Anal fistula operation

Anal fistula is among the most common illnesses affecting man. Medical literature dating back to BC has discussed this problem. Various causative factors have been proposed throughout the centuries, but it appears that the majority of fistulas unrelated to specific causes e. The tubular structure of an anal fistula easily yields itself to division or unroofing fistulotomy or excision fistulectomy in most cases. The problem with this single, yet effective, treatment plan is that depending on the thickness of sphincter muscle the fistula transgresses, the patient will have varying degrees of fecal incontinence from minor to total. In an attempt to preserve continence, various procedures have been proposed to deal with the fistulas. These include: 1 simple drainage Seton ; 2 closure of fistula tract using fibrin sealant or anal fistula plug; 3 closure of primary opening using endorectal or dermal flaps, and more recently; and 4 ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract LIFT.

Anal fistula is the medical term for an infected tunnel that develops between the skin and the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract anus. Most anal fistulas are the result of an infection that starts in an anal gland. This infection results in an abscess that drains spontaneously or is drained surgically through the skin next to the anus. The fistula then forms a tunnel under the skin and connects with the infected gland. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease. Anal fistula care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in colon and rectal surgery, gastroenterology, and infectious disease, as well as wound care experts, work together to evaluate and treat people with anal fistula. If you have Crohn's disease or another medical condition, Mayo Clinic specialists will collaborate with your primary care doctor to form the best treatment plan. Having all this expertise in a single place means that your care is discussed among the team, test results are available quickly, appointments are scheduled in coordination and the most highly specialized experts in the world are all working together for your health. Knowing the complete path of an anal fistula is important for effective treatment.

An anal fistula is a tunnel that develops between the skin around your anus and the inside of your back passage anal canal. Anal fistula surgery is an operation to close this tunnel. You will meet the surgeon carrying out your procedure to talk about your care. One in three people with an abscess in their anus will go on to develop a fistula. It can also be caused by long-term bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease.