| Category | Urology |
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that connects an infected gland in and around the anus to the skin around the anus. An anal fistula can cause swelling and pain around the anal area. Anal fistulas are infected cavities that become filled with debris and pus. Globally, 90% of anal fistulas result due to acute anal infections.
Diagnosis:
Doctors usually diagnose an anal fistula by examining the area around the anus. To determine the depth and direction of the fistula tract doctor can produce drainage from the external opening. If the fistula is not visible on the skin surface, additional tests like Anoscopy are used. To better define the fistula, the doctor may order an MRI or Ultrasound as well.
Surgery:
Usually, several fistula surgical techniques or options are used to treat anal fistulas. A few of them are seton placement, closure of the fistula with a medical plug, drainage of infection from the fistula, opening up the fistula to heal on its own, and laser technique.
Anal fistula operation with the help of laser technique involves the insertion of the radiation-emitting probe into the anal area where the fistula is developed. Then, the radiation from the probe is emitted directly to the fistula to destroy its epithelium and obliterates the rest of the fistula channel/tract.
