General Information About Perianal Fistula
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a pus-filled, tube-like tunnel between the intestine and the external skin, resulting from the inflammation and abscess formation in the glands inside the anus, which then finds a pathway to the outside (skin) and bursts.
It almost always originates from a previously experienced and incompletely healed Anal Abscess. The blockage of glands in the intestine with feces initiates the infection. Additionally, Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel disease) very frequently causes these tunnels to open.
Constant malodorous, yellow purulent or bloody discharge from a small hole around the anus, continuous soiling of underwear, unbearable anal itching due to wetness, and occasionally painful swelling due to abscess formation.
No, it will never close. Antibiotics or creams only relieve the acute inflammation and pain. Unless the tunnel structure connecting the intestine to the outside is surgically eliminated, the disease will continue to cause discharge for a lifetime.
The external opening (mouth) on the skin is seen through a physical examination by a general surgeon. A Pelvic (Anal) MRI or Endosonography is absolutely necessary to see where the tunnel extends and how much of the anal muscles it involves.
The treatment of this disease is one of the most challenging topics for surgeons because the tunnel passes through the muscles (sphincter) that provide continence. To clean the tunnel without cutting the muscles, gas-retaining muscles are carefully protected using methods like burning the inside of the tract with a Laser (FiLaC) or applying a Seton (tying a thread/rubber band to the tunnel to allow it to cut through slowly).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
