Fistulas are formed when two of your organs which are normally not connected create a connection in the form of a tract. Fistulas may be found in the urinary tract, anus, intestines, aorta, vagina and skin. Urinary tract fistulas and Anal Fistulas have the highest prevalence amongst all types of fistulas. Blocked anal glands can create anal abscess which can then turn into a fistula which creates an opening on the skin around the anus. This causes pain and swelling in the area and foul smelling pus may ooze out of the fistula opening on the skin. Clinical examination using a proctoscope or sigmoidoscope followed by ultrasound scan or MRI Scan can give valuable information about the depth and the extent of the fistula. Further tests like Colonoscopy and some blood tests might be required to investigate the cause of the fistula. Surgery is always required to treat the fistula and there is no medical solution to this problem.

Fistula Surgery

Fistulotomy is the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of Anal Fistula. In this surgery the skin and the muscle over the tunnel are cut open to create an open groove which allows the fistula to fill up from bottom to top. In some cases a flap is taken from the rectum and the fistula is covered for faster healing. Laser technique is also being used to cause scarring on the internal walls of the fistula tract which causes shrinkage of the walls and healing. Some of the fistulas keep recurring and have to be treated again. Lift surgery is also being done in which the skin above the fistula is cut open, the sphincter muscles are spread and the fistula is tied up after lifting. Most of the patients are discharged either on the same day or the next day from the hospital. You would be required to soak your bottom in warm water and take laxatives for atleast a week or two after the surgery. Local anaesthetic like Lidocaine is to be applied to the area to reduce the pain and discomfort post surgery.