Piles and anal fissures are not the only conditions that your anus might be suffering from. You need to know about anal fistula as well. This is a tunnel that runs from the inside of your anus. Simply put, the hole that your body uses to expunge solid waste. An anal fistula generally follows an infection that might not have healed properly. The fistula can be repaired, but you will need anal fistula surgery for that. Keep reading to know what this condition is all about.
The Causes of Anal Fistula
There are several glands inside your anus responsible for making fluid. There are times when these glands get clogged or blocked. When this happens, it results in bacteria build-up and swollen pockets of liquid and infected tissue are created. In the medical world, we refer to this as an abscess.
If you do not treat the abscess right away, you are allowing it to grow. Sooner or later, it is going to punch a hole somewhere near the skin of your anus and the gunk will make its way outside. The fistula is the tunnel connecting the gland to that opening.
Typically, a fistula is caused due to an abscess. Even though it is rare, fistula can also be a result of conditions like STDs, tuberculosis, or an ongoing health condition that is affecting your bowel movement.
Symptoms of Anal Fistula
There are many symptoms of fistula, but the most common ones are:
- Swelling and redness around the anus
- Pain
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Bleeding
- A foul-smelling liquid coming out of a hole that is near your anus
- Fever
If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to reach out to the Laser 360 Clinic. Our team of doctors will diagnose the symptoms and relieve your pain.
For the diagnosis, these are a few procedures that are typically followed:
- A thorough physical exam, along with studying your previous medical history. Since all fistulas are not easily visible, the healthcare practitioner might stick his or her finger inside your anus to understand the condition.
- CT scan or X-rays might be performed
- Colposcopy is also performed in certain cases where a camera will be inserted into your anus to look at the insides of your bowels.
Anal Fistula Treatment
Once you have been diagnosed with anal fistula, the treatment is surgery. So far, there isn’t any medication that can fix this condition.
As for surgery, you do not have to worry about your skin or muscles being cut open. Previously, this was your only option. But, today, we recommend laser treatment of fistula. This is a painless procedure that has a very low complication rate. Even for complex fistulas, laser surgery is considered to be a life-saver as it preserves the anal sphincter. There is also no worry about post-surgery wounds and infections.
If you find yourself going through the above-mentioned symptoms, we recommend that you get yourself checked. At Laser 360 Clinic, we have expert laser treatment surgeons who can treat anal fistulas and help you get back to your normal life.
