Frequently Asked Question about Fistula Answered

Introduction

Have you or anyone who you know has been recently diagnosed with fistula? You probably have questions regarding the nature of this disease and fistula treatment in Kolkata. Here are the answers to all the frequently asked questions about anal fistula. 

 

Anal Fistula FAQs Answered

1. What are the causes of fistula?

 

An anal fistula is a tract connecting an infected cyst in the anus to an opening on the skin surrounding the anus.

 

2. What are the causes of fistula?

 

An anal fistula is mainly caused by the formation of anal abscesses due to clogged and infected anal glands that produce mucous. Other rare conditions that can cause anal fistula are:

• Crohn's disease

• Tuberculosis 

• Radiation Therapy

• Cancer

• Injury to the anal canal

• Sexually transmitted diseases

• Diverticulitis (a disease leading to the formation of tiny pouches in the large intestine that become inflamed)

3. What are the symptoms of Anal Fistula?

 

Symptoms that indicate anal fistula are – 

• Recurring anal abscesses

• Area around the anus swells and become painful

• Drainage of foul-smelling or bloody pus through an opening around the anus.

• Irritation of skin around the anus upon drainage

• Painful bowel movements

• Bleeding

• Fatigue, fever and chills

4. Is Anal Fistula serious?

 

Anal fistulas, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications. Some fistulas can lead to bacterial infection, resulting in sepsis. If you've been diagnosed with anal fistula, seek fistula treatment in Kolkata as soon as possible.

5. How will the doctor diagnose fistula?

 

In the case of an external fistula, the diagnosis procedure is relatively simple since a doctor can see it. Any discharge from the fistula opening will be sent to the lab for analysis, and a doctor may also prescribe blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis.  

 

However, in the case of internal fistula, the procedure of diagnosis gets a little complicated. A doctor may perform imaging tests like ultrasounds, CTs, or X-rays to find the fistula.

 

6. Can fistula lead to Cancer?

 

If a fistula is left untreated for a long time, there is a chance of developing Cancer.

 

7. How are Fistulas treated?

 

Surgery is your best option for treating an anal fistula. There are different types of surgical procedures available and the use of these depends on the severity of the disease. For small fistulas, fistulotomy will be prescribed. The procedure aims to open and drain the fistula.

 

Transsphinteric anal fistula requires laser treatment. Fistula laser treatment in Kolkata is a highly effective, safe and relatively painless procedure. It involves using a laser beam to disintegrate the fistula walls and granulation tissue, followed by shrinkage and subsequent closure of the track.