Anal Fistula Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Anal Fistula?

An anal fistula is a small channel that develops between the end of the bowel, known as the anal canal, and the skin near the anus.

Anal fistulas can be classified as:

• Simple or complex ( single fistula tract or interlinking connections)
• Low or high (position and proximity to the sphincter muscle)

Causes Of Anal Fistula:

Anal fistula can develop due to the following causes:

• Anal abscess

Anal abscess, if left untreated, tends to burst and cause an anal fistula to develop.

• Inflammation of the intestines

Anal fistula is a known complication of the following diseases:

1. Crohn’s disease
2. diverticulitis
3. Syphilis
4. AIDS
5. Tuberculosis
6. Chlamydia

• Complication in surgery
• a growth or ulcer (painful sore)
• an inborn health problem

Symptoms Of Anal Fistula:

The following symptoms are exhibited by those who develop anal fistula:

• Recurrent anal abscesses
• Pain and swelling around the anus
• Pain with bowel movements
• Bleeding
• Bloody or foul-smelling drainage (pus) from an opening around the anus. The pain may decrease after the fistula drains.
• Irritation of the skin around the anus due to persistent drainage
• Fever, chills, and a general feeling of fatigue.
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Vomiting

Diagnosis Of Anal Fistula:

Anal fistula is generally diagnosed via the following methods:

• Physical exam
• Rectal examination
• Protoscopy
• CT scan
• MRI
• Anal endosonography

Treatment Of Anal Fistula:

Anal fistula can be treated through the following methods:

• Surgery

1. Fistulotomy
2. Seton techniques
3. Flap procedures
4. Bioprosthetic plugs

• Fibrin glue (non surgical treatment)

By : Natural Health News