Keyhole Clinic (Kochi)

Anal Fistula

A fistula is a small tunnel or an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as between an organ or bowel and another body part.

An anal fistula is a small abnormal tunnel that forms between an infected cavity or abscess in the anus to a skin opening around the anus connecting the two.

The anus is the body’s external opening through which the body expels feces.  Being the last part of the intestine, there are small glands inside the anus which makes up the mucus.  If these glands get clogged or blocked, it can cause infection, which leads to abscess.  If these abscesses are not treated, it will grow and it will eventually make its way outside creating a hole near the anus so that it can drain the fluid inside it.  This tunnel that connects the anus to the opening is called the fistula.

Anal glands that are clogged and abscesses in the anal canal are the main causes of anal fistula.

Other causes include:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Cancer
  • Trauma

Some of the symptoms and signs of anal fistula includes:

  • Pain
  • Swelling around the anus
  • Frequent anal abscesses
  • Redness
  • Skin irritation around the anal area
  • Pain with bowel movements
  • Bleeding
  • Fever, chills, fatigue

The doctor examines the area around the anus looking for any opening on the surface, any drainage from the opening, and will try to determine how deep the fistula tract is, and the direction it is going. 

Sometimes, anoscopy is conducted, where a special instrument is used to visualize the anal canal and rectum.  MRI is ordered to better visualize the fistula tract.  The doctor might also order a colonoscopy to find out the status of the large intestine.

The patient may need to undergo surgery for treatment of the anal fistula.  Some common procedures include:

Fistulotomy:  This procedure is used when there is little or no sphincter muscle involved.  The muscle over the tunnel is cut open in this procedure.

Advancement Flap procedure:  The fistula is covered with a flap that is taken from the rectum.      

LASER Treatment:  LASER for fistulectomy is also in good practice as the postoperative pain is very less.

In very complex cases diversion colostomy and staged procedures may be necessary.

Related Articles

Pilonidal Sinus

What is Pilonidal Sinus Pilonidal sinus is a small hole, tunnel, or a round sac of tissue in the skin  It is a common disease  It is usually found over the tailbone at the cleft at the top of the buttocks  It can get filled up with...

Read More
പൈൽസ് ചികിത്സ കൊച്ചിയിൽ | മൂലക്കുരു ചികിത്സ പൈല്സിനുള്ള ലേസർ ചികിത്സ, സ്റ്റേപ്പിൾഡ് ഹെമറോയ്ഡ്എക്ടമി, ഹെമറോയ്ഡ്എക്ടമി, ബാൻഡിങ്, സ്ക്ളീറോതെറാപ്പി
പൈൽസ് ചികിത്സ  കൊച്ചിയിൽ | മൂലക്കുരു ചികിത്സ

പൈൽസ് ചികിത്സ രീതികൾ പൈല്സിനുള്ള ലേസർ ചികിത്സ സ്റ്റേപ്പിൾഡ്...

Read More
ഫിസ്റ്റുല-രോഗലക്ഷണങ്ങളും ചികിത്സയും
ഫിസ്റ്റുല-രോഗലക്ഷണങ്ങളും ചികിത്സയും

ഫിസ്റ്റുല-രോഗലക്ഷണങ്ങളും ചികിത്സയും കുറിച്ച് Dr Madhukar Pai സംസാരിക്കുന്നു Subscribe to our YouTube Channel...

Read More
പൈൽസ് രോഗമുള്ളവർ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ട കാര്യങ്ങൾ, ഭക്ഷണങ്ങൾ
പൈൽസ് / മൂലക്കുരു രോഗമുള്ളവർ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ട കാര്യങ്ങൾ, ഭക്ഷണങ്ങൾ

കുറെ 'S' കൾ ആണ് പൈൽസ് / മൂലക്കുരു ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നത് Squatting - കുത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നത് Straining - മലം പോകാൻ...

Read More
Keyhole Clinic Edappally

Keyhole Clinic, the state-of-the-art healthcare facility, is situated in the Heart of Kochi at a very prime location (Edappally), We have well-experienced and reputed team of Medical Professionals at our center.

Keyhole Clinic is now NABH Accredited

Keyhole Clinic is now NABH Accredited
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers
Patient Safety & Quality of Care

Our Vision: Center of Excellence in all specialities aiming to provide Comprehensive & Comfortable Outpatient Healthcare Services

Mission: High Quality Care with a Smile

Quality Policy: To provide state-of-the-art facilities of International Standards to patients in a pleasant ambience