• jainhospital66@gmail.com
  • +91 98557-44429

Your Complete Guide to Anal Fistulas: Signs, Surgery, and Healing

Having an anal fistula could be a traumatic journey. It can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, however, recovery from the condition is possible, especially with the correct care and therapy. Everything you need to know about an anal fistula is here, so keep reading.

Let’s dive deeper into what anal fistula is and how you can get rid of it.

Anal Fistula - Dr Gaurang Ramesh

Anal Fistula: What Is It?

Anal fistula can be explained as a tiny tunnel that develops between the skin around your anus and the interior of your anal canal. It typically appears after an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) caused by an infection in one of the anal glands. The fistula is a tube that may be left behind when an abscess drains or is surgically opened.

It usually comes out as a red, enlarged hump or lump close to the anus that may be leaking fluid or pus. Not all fistulas have the same intensity or treatment results. While some of the fistulas are simple to treat and superficial, others are more difficult to handle because they are deeper, have curving pathways, or have several branches. So, talking to a professional will help you get relief better than trying other ways that people suggest. 

What are the Anal Fistula Causes?

The majority of anal fistulas begin with an infected or clogged anal gland. The infection may create a tunnel by penetrating the skin surface close to the anus when pus accumulates and pressure rises. A previously untreated or drained anal abscess is usually the underlying reason. It is a potential reason, but not the only one. There are some other anal fistula causes too.

Other potential anal fistula causes are as follows:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • The tuberculosis
  • Treatment with radiation
  • Trauma or injury to the anal region

Anal fistulas can occasionally form for no apparent reason, although they are typically caused by persistent inflammation and infection. Keep in mind that anal fistula causes are not limited.

How Frequently Does It Occur?

You might not believe or know it, but anal fistulas are quite common. They are more common in men than in women, and they appear in around half of cases of an anal gland infection or abscess. A previously drained abscess is the source of almost three-quarters of all fistulas. So, if you have had an anal abscess, you know where the fistula came from. 

What are the anal fistula symptoms and signs?

Once an anal fistula begins to interfere with your day-to-day activities, it is difficult to ignore its signs. Here are some anal fistula symptoms to watch out for:

  • Anus pain, particularly when sitting or having a bowel movement.
  • An aperture close to the anus.
  • Blood, pus, or even feces seeping out of that hole.
  • Swelling and redness in the vicinity.
  • Fever (if there is an active infection)

It’s best to consult a physician as soon as possible if you observe these symptoms. The illness tends to worsen over time and doesn’t go away on its own. Visit Jain Multispeciality Hospital to get the right advice. 

Difference Between Anal Fistula vs Hemorrhoids

BasisAnal FistulaHemorrhoids
AppearanceDoes not usually come out as soft lumps, but appears more complex.They often appear as soft lumps.
CauseMore difficult, unpleasant, and nearly always put out some sort of discharge.Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus.
Pain and BleedingAnal pain and bleeding are possible.Anal pain and bleeding are also possible.
TreatmentMostly always require surgeryMany can be controlled with lifestyle modifications or simple procedures.

Can a Fistula Recover by Itself?

The answer is no. No matter what anyone tells you, it cannot go on its own. Chronic disorders like anal fistulas require medical care, usually surgery, in order to heal properly. Bowel incontinence, increasing pain, and recurrent infections might result from not treating them. Therefore, don’t wait it out if symptoms are present. A physician can determine the kind and extent of the fistula and suggest a course of action that will reduce risks.

Types of Fistulas You Need to Know About

Based on how anal fistulas go through or around the sphincter muscles, which regulate bowel motions, doctors categorize anal fistula types like this.

Anal fistula types are as follows:

Type of Fistula- Kaizen Fistula Care

  • Intersphincteric: Passes through the internal sphincter only.
  • Transsphincteric: Goes through both internal and external sphincters.
  • Suprasphincteric: Loops over the external sphincter.
  • Extrasphincteric: Comes from the rectum, not the anus, very rare.
  • Superficial: Stays below the sphincter muscles and is easier to treat.

Using imaging or physical examination, your doctor will identify the type and select a surgical technique that preserves the muscles while exercising the fistula.

Options for Simple Fistula Treatment

Procedures for simple anal fistula treatment include:

  • Fistulotomy: The tract is cleaned, opened, and allowed to mend internally.
  • Fistulectomy: The removal of the whole fistula tract.

Anal sphincter injury must be avoided, however these operations often have a good cure rate.

Difficult anal fistula treatment 

More intricate and precise methods are needed for complex fistulas to prevent sphincter damage:

  • LIFT: Without severing muscle, LIFT (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract) closes the internal opening.
  • Seton Placement: To promote gradual healing and drainage, a thread is inserted inside the fistula.
  • Advancement Flap Surgery: The internal incision is sealed with a tissue flap taken from the rectum.
  • Laser Treatment: Thermal energy is applied via a probe to close the fistula tract.

Though they can be safely repeated if the fistula recurs, each of these procedures has a satisfactory success rate.

Self-care and Healing Post Anal Fistula Surgery

Hospital stays following anal fistula surgery might range from a few hours (for easy cases) to one to two days (for complex surgeries). Once at home, you should take care of yourself with these tips:

  • 1. After using the restroom, gently wash the area with water and mild soap.
  • 2. Clean gauze should be used to absorb discharge.
  • 3. Observe your doctor’s instructions, particularly if they include antibiotics, stool softeners, or painkillers.
  • 4. Unless otherwise instructed, follow a regular diet.
  • 5. Take a few days off before going back to work or driving.


The majority of patients recover in 4-6 weeks; however, in order to monitor progress and avoid problems, follow-ups are crucial.

How to Avoid Recurrence?

Recurrence can be prevented in large part by practicing good hygiene and wound care. For instance, after the scar has healed, gently rubbing it can prevent the skin from closing incorrectly and creating a new scar. Additionally, fistula formation can be avoided by properly draining anal abscesses and diagnosing them early. Visiting the best doctor at Jain Multispeciality Hospital is the key to better handling of the case and taking the recommended anal fistula medicine on time. 

The Final Thoughts

Although anal fistulas may seem frightening, they can be treated, and thanks to contemporary surgical methods, treatments are now more easy than ever. The most important things are to get medical help as soon as possible, pay close attention to what your doctor says, and not dismiss your symptoms. The correct care can help you recover and resume your life without discomfort, regardless of how simple or complicated the issue is.