Fistula Treatment

There are several types of anal fistulas, which are classified based on their location and severity.

1. Intersphincteric Fistula: It is located between the internal and external sphincter muscles of the anus. It is the most common type of anal fistula and is usually caused by an infected anal gland.
2. Transsphincteric Fistula: It extends through both the internal and external sphincter muscles of the anus. It is usually caused by an infection that spreads from an abscess.
3. Suprasphincteric Fistula: Suprasphincteric anal fistula extends above the internal sphincter muscle and is usually caused by an infection that spreads from an abscess.
4. Extrasphincteric Fistula: Extrasphincteric anal fistula extends beyond the external sphincter muscle and is usually caused by a chronic infection.

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have an anal fistula as it can cause discomfort and lead to complications if left untreated. 

Causes of Recurrence:

When it comes to laser anal fistula surgery, a successful procedure is defined as the complete healing of the anal wound without any residual tract, external openings, or perianal discharge.

In most cases, laser anal fistula surgery is considered to be the best and the most effective surgical treatment for anal fistula. However, due to various reasons, your condition may reoccur even after surgery. Some of the most common postoperative causes of anal fistula recurrence are given below:

• Poor Hygiene of the Surgical Site: Poor hygiene and an unclean environment can expose your surgical wound to various types of bacteria and germs. Such contamination, especially after surgery, can lead to an infection and may also result in ineffective treatment of the fistula. Hence, maintaining good hygiene around the anal wound after your anal fistula surgery is imperative.

• Failure to Comply with Follow-up Instructions: After your anal fistula surgery, your anorectal specialist will likely instruct you to follow some guidelines to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible. Following these guidelines will also ensure that the chances of any postoperative complications are as low as possible. However, failure to comply with these guidelines can often lead to incomplete recovery and could cause your anal fistula to reoccur.
• Persistence of Preoperative Factors: Treatment of an anal fistula goes beyond just surgery. It is also important to make certain changes in your lifestyle to minimize the chances of its recurrence. However, if the factors that initially lead to your condition are still present after the surgery, your anal fistula may reoccur and require treatment.