Fistula
Anal fistula, an infection occurring around the anus, originates in the terminal section of the intestine leading up to the skin’s surface and eventually creating a conspicuous opening. This infection develops when the anal glands’ outlets are blocked with pus, resulting in small pimple-like growth known as abscess. The abscess might grow bigger and more painful as time progresses. An existing piles or bowel disease could cause excruciating pain during defecation. Since the condition is associated with the periphery of the anus, it is often referred to as a perianal fistula.
Symptoms of Fistula
Even though fistula is not a life-threatening condition, it can be extremely painful. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek help from a fistula doctor in Kolkata.
- Discomfort, such as irritation and itching at the outlet of the anus
- Big pimple-like growths, oozing pus or blood filled discharge (causing constant soiling of underwear)
- Visible opening in the anal region that has recently occurred
- Severe reddening and abnormal discharge from the affected region
Who is More at Risk
Fistula can affect anyone, but patients with a history of the following factors are at an increased risk of developing a complex fistula.
- Radiation for treating cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Tuberculosis
- Trauma
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Cancer growing in the pelvic region
- Diverticulitis
Fistula Treatment in Kolkata
There are varieties of surgical options for fistula depending on the type like fistulotomy, fistulectomy, LIFT, seton placement. Your doctor will choose the suitable option for you and discuss before surgery.
Your fistula specialist doctor in Kolkata would perform an operation as explained below:
- Diagnosis involves an outpatient physical examination with anoscope.
- Your doctor would first identify three important aspects of the fistula. These include looking for internal and external openings as well as the tract, identifying the common signs, and classifying the problem depending on impact and location.
- The process is done under spinal or general anaesthesia.
- Your surgeon may choose to inject a contrast dye into the external opening of a fistula for identifying the different parts using an imaging tool.
- He may then remove all the parts of the fistula, while keeping the sphincter intact.
This entire procedure/surgery might take 45-60 minutes and the patient can resume normal activities immediately after discharge. Patient usually takes 4-6 weeks to recover.
When can You return to Normal Activities
After resting for a few days, most patients can gradually resume their normal activities. Your fistula doctor, however, would give you instructions on when to return to daily activities.