Common symptoms of fistula include:
In most cases, an anal abscess causes anal fistula. An anal abscess is a pus-filled lump in the anus. It happens when a gland inside the anus gets blocked or clogged due to an infection.
An anal abscess, if left untreated, grows in size, and punches a hole in the skin inside the anus so that the pus can find a way to drain. This creates a tunnel which is known as a fistula.
Fistulas can also be caused due to chronic constipation or diarrhoea and strained bowel movements.
To check for an anal abscess or a fistula, your doctor or nurse will look at your anus and do a “digital rectal exam.” During a digital rectal exam, your doctor or nurse will put a gloved finger into your anus and rectum to feel for lumps or anything abnormal.
He or she might also order an “imaging test,” such as an MRI or a CT scan.
There are a few natural remedies which you can adopt to ease the symptoms to a certain extent. These include:
However, surgery is the only option to treat a fistula effectively. You can choose from various surgical options:
Seton Techniques – If the risk of incontinence is high, the doctor may open up the fistula by inserting a seton – a piece of surgical thread and keeping it inside for several weeks. This method allows fistulas to drain. To cure it completely, the doctor may tie tighter setons to cut through the fistula slowly. This involves several sittings with the doctor.
Fistula surgeries carry a few risks as any other surgical procedure. Some of them include:
The level of risk depends on the location of the fistula and the specific procedure that is adopted to treat it.
Fistula treatment is done under general anaesthesia. The doctor will ask for following fasting requirements for general anaesthesia – generally for up to 6 hours before the surgery. You may be given a laxative to clean your bowels completely before the surgery.
You may even need an enema (bowel washout) before the surgery. Anti-clotting injection may be given right before the surgery starts.
You will need to rest until the effects of the anaesthesia pass. The doctor may recommend having fluids to start eating and drinking when you feel ready.
A nurse will clean the wound and redress it the morning after the surgery. It is normal to have some bleeding afterwards. The wound will have to be redressed constantly till it completely heals leaving behind a scar.
You may be prescribed painkillers, antibiotics and laxatives by the doctor to heal faster.
Preventive measures can help you manage your fistula better and can also help you recover faster after your surgery.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
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Fistulas are painful and can cause a lot of complications if left untreated. Fistulas can develop serious infections, which can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a dangerous condition which can cause emergencies.
Fistulas cannot be treated effectively without surgical intervention by a proctologist. The only non-surgical method of treating it is by injecting fibrin glue inside the fistula which seals the fistula and helps it heal on its own.
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