FAQ
What is a Fistula in ano ? What causes anal Fistula ?
Fistula is a tract (passage) which communicates between two surfaces or body parts. Anal Fistula is an abnormal passage (communication) between the interior of the anal canal or rectum and the skin surface around the anus.Most fistulas begin as anorectal abscesses. When the abscess opens spontaneously into the anal canal (or has been opened surgically), a fistula may occur. Approximately, 8-50% of perianal abscess patients end up having an anal fistula.
Other causes of fistulas include tuberculosis, cancer, injury (trauma), Crohn’s disease, after Radiation therapy, anal Fissure, and infections (actinomycoses, chlamydial etc). Fistulas may occur singly or in multiples.
Rarely, the fistula may communicate from anus (rectum) to Vagina (Recto-Vaginal Fistula), Urinary Bladder (Recto-Vesical Fistula), Urethera (Recto-Uretheral Fistula) or other pelvic structures, including the bowel
What happens in Anal Fistula ?
Symptoms are usually a purulent discharge and pus coming around opening of asshole anus. It can irritate the outer tissues causing itching and discomfort. Pain occurs when fistulas become blocked and abscesses recur. Gas may also escape from the fistulous tract. A fistula-in-ano is diagnosed when a probe has been passed between the opening on the skin’s surface and the interior opening.
What are Anal Fistula risks ? Is it really dangerous?
- If the treatment is not done, the pus inside the fistula can spread further leading to formation of multiple tracts and several opening in the skin around the anus. This makes the fistula more complex and further difficult to treat.
- Anal Fistula treatment is associated with high recurrence rate. Anal fistula treatment requires a lot of planning and each patient require expert handling. Therefore, Anal Fistula should always be treated by an expert Colo-Rectal Surgeon who has special interest in dealing with Anal Fistulas.
- Another important issue is that each and every fistula is different one cured with one modality may not be useful for other. It has to be understood by patient and surgeon that each patient will require a customised treatment as per status of his disease. There are different procedures to treat Anal Fistulas and none of these procedures is perfect. Therefore, different procedure should be done in different patients, depending upon the type and complexity of that patient’s fistula.
- There is a risk, though low, of cancer formation in the long standing Anal Fistulas. Therefore, Fistulas should always be treated at the earliest.
What is KsharSutra / Sharsutra / Seton treatment for fistula ?
“Kshar Sutra” (क्षारसूत्र) is a sanskrit phrase in which Kshar (क्षार) refers to anything that is corrosive or caustic; while Sutra(सूत्र) means a thread. It is one among popular Ayurvedic treatment modality in the branch of Shalyatantra followed by Susruta.
The Ksharsutra was first mentioned by the “Father of Surgery” in his text named SUSHRUT – SAMHITA for the treatment of Nadi Vrana(sinus),Bhagandara (fistula- in – ano).How kshar sutra works is common question what is chemical of ksharsutra are commonly questioned but its a chemical seton which mainly help in drainage of pus and chemical cauterization.
What are foods to avoid Fistula ?
Diet for fistula patient is a common question.Healthy foods without spices and low salt no chilies help in quick recovery. Diet should be rich in fibre.
What yoga and exercise help to prevent and cure fistula ?
what is role of anal sex ? When can i have anal sex after fistula surgery
Anal sex is not recommended in persons with anal fistula and it should be avoided till complete recovery from fistula.