Do you often feel pain, swelling, or a feeling of wetness around your anus (the place where you pass stool)? Many people are embarrassed and embarrassed to talk about these things. But these are health problems, so being ashamed and hiding them will only make the situation worse. Today we are talking about such a sensitive, but very important topic as anal fistula, or `(Anal Fistula)`.
Simply put, what is an anal fistula?
Think of it as an unusual tunnel that runs from the inside of our anus to the surface of the skin around it. To be precise, this connection occurs between the inside of the anus, the last part of our digestive system, and the skin around it.
It usually starts with an infection in a small gland inside the anus. This infection causes pus to collect and form a lump. We scientifically call this an abscess. If this lump does not heal properly, it forms a new path for the pus to come out, which is called a tunnel. That tunnel is what we call a fistula.
This condition does not heal on its own. Therefore, it is very important to treat it. This usually requires minor surgery.
Are there any types of Bhagandara?
Yes, this tunnel is divided into several types depending on where it is located and the path it takes. There are two ring-shaped muscles that help our anus close and open. We call these sphincter muscles. The main classification is based on the way the vagina passes through these muscles.
- Intersphincteric anal fistula: This is the most common type. In this case, the tunnel is formed between the internal and external sphincter muscles.
- Transsphincteric anal fistula: In this type, the tunnel passes through both the internal and external anal muscles.
- Suprasphincteric anal fistula: Here, the tunnel passes above the internal muscle and reaches the skin surface.
- Extrasphincteric fistula: This is a somewhat rarer type. It starts in a higher part of the rectum and travels outside both muscles.
- Superficial anal fistula: This type is different from the others. Although it starts inside the anus, it does not go through the anal sphincter, but goes around it and opens onto the skin surface.
This classification may be complicated for you, but your doctor will be able to determine exactly which type you have and provide the most appropriate treatment.
What are the main causes and risk factors for developing a hernia?
As I mentioned earlier, the main cause is an abscess that forms in the anus . When the small glands inside the anus become blocked, bacteria accumulate and become infected, creating a pus-filled abscess. If this abscess is not treated, it will grow and create a hole in the skin for the pus to escape. The anus is the tunnel that connects the gland and the hole in the skin.
Apart from that, some other medical conditions can also cause genital warts, but that is a bit rare.
- Tuberculosis
- Some sexually transmitted diseases
- Long-term inflammatory conditions of the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Treatments for rectal cancer
- Removing a boil that has previously formed and is pus-filled
- Accidents or injuries related to the anus
How do you know if you have a hymen? What are the symptoms?
If you have one or more of the symptoms below, it could be a sign of a yeast infection. If you have something like this, it's best to see a doctor without wasting any time .
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Constant pain and swelling | Persistent pain and swelling around the anus that increases when sitting, walking, or coughing. |
| Skin redness and warmth | The skin around the anus becomes red and feels warm to the touch. |
| Pus or discharge | A small hole in the skin near the anus may leak a foul-smelling pus or bloody fluid. It may stain your underwear. |
| Other features | Some people may also experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, pain when defecating or urinating, and bleeding. |
Doctor, how do you diagnose this?
When you go to see your doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Then, they will do a physical exam. Some fissures are easy to spot because they are visible. Some fissures can sometimes close and reopen. The doctor will carefully examine the area around the anus to look for any pus or fluid, or any lumps.
Sometimes, to further confirm the condition, he or she may refer you to a specialist in colon and rectal conditions. They may also do tests such as X-rays or a CT scan. Sometimes, you may be recommended to have a colonoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with a camera through your anus to examine the inside of your colon. This test is done under anesthesia (put you to sleep) so you won't feel any discomfort.
What are the treatments for phlegm?
Surgery is often required to treat anal fissures. The treatment you receive will depend on the location, size, and type of fissure. Here are some of the main treatments.
| Treatment method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Fistulotomy | This is the most common surgery for simple, non-penetrating hernias. The doctor cuts open the tunnel, drains the pus, and leaves the wound open to heal. |
| Seton placement | This method is used for complex, muscle-passing fistulas. A surgical thread (seton) is passed through the tunnel and tied. This allows the pus to continue to drain, and over time, the thread gradually cuts through the muscle, helping the fistula to heal. |
| Fistulectomy | Here, the entire ganglion cyst is excised and removed. This method can be used for complex or recurring ganglion cysts. |
| LIFT procedure | This is also a surgery for complex hernias. Here, the tunnel between the muscles is closed with stitches. This minimizes damage to the muscles. |
| Other methods | In addition, there are modern methods such as using a mucosal advancement flap to close the fistula or using special plugs (fistula plugs) to block the tunnel. |
What are the complications if left untreated?
An anal fissure is not a self-healing condition. If you leave it untreated, it can lead to complications.
- Recurrent infections: Bacteria and pus can continue to build up in an untreated vagina, leading to repeated infections. These can become more severe over time and be difficult to treat.
- Difficulty controlling your bowels: If your vagina is damaged by the sphincter muscles, you may have difficulty controlling your bowel movements. This is called ``Fecal incontinence''.
- Severe infection: If the infection in the vagina spreads to the surrounding tissues or blood, a serious, life-threatening condition called ``Sepsis'' can occur.
- Formation of new gangrene pathways: An untreated gangrene can branch out and form new tunnels, further complicating the situation.
- Cancer risk: This is very rare. However, there is a very small risk of developing rectal cancer due to prolonged untreated genital warts.
Therefore, putting shame aside, the best thing you can do is to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that forms between the inside of the anus and the skin around it.
- The main cause of this is an untreated abscess that develops in the anus.
- The main symptoms are persistent pain, swelling, redness, and pus or discharge around the anus.
- This condition does not heal on its own , so seeking medical treatment is essential.
- Most often, this requires surgery. Your doctor will determine the treatment that is best for you.
- Don't delay treatment out of shame or fear. Doing so can worsen the condition and lead to complications.











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