An anal fistula is a tunnel that runs from the anal opening and connects the skin around it. An anal fistula mainly forms after an infection that did not heal correctly. In human anatomy, the external opening through which feces are expelled is known as the anus. Numerous small glands that make mucus are located inside the anus. When these glands get blocked and infected due to dirt and debris, it can lead to the formation of an abscess. Most of these abscesses turn into an anal fistula.

When the abscesses that form near and around the anal mucosal tissues are not treated, it tends to keep growing and worsening over time. Eventually, the abscess punches out like a hole making its way outside the skin.

• Pain and swelling around the anus
• Frequent anal abscesses
• Foul-smelling bloody drainage from the anal opening
• Bleeding along with stool
• Pain during bowel movements
• Fever, chills, and fatigue

• Trauma to the anal tissues
• Infection in the anal gland
• Radiation from cancer treatment
• Crohn’s disease
• Sexually transmitted disease
• Tuberculosis
• Diverticulitis
• Cancer

Dr. Bhushan Chittawadgi diagnoses anal fistula through physical examination alone. Once you visit Dr. Bhushan, he may ask you a few questions to understand your condition better and to determine the best line of treatment.

• Do you have a family history of anal fistula?
• When did you start having the symptoms?
• Do you pass blood with your stool?
• What are your dietary and lifestyle habits?
• What is your fitness regime like?
• When do you feel the pain mostly?

The doctor may also do a digital rectal examination to diagnose the severity of the fistula tract and to locate the internal openings. The proctologist may also suggest tests like colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and anoscope to check for the presence of any gastrointestinal disease. In these tests, the doctor inserts a small camera to check for any abnormalities in the anus, rectum, and colon. In some cases, the doctor may also suggest flexible sigmoidoscopy to check if there are any secondary branches (one internal opening but multiple external openings) of the fistula.

• Consuming a high-fiber diet – One of the easiest ways to prevent anal fistula is to prevent the passing of hard stools. To prevent hard bowel movements, the best thing to do is stock up your diet with fiber-rich food.
• Drink sufficient water – Water along with a fiber-rich diet is very important for the prevention of any anorectal disease. Drinking enough water prevents constipation and hard stools which in turn decreases the need to strain while passing a bowel movement.
• Maintain cleanliness and dryness in your anal region – Anal fistula often forms as a result of clogs and blockages in the anal canal. Long-term accumulation of dirt and debris leads to the formation of an anal fistula. To prevent this, it is crucial to clean the anal area every time you pass a bowel movement. Don’t leave the area wet after cleaning, pat it well and dry so that there are no bacteria or infections.
• Don’t strain while passing stool – Do not strain while making bowel movements. Straining can make the condition of the anal skin worse and lead the anal fistula to aggravate in nature.
• Regular exercises – Almost all anorectal diseases have a direct relation with physical activities and how you keep your body active. Staying physically active keeps the colon active and functions in a regular manner.

Dr. Bhushan Chittawadgi is a consultant and an Advanced Laparoscopic, Gastro, and GI Cancer Surgeon practicing at Hosmat Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka. He has more than 18 years of experience in the field of Laparoscopic GI & HPB Surgery making him one of the best laparoscopic surgeons in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He is specialized in Liver Transplant Surgery, Laparoscopic hernia surgery, Gall bladder stone, Obesity, liver and pancreas diseases, GI surgery, Piles, and Breast & Thyroid diseases.

If you are looking for the best fistula treatment in Bangalore call us at +91 89407 70990 or book an online appointment here.