What is Fistula?
Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts. It is seen between internal organs. An anal fistula is not any different. A definition of anal fistula is that it is a tunnel that forms inside the anal canal that connects it to an opening on the outside, mostly on the skin of the perineum. Anal fistulas are a result of an infection. An anal fistula is a complex disease that makes the life of the patient very hard and uncomfortable. The fistula might collect fecal matter and pus in nearby tissues. It causes pain and swelling around the anus. There are many treatment options in the market for treating it as well.
Laser fistulectomy
There are various glands near the anus. Sometimes, due to infections, these glands get closed and a small tunnel is formed from the end of the bowel to the outside. This is known as anal fistulas. When these glands get infected, they form an abscess. These infected cavities sometimes form into a fistula. The feces only come out of the anus; however, if you have a fistula it might come out of this opening too. Fistulas can be categorized as either mild or severe. Mild fistulas are less complex and can be treated and cured easily. Mild fistulas only have a single tract or tunnel. However, there are anal fistulas that have multiple tracts and are coiled and tangled up inside; they come under severe cases of fistulas. They are trickier and require surgeries.
- PROCEDURE NAME : Laser fistulectomy
- SURGERY TYPE: Minimally Invasive Laser
- HOSPITALIZATION: No Hospitalisation
- SURGERY DURATION: 30 minutes
- ANAESTHESIA: Spinal Block / General Anaesthesia
- FULL RECOVERY: 3 - 4 days
TREATMENTS
Diagnosis
Anal fistulas can be easily diagnosed by a doctor. It is found by examining the area around the anus. The doctor will try to locate the opening near the anus. Once the opening is discovered, the medical professional will try to determine the depth of the track and the direction the anal fistula is going. There is fluid coming out of the opening in most cases. The doctors will also ask questions about the patient’s medical history and lifestyle. Some fistulas close on their own without medical assistance. The doctor might insert a finger inside your anus while performing the physical exam. The doctors might also advise taking tests such as MRI Fistulograms, CT scans, colonoscopy, X-rays, etc. to better assess the condition of the fistula.
Surgery
There aren’t any particular medications that can completely cure fistulas. Surgery is required to rectify this condition. Some of the other common treatment options are; Fistulotomy is a medical procedure in which the medical professional will insert a probe to locate the internal opening of the fistula. Then the doctor carefully removes the pus, blood, and fecal matter inside the fistula, and the sides are stitched to the sides of the incision so that the fistula will lay open. However, the chances of recurrence are very high after performing a Fistulotomy. And it might also affect the sphincter muscles and cause incontinence. Fistulotomy also requires a lot of aftercare and there are chances of infections as well. Another option is an advanced Rectal Flap. In this, the surgeon finds the tract and cuts a flap into the rectal wall, and accesses the fistula. Then proceeds to remove its contents and stitches the flap back down. In Ayurveda, a method called “ksharsutra” is performed where they insert a medical thread through the opening and take it out through the anus and then tie it together. This is repeated every week. Oreol laser surgery is one of the best options to treat fistulas as well. It is done by sedating the patient with spinal anesthesia. The radial fiber off the laser is inserted through the fistula tract and the tract is completely burned off. The lift technique is also used in this to tie the two sides so that the tract will not be joined again. Then the laser is inserted through the outside tract and burned off. This is one of the safest and most convenient treatments for anal fistulas; however, if there are multiple branches of fistula tracts, then the laser surgery cannot be performed, and the patient might need to resort to open surgery.
Causes
- Straining too much while bowel movement
Symptoms
- Discomfort while sitting
- Painful bowel movements
- Painful while constipation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the precaution that should be taken for fistula?
Avoiding strenuous activities, soaking in sitz baths, if ointments are prescribed, applying them at the given intervals, etc. are precautions you can take for fistulas.
How long do fistulas last?
Fistulas can last for years.
Is medical attention required for fistulas?
Yes. Fistulas can become really messy and cause intense pain. It can get very complicated without medical attention
How can I treat fistulas?
Antibiotics alone will not cure fistulas. In most cases, you might need surgery.
Can fistulas reoccur?
Yes. The chance of recurrence is high in fistulas.
