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Anal fistula is a very bothersome ailment that develops through spreading infection around the anus. Pain, a small lump or discharge of pus are symptoms that may indicate an anal fistula. What is the diagnosis and diagnosis of this disease? What is an anal fistula caused by?
What is an anal fistula?
Briefly, an anal fistula is an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin. This connection resembles a narrow channel that connects the rectal lumen with the skin. The canal is sent with a richly vascularized connective tissue that fills the cavities after skin damage. An anal fistula is caused by inflammation of the glands in the rectal wall. The infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and through the sphincters to the skin. In this case, an abscess most often appears and requires an incision by a surgeon. It also happens that the abscess ruptures on its own. After it ruptures, a small hole remains on the skin from which pus oozes constantly or periodically.
Anal fistula – causes
Specialist doctors point to many different possible causes of an anal fistula. Among the most frequently mentioned, it is worth paying attention to:
- previous anal abscess – anal fistula is a disease that most often affects patients who have previously struggled with an anal abscess. An abscess is caused by infection of the crypts and perianal glands and is accompanied by fever, chills and sharp pain around the anus.
- Crohn’s disease – inflammatory bowel disease is a disease that often precedes anal fistula.
- ulcerative colitis – in approximately 30% of patients, anal fistula is caused by colitis. In the case of inflammation of the rectum, these changes may occur in up to 80% of patients.
- tuberculosis
- cancers – especially of the large intestine
- diverticulitis of the large intestine
- gynecological and proctological operations
How is an anal fistula manifested?
The most common symptom of an anal fistula is the formation of an anal abscess. It is very rare for a fistula to appear without a previous abscess. A small opening is formed around the anus from which pus and blood can ooze. Symptoms of an anal fistula are also pain, burning, and recurrent painful abscesses.
Anal fistula – diagnosis
The first step in the diagnosis of an anal fistula is a detailed interview with the patient. If a patient has previously developed an anal abscess, there is a high probability that the current symptoms are related to an anal fistula. Performing a physical examination, the doctor finds the mouth of the fistula in which he can feel a thickening. Digital rectal examination is very important in the diagnosis of an anal fistula because it allows you to feel the fistula canal. A thorough diagnostic examination in the case of an anal fistula is anoscopy, which is preceded by the injection of hydrogen peroxide or methylene blue into the patient. Your doctor may also decide to do an MRI. Another frequently requested test is ultrasound, which is especially helpful in the diagnosis of complex anal fistulas.
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