An anal fistula, also known as a fistula-in-ano, is a tunnel that forms between the anus' interior and its outer skin. The muscle aperture where stool leaves the body at the end of the digestive system is called the anus.
An infection that develops in the anal gland is what leads to the majority of anal fistulas. The infection causes an abscess, which either drains naturally or is surgically removed through the skin adjacent to the anus. The tube that develops beneath the skin along this drainage channel is known as a fistula. The anal canal or gland is connected to the anus by a tunnel that runs through the skin. You are able to regulate the release of faeces thanks to sphincter muscle rings at the aperture of the anus. These sphincter muscles' involvement in fistulas is used to categorise them. The surgeon can choose among several treatments thanks to this classification.
Your doctor will examine you physically and talk to you about your symptoms to determine whether you have an anal fistula. The examination includes examining the region surrounding and inside of your anus.
An anal
fistula's external opening is typically visible on the skin around the anus. It is very difficult to locate the internal fistula opening inside the anal canal. Effective treatment of an anal fistula requires knowledge
of the entire course. The fistula tunnel may be found using one or more of the imaging tests listed below:
MRI : The sphincter muscle and other pelvic floor components can be seen in great detail in MRI scans, which can also map the fistula tunnel.
Endoscopic ultrasound : Endoscopic ultrasound, which employs high-frequency sound waves, can distinguish between the tissues around, the sphincter muscles, and the fistula.
Fistulography : An injection of contrast is used during fistulography to identify the anal fistula tunnel on an X-ray of the fistula.
Examination under anesthesia : Anesthesia-induced examination Anesthesia may be advised by a colon and rectal surgeon when the fistula is examined. This makes it possible to thoroughly examine the fistula tunnel and can spot any potential issues.
Fistula probe : The fistula tunnel is located using a tool made specifically to be introduced through a fistula.
Anoscope : The anal canal is viewed with a tiny endoscope.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy : In these procedures, the large intestine is examined using an endoscope (colon). A sigmoidoscopy can assess the colon's lower portion (sigmoid colon). When ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease are suspected, a colonoscopy, which looks at the entire colon, is crucial to check for other diseases.
An injected dye solution : This might aid in identifying the fistula opening.
When home remedies fail to produce positive results, it is necessary to consult a Hemorrhoids surgeon. Hemorrhoids treatment comes in a variety of forms.