A fistula is a condition where an abnormal passageway forms between two parts of the body that are not meant to be connected otherwise. One of the most common types of fistula is the anal fistula. An anal fistula refers to the condition where a connection forms between the anus and the skin near it.
There are glands inside the anus which secrete fluids and they might get clogged due to some reason. This leads to the buildup of the secretion and the growth of bacteria, resulting in a pocket of swollen infected tissue. An anal fistula is usually the result of this infected tissue making its way by breaking out into the skin. The fistula is the tunnel created by the infected fluid connecting the gland to the skin.
An anal fistula is painful and causes pain during bowel movements. The anal fistula requires immediate medical attention. The best way to treat this ailment is anal fistula surgery.
The tract begins in the space between the internal and external sphincter muscles and opens up very close to the anal opening.
In this, the tract begins in the space between the internal and external sphincter muscles or in the space behind the anus which crosses the external sphincter and opens an inch or two outside the anal opening. These can wrap around the body in a U shape, with external openings on both sides of the anus (called a horseshoe fistula).
The tract begins in the space between the internal and external sphincter muscles and turns upward to a point above the puborectal muscle, crosses this muscle, then extends downward between the puborectal and levator ani muscle and opens an inch or two outside the anus.
The tract begins at the rectum or sigmoid colon and extends downward, passes through the levator ani muscle and opens around the anus. These fistulas are usually caused by an appendiceal abscess, diverticular abscess or Crohn's disease.
This is an autoimmune disease that majorly affects the small intestine and causes bowel disorders. This disease can lead to the development of the anal fistula.
This is a disease where small pouches develop in the digestive tract (especially the large intestine), causing inflammation. An anal fistula is one of the effects of this ailment.
Trauma refers to any kind of injury to the anus that can cause the development of the fistula. Trauma during intrusive anal surgeries can be a cause of anal fistula.
Fistula in the anus can develop as an effect of radiation therapy for rectal cancer (the radiation is done on the anus).
Chronic diarrhoea can disrupt the functioning of the anus and lead to a fistula.
The fistula causes a passage to form between the anal glands and the skin which appears as a tiny hole externally. This is accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge from the anal canal.
An anal fistula causes pain around the anus region along with discomfort.
The anus gets swollen due to the infection.
Anal fistula disrupts the movement of bowels and causes pain in doing so too.
Bleeding while bowel movements can be caused due to a fistula.
A general feeling of fatigue and feeling feverish is a strong indicator if it is accompanied by other symptoms of fistula.