The sufferings entailed by an anal fistula can make it difficult for the person to perform day to day activities with ease. While it is true that not every case of anal fistula requires intensive care or surgery, the fissures that are big or have a possibility of creating further problems make surgery necessary. Physicians specializing in anal and rectal diseases are usually medical professionals who can treat anal fistula.
The common causes of an anal fistula
There can be many reasons behind the development of an anal fistula. The main cause of diabetes and tuberculosis can be the straining of the rectal muscles during physical exertion.
Anal fistulas can be the result of abscesses in the anal canal. The draining of these abscesses is necessary as it might result in minor fissures. On average, about 50 percent of abscesses present in the colon tract can potentially lead to fissures.
Fissures are also a common occurrence in pregnant women. During childbirth, sometimes there can be overstraining of the anal muscles that can cause a fissure. Patients who suffer from diseases related to the lower tract of the digestive canal, like Crohn’s disease, or have undergone a previous rectal surgery face a higher risk of developing a fistula.
Apart from the already mentioned reasons, straining activities like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, frequent or aggressive anal penetration during intercourse, and even obesity can play a role in causing anal fistulas.
When to see a doctor if you suspect an anal fistula?
The symptoms shown by an anal fistula might indicate a bigger underlying problem. Therefore it is advisable to get an appointment with your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
It becomes crucial for those who have a history of rectal diseases or have suffered from a fissure in the past to see their doctor if they experience even moderate symptoms immediately.
Treatments available for anal fistula:
The internet is full of people claiming many home remedies work like magic in curing anal fistulas. Although it would be foolish to discredit home remedies’ usefulness, it would be equally foolish to trust them blindly. The usefulness and effectiveness of home remedies can be contested when the case of the fistula is severe.
One should consult an experienced doctor who can treat anal fistula before making decisions about self-treating the fissure. Often, the fistula is harmless in its early stages and can be treated without any problem. But there are instances when it can be further aggravated if it is left unattended or if one tries to treat it themselves at home without proper medical advice.
In cases of inflamed or draining fistula, doctors are most likely to suggest surgery. Fortunately, due to the continuous advancements in medicinal technology, there are several kinds of surgeries available for treating anal fistulas.
The most trusted and painless surgery options include:
The specially designed brush and medical-grade forceps help the doctors clear the granulation tissues from inside the tract. And the unipolar electrode is used to perform diathermy inside the fistula. The diathermic process involves applying the required amount of heat on the inflamed lesions or abscesses (or, as in this case, an anal fistula).
Precautions that should be taken after treatment of anal fistula:
Any doctor specializing in rectal surgeries and treatment of colon tract related diseases would advise the patients suffering from or recovering from an anal fistula to observe the following precautions:
Suffering from anal fistula is not a pleasant experience by any account. Therefore you would not want it to come back and torture you more. But to prevent the recurring of an anal fistula, practicing good hygiene habits and following a good diet is necessary. In case of pain and itching like sensations near the anus region, it is best to consult doctors who can treat anal fistula.