Fistula

If you have been diagnosed with an anal fistula, you must have been experiencing considerable pain, discomfort, blood discharge and pus discharge. It is natural to be concerned about your condition. However, making informed decisions are the best ways to overcome your anxiety and fear. You must have realistic expectations about the treatment outcomes of the problem.

This article will help to provide all the information you’ll need about fistula.

An anal fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs or vessels that normally do not connect. In most cases, anal fistulas develop after an abscess in an otherwise healthy patient.

An anal fistula represents the chronic stage of an anorectal abscess in the area around the genitals and the anus. When a portion of the abscess cavity and drainage tract persists, an anal fistula is created.

This abnormal passageway starts at the primary (internal) opening in the anorectum and continues to the secondary (external) opening in perianal skin.T

Think of an anal fistula as a small tunnel that connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks on the outside of the anus.

Anal fistulas may also be associated with other diseases like Crohn’s disease, trauma, infections, malignant disease, HIV infection etc.

Anal fistula is an abnormal communication or tunnel between the anal canal and the outer skin of the anus. It often drains pus or liquid, which can soil or stain clothing and may irritate the outer tissues or cause discomfort.

How does an Anal Fistula occurs

An anal fistula usually results from an injury to the tissue lining the anal canal or an infection in that area. It may occur as a result of:

• Constipation causing injury

• Infection in the crypts (crevices) glands lining the anal canal

• Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammation of the intestines

• Abscess of the large intestine (very rare).

Diagnosis of Anal Fistula

Anal fistula is diagnosed by physical examination of the anus and rectum. This may include the following procedures:

• Rectal examination and measurement of your sphincter length (how long your anal canal is).

• Anoscopy, a procedure in which the doctor inserts an instrument called an anoscope into the rectum to inspect the anal canal

• Sigmoidoscopy, a procedure in which a doctor uses a flexible or rigid scope to inspect the lower part of the intestine for inflammation and/or disease.

• In some instances, examination under anesthesia in an operating room is needed.