ANAL FISTULA (FISTULA-IN-ANO)
The anal canal and skin around the anus form an anal fistula. Untreated infections or abscesses cause it. Anal fistulas can form when the infection creates a tunnel between the skin and the anus.
An infection that starts in the anal gland is typically what causes anal fistulas.
Causes of infection include:
An abscess: An anal abscess may grow into a fistula if it is not adequately treated.
Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, can cause anus and rectum ulcers and inflammation. Crohn's disease can cause anal fistulas.
Tuberculosis: Bacterial tuberculosis may infect the anus. It sometimes causes an anal fistula.
Sexually transmitted infections: HIV and herpes are two sexually transmitted diseases that can make it more likely for someone to get an anal fistula.
Trauma: An anal fistula can happen when the anal area is hurt, like during childbirth, surgery, or an accident.
Cancer: Anal cancer rarely leads to a fistula.
The indications for an anal fistula can be different based on how bad it is and where it is.
Some common symptoms of anal fistula include:
Pain around the anus or in the rectum: Pain from an anal fistula may be exacerbated by bending over or sitting.
Discharge of pus or blood: The fistula may leak pus or blood from its hole, which can be painful and itchy.
Swelling and redness: The area around the anus may become swollen and red, which can cause discomfort and pain.
Itching or irritation: The area that lies around the anus may swell up and turn red, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
Fever or chills: If you have an ongoing illness, your body may try to fight it off by giving you a fever or chills.
Untreated anal fistulas may have implications like:
Infection: Anal fistulas are frequently the result of an infection, and they have the potential to contract that infection themselves, which can result in additional pain, discomfort, and swelling.
Abscesses: Around the stoma, abscesses can form and cause pain and swelling.
Recurrence: Anal fistulas can come back after being treated, particularly when the problem that caused the fistula is not fixed.
Fecal incontinence: In a few instances, anal fistulas can damage the muscles of the sphincter that control bowel movements. This can lead to fecal incontinence.
Anal stenosis: Anal stenosis may result from long-term anal fistulas. Stool problems may necessitate surgery.