?WHAT IS AN ANAL FISTULA

Many people suffer from anal fistula, which is one of the most common anorectal diseases, and this disease causes a lot of pain, fatigue, and inconvenience to patients, and requires a lot of care to treat it and recover from it.  In this article, we will shed light on anal fistula, its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.

What is an anal fistula?

An anal fistula is a small channel that develops between the end of the intestine (anal canal) and the skin near the anus.

An anal fistula originates from a single duct or may branch into several ducts, where its end appears in a form of a hole on the surface of the skin in the anal region.

What are the causes of anal fistula?

There are several possible causes of anal fistula which includes:

1- Most fistula cases occur as a result of an anal abscess that then turns into a fistula.

2- A small number of cases may result from Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammation of the intestines.

3- In other cases, fistulas may be a symptom of inflammatory bowel syndrome.

What are the symptoms of an anal fistula?

Anal fistula is considered to be a painful health conditions that greatly affect the patient’s quality of life, as it causes many uncomfortable symptoms that may lead to infections and other complications, so it is necessary to know the symptoms of anal fistula, how to diagnose it, and the tests used for that.

Symptoms of anal fistula:

1. Swelling and redness in the anal region around the fistula
2. Secretion of pus and discharge from the fistula.
3. Pain in the anal region and itching.
4. Bleeding, in some cases.
5. Sometimes, a present infection may turn into an abscess.

Diagnosis and tests used to identify anal fistula:

Anal examination:

  When anal fistula is suspected, the necessary tests are performed to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the disease in order to take the appropriate treatment measures according to the degree of infection and the nature of the condition.

What is the best way to perform an anal examination?

An anal fistula is usually diagnosed using MRI, which produces detailed images of the tissues and organs in the pelvic region. Through these images, the doctor can determine the presence of the fistula, its severity, whether it is single or branched, and whether it affects the muscles and other tissues around it.

It is also possible to use the Proctostation device, which contains an endoscope that allows the doctor to see the anal tissue, and helps the doctor in accurately diagnosing anal fistula by identifying any change in the tissues in this region.

What are the ways to treat anal fistula?

There are several methods available to treat an anal fistula, and the appropriate method for each case varies depending on the degree and severity of the fistula and its causes.

Surgical treatment of the fistula:

  It is usually done through surgical intervention where the fistula is removed. This surgery comprises of:

 Removing and cutting fibrous tissue which may require antibiotic treatment before or after the surgery. And there is a risk to the muscles that control defecation because they may be accidentally cut during surgery.

Laser fistula treatment:

Laser technology can be used in the treatment of anal fistula, and it includes performing a laser surgery to remove the tissue affected by the fistula. This method is characterized by being non-surgical, and thus, less invasive, safer and more effective in treating anal fistulas. In addition, it is completely safe for the muscles that control defecation. Also, the laser technique can help in improving the digestive process and reducing pain and bleeding after surgery.

The appropriate treatment for anal fistula can be chosen based on the doctor’s diagnosis of the patient’s condition and their personal preferences. Therefore, the patient should consult the  physician for advice and recommendations on the appropriate treatment for their condition.

Prevention of anal fistula

Anal fistula can be prevented by taking the following preventive measures:

1- Keeping the anal area clean: The anal area should be cleaned well after defecation using warm water and soap.

2- Going to the doctor for examination in the case of a present anal abscess and seeking immediate treatment before the condition deteriorates and develops into an anal fistula.

What are the dangers of an anal fistula?

As for the risks of anal fistula, cavities may form in the rectum, rupture of the anal muscles, and swelling of the area surrounding the fistula. Some cases may require a surgical procedure to treat the anal fistula. Therefore, periodic examination is recommended when any symptoms associated with anal fistula appear.

The importance of early detection in the treatment of anal fistula

Anal fistula is a health condition that causes many physical and psychological problems, so early diagnosis and treatment of the anal fistula is very important.

Initially, people who experience symptoms associated with an anal fistula, such as pain, bleeding, or itching in the area around the anus, should seek a medical examination for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The available treatment methods for anal fistula include several options, as mentioned earlier, and people with symptoms of anal fistula should seek appropriate treatment early to avoid any health complications.

Complications of an anal fistula

Late diagnosis and treatment of  an anal fistula can lead to serious complications, such as infections, herniated wounds, and even cancer in some rare cases. Anal fistula can also cause many psychological problems, such as embarrassment and emotional stress, and this may negatively affect the quality of personal life.

In general, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent complications of anal fistulas and improve the quality of life of patients. Therefore, individuals who feel any symptom related to anal fistula should visit a specialized doctor to get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

In Conclusion, we must reemphasize the importance of early detection of anal fistula and effective treatment of this common disease. People with anal fistula can live normally after proper treatment by following some nutritional guidelines and general health lifestyle changes. It is necessary to find specialized health institutions that are equipped with the latest technologies and devices to ensure the quality of treatment. In this regard, Hemocure provides the best health services specialized in treating anal fistulas, which are characterized to be of high-quality services and is known to use the lates technological devices. Hemocure adopts follow ups for life policy for all patients to ensure that they do not develop the disease again. Therefore, if you have any complaints or symptoms related to anal fistula, do not hesitate to contact us and get the necessary treatment.