Anal fistula

Overview

An anal fistula is a tunnel between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus. Symptoms include pain and permanent discharge from the opening of the fistula. Preventive measures include a high-fibre diet and good post-defecation hygiene.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• There is a red nodule (similar to a pimple) near the anus which
  • can be painful when touched
  • sometimes oozes a foul-smelling liquid
• The surrounding skin is irritated / reddened / painful

The symptoms usually persist until the fistula is treated by a doctor.

Complications

• Anal abscess

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Anal abscesses
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease)
• Haemorrhoids
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Diabetes mellitus

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Endoscopy of the rectum (proctoscopy)
• Ultrasound (sonography)

Possible therapies

• Operation (fistulotomy)
  

What can I do myself?

• High-fibre diet to encourage soft stools
• Sufficient exercise
• Good post-defecation hygiene

When to see a doctor?

• Pain or itching in the area around the anus
• Constant weeping in the anal area