods that will be used in order to help you with the diagnosis.
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Fistula probe:
Well, a long and thin probe is going to be guided through the outer opening of the fistula. Then you will see that a special dye is going to be injected in order to find out where the fistula is opening up inside.
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Anoscope:
Well, this is a special scope that is used to look inside the anal canal.
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Imaging studies:
These might include the ultrasound that will create an image of the anal area with the help of the sound waves. Or what they can do is include the MRI that will make the images of the area use the special magnets and the computer.
Anal fistula treatment options
When you are facing anal fistula symptoms, then the antibiotics alone are not going to cure it for you. You will need to have surgery in order to cure the fistula.
There are some surgical procedures which include:
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Fistulotomy:
This is the procedure that is going to open up the fistula in a way that will allow it to heal from the inside out. This is usually an outpatient procedure which will mean that you need to go home on the same day.
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Filling the fistula with a plug or a special glue:
This is the latest kind of treatment that will close the inner opening of the fistula. The doctor is then going to fill the fistula tunnel with a material that your body is going to absorb over time.
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Seton placement:
This is the procedure that will involve a rubber band to be placed in the fistula that is tightened progressively. It is going to let the fistula heal that is behind the seton and is also going to reduce the risk of incontinence.
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Reconstructive surgery in the following stages:
Well, as the name suggests, this might be an option that you can adopt in some cases.
You must know that the people who are suffering from Crohn’s disease, are going o be face this condition known as the anal fistula. For the people who are facing Crohn’s disease and the fistula, medical therapy is often tried before the surgery.
Complications:
Well, there can be complications that even be in the fistula and will reoccur after the treatment. There can also be an inability to control bowel movements. This is most likely going to happen if the muscle around the anal opening that is called the anal sphincter is removed.
When shall you call the healthcare provider?
You can call the healthcare provider if you are having the symptoms of the ana fistula when you have a history of the anal abscess. If you have been treated for the abscess of the anal fistula then you must let your provider know right away and if you are facing any of the issues:
- Chills
- Fever
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Discharge
- Trouble controlling the bowel movements
- Constipation
Well, if you are facing any of the anal fistula symptoms that have been mentioned above, then get in touch with your doctor immediately. They will provide you with the best treatment options after diagnosing your condition.
