Anal Fistula
Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is a small channel that develops between the anal canal and the skin near the anus due to recurrent infection of a gland in the anal canal.
Symptoms of Anal Fistula
- Recurrent infection of the anal canal
- Ongoing pain or swelling
- Drainage of pus and fluid from the abscess
Causes of Anal Fistula
Infection of a gland in the anal canal that results in an abscess. When the abscess bursts, pus that drains from it forms a tract that eventually becomes an anal fistula after recurrent infections.
An anal fistula almost always requires surgery to treat, therefore medical attention should be sought should you notice any symptoms.
Treatments of Anal Fistula
Fistulotomy: Colorectal surgery that involves making an incision in the fistula tract to open it up and then allowing the tissue to heal and merge.
- Insertion of seton
- Fistula plug
- Ligation of Inter-sphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT)
In the hands of an experienced colorectal surgeon, treatment will be safely and effectively personalised to the individual for better outcomes.