Anal Fistula Treatment - Laser Surgery Procedure & Operation Benefits
What is Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula is usually caused by an infection near your back passage
(anus) that causes a collection of pus (abscess) in the nearby tissue. When
the pus drains away, it can leave a small channel (fistula) behind. An anal
fistula may also be associated with certain long-term bowel conditions.
An anal fistula is an abnormal small channel (also called the fistula tract)
that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near your back-passage (anus).
. It typically develops as a result of an infection or an abscess (a collection of pus) in the
anal glands, which are small glands located near the anus.
What are the Types of Anal Fistula?
There are several types of anal fistulas, which are classified based on their location and
severity.
- Intersphincteric Fistula: It is located between the internal and external
sphincter
muscles of the anus. It is the most common type of anal fistula and is usually caused by
an
infected anal gland.
- Transsphincteric Fistula: It extends through both the internal and external
sphincter
muscles of the anus. It is usually caused by an infection that spreads from an abscess.
- Suprasphincteric Fistula:Suprasphincteric anal fistula extends above the
internal
sphincter muscle and is usually caused by an infection that spreads from an
abscess.
- Extrasphincteric Fistula:Extrasphincteric anal fistula extends beyond the
external
sphincter muscle and is usually caused by a chronic infection.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have an anal fistula as it can cause
discomfort and lead to complications if left untreated.
Causes of Recurrence:
When it comes to laser anal fistula surgery, a successful procedure is defined as the complete healing of
the anal wound without any residual tract, external openings, or perianal discharge.
In most cases, laser anal fistula surgery is considered to be the best and the most effective surgical
treatment for anal fistula. However, due to various reasons, your condition may reoccur even after
surgery. Some of the most common postoperative causes of anal fistula recurrence are given below:
- Poor Hygiene of the Surgical Site: Poor hygiene and an unclean environment can expose
your surgical wound to various types of bacteria and germs. Such contamination, especially after
surgery, can lead to an infection and may also result in ineffective treatment of the fistula.
Hence, maintaining good hygiene around the anal wound after your anal fistula surgery is
imperative.
- Failure to Comply with Follow-up Instructions:
After your anal fistula surgery, your anorectal specialist will likely instruct you to follow
some guidelines to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible. Following these guidelines
will also ensure that the chances of any postoperative complications are as low as possible.
However, failure to comply with these guidelines can often lead to incomplete recovery and could
cause your anal fistula to reoccur.
- Persistence of Preoperative Factors:Treatment of an anal fistula goes beyond just
surgery. It is also important to make certain changes in your lifestyle to minimize the chances
of its recurrence. However, if the factors that initially lead to your condition are still
present after the surgery, your anal fistula may reoccur and require treatment.
How is Anal Fistula Diagnosed?
You should see your doctor if you have persistent symptoms that suggest
you may have an anal fistula. Your doctor will examine your anus and
gently insert a finger inside your back-passage (rectal examination) to
check for any signs of a fistula.
If your doctor thinks you might have a fistula, they will refer you to a bowel
specialist for further tests to confirm the diagnosis and to assess the most
appropriate treatment. These tests may include:
- Proctoscopy: A special telescope with a light on the end is used to
look inside your anal canal.
- An ultrasound scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or
computerised tomography (CT) scan.
What are the Treatment Options Available for Anal Fistula?
An anal fistula will not heal without treatment and there are a range of
different treatment options available. The first step is to treat any infection
with antibiotic treatment. Anal fistulas then often require surgery. The main
treatment options for an anal fistula include:
- Seton Procedure:A surgical thread is placed through the anal fistula
track and tied to form a continuous ring between the inside and
outside openings of the fistula. The thread is left there for several
weeks to allow drainage and prevent infection, and so help the fistula
to heal. A further procedure is then needed to close the track.
- Fistulotomy:This is a procedure that involves cutting open the whole
length of the fistula so it heals into a flat scar. It is the most effective
method of dealing with a fistula and is the standard treatment for
fistulas that lie near to the skin surface.
- Fibrin Glue:Fibrin glue is a combination of fibrinogen, thrombin and
calcium. It is injected into the fistula track. It heals the fistula by
causing a clot to be formed within the fistula and then healthy tissue
to form within the fistula.
- Fistula plug:This involves using a plug made from animal tissue to
block the internal opening of the fistula. The plug is resistant to
infection and encourages normal tissue to fill the fistula track.
- Endorectal advancement flap:This procedure aims to cover the
internal opening of the fistula. The internal opening of the fistula is
removed and then covered with a small flap of healthy bowel wall
that has been removed from the rectum.
- Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula track (LIFT):A skin incision is
made and the fistula track is exposed and then tied and divided. a
modification of this procedure, called BioLIFT, involves placing a
biological mesh to prevent a fistula reforming. However, this needs a
larger skin incision and increases the risk of infection.
Depending on which procedure you have, you may not need to stay in
hospital overnight. Some people, however, need to remain in hospital for a
few days after surgical treatment.
Complications of an Anal Fistula
If the anal fistula is not treated properly then recurrent perianal abscesses
and a complex fistula network may develop and this may cause:
- Pain.
- Bleeding.
- Faecal incontinence.
- Skin infections (cellulitis).
- Sepsis.
However surgery for an anal fistula can also cause complications. The main
complications following surgery include:
- Infection.
- Faecal incontinence.
- A further fistula developing.
Preventing Anal Fistula
You can greatly reduce your risk of an anal fistula by avoiding constipation,
keeping your stools soft and going to the toilet to open your bowels as soon
as you feel the urge to go. To help your bowel work properly and keep your
stools soft, it's important to drink lots of fluid and get regular physical
exercise.
