What Are Fistula in Ano ?
An fistula in ano is usually caused by an infection near your back passage (anus) that causes a collection of pus (abscess) in the nearby tissue. When the pus drains away, it can leave a small channel (fistula) behind. An anal fistula may also be associated with certain long-term bowel conditions.
Fistula in ano
Most fistula in ano develop after an anal abscess. Just inside your back passage (anus), there are a number of glands that make a fluid substance. These glands can become blocked and infected with bacteria (abscess). If the abscess increases in size it may form a tunnel leading to the skin around your back passage. This will then create a fistula leading from inside your back passage to an opening in the skin surrounding your back passage.
An fistula in ano can also occur as a result of long term inflammation or infection affecting the bowel. This can also cause a tunnel to be formed from the lining of your back passage to an opening in the skin. Examples of long-term bowel conditions that can cause an anal fistula include Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis.
An fistula in ano can also be caused following surgery or radiotherapy to your bowel and back passage.
There are a number of other possible causes of an fistula in ano. These include cancer of the anus, cancer of the rectum, tuberculosis and HIV infection and AIDS.
- Skin irritation around the anus
- Constant, throbbing pain. The pain may be worse when you sit down, move around, when you poo or when you cough.
- Smelly discharge from near your anus.
- Passing pus or blood when you poo (rectal bleeding).
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements (bowel incontinence); this is uncommon.
An abscess may form and this causes swelling and redness around your anus, and a high temperature (fever).
You should see your doctor if you have persistent symptoms that suggest you may have an fistula in ano . Your doctor will examine your anus and gently insert a finger inside your back-passage (rectal examination) to check for any signs of a fistula.
If your doctor thinks you might have a fistula, they will refer you to a bowel specialist for further tests to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the most appropriate treatment. These tests may include:
- Proctoscopy – A special telescope with a light on the end is used to look inside your anus
- An ultrasound scan – magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerised tomography (CT) scan
Treatment
A surgical thread is placed through the fistula in ano track and tied to form a continuous ring between the inside and outside openings of the fistula. The thread is left there for several weeks to allow drainage and prevent infection, and so help the fistula to heal. A further procedure is then needed to close the track.
This is a procedure that involves cutting open the whole length of the fistula or coring it out so it heals into a flat scar. It is the most effective method of dealing with a fistula and is the standard treatment for fistulas that are simple and don’t involve the sphincter muscle
Fibrin glue is a combination of fibrinogen, thrombin and calcium. It is injected into the fistula track. It heals the fistula by causing a clot to be formed within the fistula and then healthy tissue to form within the fistula.
This procedure aims to cover the internal opening of the fistula in ano . The internal opening of the fistula is removed and then covered with a small flap of healthy bowel wall that has been removed from the rectum.This is generally done for complex fistulas
A skin incision is made and the fistula track is exposed and then tied and divided. a modification of this procedure, called BioLIFT, involves placing a biological mesh to prevent a fistula reforming. However, this needs a larger skin incision and increases the risk of infection. This is generally done for complex fistulas
Depending on which procedure you have, you may not need to stay in hospital overnight. Some people, however, need to remain in hospital for a few days after their surgery.
What are the complications of an fistula in ano ?
If the anal fistula is not treated properly then recurrent perianal abscesses and a complex fistula network may develop and this may cause pain, bleeding, faecal incontinence. Sometimes you can get cellulitis and sepsis if not treated in time
However surgery for an fistula in ano can also cause complications. The main complications following surgery include infection, faecal incontinence and a further fistula developing.
Can an fistula in ano be prevented?
You can greatly reduce your risk of an anal fissure by avoiding constipation and keeping your stools soft and going to the toilet to open your bowels as soon as you feel the urge to go. To help your bowel work properly and keep your stools soft, it’s important to drink lots of fluid and get regular physical exercise.
Surgical Options for Treatment of Fistula
