An anal fistula gives rise to immense pain and discomfort. The anal fistula is a small tunnel that connects the infected anal gland to the skin outside the anus. It’s good to consult your doctor immediately if you have extreme pain in the affected area. Surgery is the most common anal fistula treatment, referred to as fistulotomy.
Symptoms of Anal Fistula
Now, it’s essential to learn about the anal fistula symptoms:
- Pain and swelling around the anus
- Pain and irritation during bowel movement
- Fluid drainage leads to skin irritation around the anus
- Fatigue with fever and chills
- Bleeding from anus
Are you facing the symptoms of an anal fistula? Your doctor will provide the proper treatment, and you will feel better.
How will your doctor diagnose anal fistula?
First, your doctor will check the skin condition around the anus. Your doctor will determine the depth of the anus, and it will help them track the direction of the cyst. Also, your doctor will check whether fluid drainage is the main symptom of an anal fistula.
Sometimes, the doctor can’t find any visible infection on the skin. So, your doctor may recommend some tests like:
- Anoscopy to check the entire structure inside the anus and rectum
- Also, your doctor may suggest ultrasound and MRI that helps in viewing the fistula tract
- Some doctors also examine your anal fistula in the operating room under complete anesthesia
Once you start receiving the treatment, you will feel relieved from the pain. Also, there will be improvement in your symptoms, which will help you lead an everyday life. Some doctors also recommend further tests to know whether the condition is a symptom of a more severe Crohn’s Disease. Your doctor will suggest a blood test, X-ray, and colonoscopy to know the actual reason for the infection.
Anal Fistula Treatments
Before you visit a clinic, it’s good to get a clear view of the anal fistula treatments:
- A fistulotomy is anal fistula surgery; your doctor will cut the entire fistula. It’s a surgery carried out in the operating room.
- The flap procedure is another advanced treatment, and the doctor will cover the fistula with tissue removed from the rectum.
- The lift procedure is another treatment where the doctor opens the fistula. The sphincter muscles are spread, and the doctor ties up the fistula.
- Endoscopic ablation is gaining popularity, where a thin tube is inserted into the fistula. An electrode is passed through the tube to seal the fistula.
- Laser surgery is another advanced treatment, and it involves the use of a small laser beam. Your doctor will seal the fistula, and you can get relief from pain and discomfort.
- Doctors may insert a bioprosthetic plug, a cone-shaped plug designed with animal tissue. It’s used to block the opening of the anal fistula.
- Sometimes, your doctor will insert a seton, and it’s placed in the fistula to keep it open. This procedure helps you avoid cutting off sphincter muscles. Your doctor will loosen the fistula, and the fluid quickly drains out.
A colorectal surgeon will discuss the benefits of surgery, making you feel confident. Usually, surgeries give you a permanent cure, and you can carry out your daily work confidently. You may need to take laxatives or other stool softeners for a week to ease your pain during bowel movements.
Find a Good Doctor
First, finding a good doctor who will provide the best treatments is essential. Now, you can go through the reviews that will give you an idea of the clinic’s or doctors’ reputation. Thus, you can find the best doctor, and it becomes easy to get the treatments.
Anal Fistula Causes
Now, it’s essential to know the causes of anal fistula:
- Crohn’s Disease is one of the leading causes of anal fistula. It’s a chronic condition causing inflammation of the digestive system.
- Tuberculosis or HIV is another cause of anal fistula, and you need to get treatments for the disease.
- Diverticulitis is another condition that leads to infection of the tiny pouches outside the large intestine.
- You may get an anal fistula after a complicated anal surgery. Hence, it would help if you take proper safety measures to avoid post-surgery complications.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa also leads to an anal fistula, affecting the skin surrounding the anus.
Your doctor will identify the actual cause of the infection, and it will help you receive good treatment.
Anal Fistula Home Remedies
Before visiting the clinic, you may try home remedies to soothe your pain. The home remedies are:
- Drink plenty of water, and it will hydrate your body. Excess water in the intestine will soften your stool and ease your bowel movement.
- Maintaining good toilet hygiene is one of the effective ways to avoid complications due to anal fistula. Wash the anal area properly after each bowel movement to avoid spreading germs.
- Avoid eating spicy meals, as it may irritate the anal area. Also, it may aggravate bleeding from the rectum leading to pain and swelling.
- A donut pillow is another good option, as it reduces the pressure on the anal area. It relieves pain while sitting, and thus, you can handle your daily activities efficiently.
These home remedies help you feel well, and you can carry out your daily work confidently. Anal fistula treatment helps you lead a better life, and it’s time to visit an experienced doctor.
