Fistula Treatment

What are the Types of Anal Fistula?

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.
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.
Suprasphincteric Fistula: Suprasphincteric anal fistula extends above the internal sphincter muscle and is usually caused by an infection that spreads from an abscess.
Extrasphincteric Fistula: Extrasphincteric anal fistula extends beyond the external sphincter muscle and is usually caused by a chronic infection.

Causes of Recurrence:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually, anal fistula can’t heal on its own. Surgery is the best and most effective treatment option to cure an anal fistula. The doctor will suggest the best surgical option based on the severity of the condition.

Anal fistula surgery is performed under the influence of anesthesia so you won’t feel pain and discomfort during the procedure. The doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications to manage the post-operative symptoms.

The main cause of anal fistula is an infection or abscess in the nearby tissue. When the abscess doesn’t heal completely, it can lead to a tunnel or fistula forming between the skin and the inside of the body. Other causes include trauma, surgery, or certain diseases like Crohn’s.

No, anal fistula laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return to your home on the same day of the procedure.

Here are some common side effects of the anal fistula laser surgery includes: