What is an anal fistula?
Anal fistula is a chronic abnormal communication between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. There is usually an internal opening in the anus, and an external opening in the perianal skin, and a "tunnel" which connects these two openings. Because this tunnel has an epithelialised wall, it does not heal by itself and can cause persistent perianal discharge, recurrent perianal abscesses and even perianal cancer in the longer term.
Treatment of anal fistula
The most common treatment for anal fistula is surgery. Your surgeon can perform a Fistulotomy -- surgery to open up the tunnel tract to allow it to heal by itself, or a Fistulectomy -- which is surgery to remove the fistula tract. These wounds may take a few weeks to heal completely but are usually quite comfortable with only minimal perianal discomfort in the healing period.
Other treatments include
- Insertion of Seton
- Advancement flap surgery
- LIFT (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract)
- Fibrin glue treatment
- Video-assisted Anal Fistula Treatment
The appropriate treatment can be advised by your surgeon, and also depends on how deep the internal opening of the fistula tract is, and how much of the anal muscles are involved.