Anal Fistula Advice

I have been suffering from fistula in ano for about 15 years. Surgical treatment is risky for anal sphincter. Is there any non surgical treatment for this fistula?
(March 10, 2011)

A fistula is a connection that has been created between two organs that are normally not connected to each other. This abnormal connection can occur between blood vessels as well. A fistula usually occurs after an injury has occurred in the affected area. This injury could be related to a recent surgery as well. There are also cases where a fistula is artificially created as a therapeutic solution for the individual.


This type of fistula surgery may be performed of the natural flow of the organ is hindered for some reason. In this case, it is more likely that an attempt will be made to clear the blockage before considering the possibility of using fistula surgery. Before you consider this type of a surgery, make sure that you have explored all other possibilities and that you have disclosed your complete medical records to your doctor.

There are many areas of the body that can have fistulae develop within them. The most common area to be affected by this problem is the anal region. When this happens, fecal matter is distributed out of the body through an alternate route. Other types of fistulae include those between arteries and veins, those between the bile ducts and the skin surface and those between the stomach and surface of the skin. There are also other types of fistulae associated with the rectum including the rectovaginal. In this case, there is a connection between the rectum and the vagina which may cause fecal discharge to pass through the vagina.

Apart from the possibility of injury trauma or surgical trauma, a fistula may also occur as a result of a disease or an inflammation that is present or that has recently occurred in the area affected by fistulae. This condition may promote the growth of a fistula and is therefore considered to be a cause for the problem.

The most common method of treatment for a fistula is fistula surgery. This is a rather invasive procedure where the affected area will be accessed and the fistula removed or sealed off. The areas to either side of the fistula may be treated with antiseptic solutions in order to prevent any infection from occurring. The area may also have to be cleaned regularly, especially if it is located in the rectal or anal area because of the possibility of fecal matter causing infection in the fistula. There will be considerable pain after the surgery as the wounded area heals. There will also be a discharge and bleeding from the affected areas but this should be minimal. Any excessive bleeding should be reported to the doctor in charge of the procedure. The main types of fistula surgery include perianal fistula surgery, rectovaginal fistula surgery, and enterocutaneous fistula surgery.

In many cases, fistulae in the rectal region are caused by the individual straining during defecation. This is a sign that there is not enough fiber content in the food being consumed by the individual. A change in the diet of the individual to include more dietary fiber is one of the best home remedies for fistula. This includes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. These natural products allow the digestive system to function properly and will reduce the risk of fistula or the aggravation of an existing fistula. An individual regularly suffering from constipation should reduce his/her caffeine intake and instead have fresh fruit juices or warm water. 

Anal Fistula Advice

An anal fistula is an abnormal canal that forms between the anal canal and the skin surface. It is inflammatory in nature and occurs as a result of a blockage and subsequent infection of the anal glands and their outlets. These glands may get blocked for some reason which leads to the formation of an anal fistula. An anal fistula can form into an abscess if the opening of the fistula gets covered and pus begins to accumulate within it. An abscess is considered to be acute when it occurs for a period of less than 6 weeks. Beyond this period, it is considered to be a chronic case of anal fistula. Apart from the pain felt as a result of the fistula, there are no significant health risks associated with an anal fistula. The only risk that has been linked to it is the spread of infections, particularly if the tissue around the fistula or within the fistula is ruptured in some way.

An anal fistula can result from some sort of trauma in the anus which could include the passage of hard and large bowel movements. It could also result from injury due to anal sex. An anal fistula is often referred to as an anorectal fistula because it may originate in the rectum as well. In some cases, women suffering from an anal fistula may have one of the ends of the fistula opening into the vagina.

There are many different options for fistula treatment. Surgery is considered to be a long term solution as it can close the fistula completely and rectify the problem for a long period of time. There are other non-surgical options as well that can be explored by a patient. These include a surgical incision to open the fistula and regularly treating it so that it heals completely. Some doctors suggest leaving the fistula alone and placing a drainage system to make sure that it is always easily drained. An anorectal fistula repair procedure usually involves invasive surgery which may leave a scar on the skin. Some surgeries are not recommended as they may involve damage to the sphincter muscle. This happens when the fistula crosses the anal sphincter muscle. Invasive treatments for anal fistulae are often associated with incontinence which can be quite embarrassing and inconvenient for the individual. Long term solutions may include the consumption of dietary fiber which will help prevent hard and heavy stools.

 Anal Fistula

An anal fistula is an abnormal canal that forms between the anal canal and the skin surface. It is inflammatory in nature and occurs as a result of a blockage and subsequent infection of the anal glands and their outlets. These glands may get blocked for some reason which leads to the formation of an anal fistula. An anal fistula can form into an abscess if the opening of the fistula gets covered and pus begins to accumulate within it. An abscess is considered to be acute when it occurs for a period of less than 6 weeks. Beyond this period, it is considered to be a chronic case of anal fistula. Apart from the pain felt as a result of the fistula, there are no significant health risks associated with an anal fistula. The only risk that has been linked to it is the spread of infections, particularly if the tissue around the fistula or within the fistula is ruptured in some way.

An anal fistula can result from some sort of trauma in the anus which could include the passage of hard and large bowel movements. It could also result from injury due to anal sex. An anal fistula is often referred to as an anorectal fistula because it may originate in the rectum as well. In some cases, women suffering from an anal fistula may have one of the ends of the fistula opening into the vagina.
 
There are many different options for fistula treatment. Surgery is considered to be a long term solution as it can close the fistula completely and rectify the problem for a long period of time. There are other non-surgical options as well that can be explored by a patient. These include a surgical incision to open the fistula and regularly treating it so that it heals completely. Some doctors suggest leaving the fistula alone and placing a drainage system to make sure that it is always easily drained. An anorectal fistula repair procedure usually involves invasive surgery which may leave a scar on the skin. Some surgeries are not recommended as they may involve damage to the sphincter muscle. This happens when the fistula crosses the anal sphincter muscle. Invasive treatments for anal fistulae are often associated with incontinence which can be quite embarrassing and inconvenient for the individual. Long term solutions may include the consumption of dietary fiber which will help prevent hard and heavy stools.

Anorectal fistulas can be treated using Laser. Actual laser operation takes just 15 mins so if you are insured you might want to go in for this.

If you do not want any kind of fistula surgery nor laser treatment, you can try these home remedies for fistula relief.

Natural Cures for Fistula 

First get the infection out by doing a sitz bath every night. Sit in warm water containing potassium permanganate for 10 mins.

If there are hard edges, granulation or scabbing, prepare a poultice of Calendula (OR St. John's wort)
This has wonderful wound healing ability. Do not use it if there is fresh blood and if the wound hasnt healed. Once infection is out totally, add lavender essential oil to calendula and apply.

Comfrey herb is known to heal and close wounds quickly. You can make this at home or use any OTC ointment containing comfrey.
Recipe for home made comfrey treatment for fistula healing -

1. Dried or powdered comfrey
2. Honey
3. Wheat germ oil
   

Mix two parts of wheat germ oil and honey in equal proportion. Comfrey should be mixed into this till you obtain a thick consistency. Spread this paste on a gauze piece and put on the wound about half inch thickness. Cover with bandage. Leave this on the wound constantly and reapply as needed. Do not remove original application, just put on more.