Fistula, or perianale, is a type of sore, which forms from the last part of the intestine to the skin of the anus, creating a narrow tunnel that causes symptoms such as pain, redness and bleeding from the anus.
Fistula usually occurs after an abscess, but it can also be caused by inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis, for example.
- Treatment is most often done by surgery.
- So whenever a fistula is suspected.
- Especially if you have had an abscess.
- It is recommended to consult a proctologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.
See what might be other common causes of anus pain or itching in the area.
The main symptoms of fistula include
In addition to these symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, decreased body weight and nausea may also occur if the fistula is infected or inflamed.
In these cases, it is recommended to consult a proctologist to diagnose the problem, with site observation or MRI for example, and to initiate appropriate treatment.
To treat fistula and avoid complications such as infections or fecal incontinence, you should have surgery, called a fistulectomy, in which your doctor:
To avoid pain, surgery is usually performed under general or epidural anesthesia, and before starting the procedure, your doctor uses a tube to scan the fistula and assess whether there is a single tunnel or if it is a complex fistula, in which there are several tunnels. In this case, more than one surgery may be necessary to close one tunnel at a time.
In addition to fistulectomy, there are other methods of treating fistulas by surgery, such as transplants, special plugs and sutures, called setones, but these techniques depend on the type of fistula and the disease that caused it, such as Crohn’s disease. , where it is necessary to use medicines, such as infliximab, before any surgery.
After surgery, it is usually necessary to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours to ensure that the effect of anesthesia has disappeared and that there are no complications, such as bleeding or infection.
After this, it is possible to return home, but it is recommended to rest 2 to 3 days before returning to work. During this time, it may be necessary to take antibiotics, such as amoxicillin with clavulonate, or anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, prescribed by your doctor, to relieve pain and prevent infections. To reduce the risk of contagion, hygiene should also be maintained in the area with water and a neutral pH soap, in addition to changing dressings, applying ointments with painkillers at least 6 times a day.
During the postoperative period, it is normal for the wound to bleed a little, especially when cleaning with toilet paper in the area, however, if the bleeding is heavy or if acute pain occurs, it is important to return to the doctor.
In addition, the first week is also important to follow a diet to avoid constipation, as stool buildup can increase pressure on the walls of the anus and make healing difficult. Find out how to make this type of power.
It is recommended that you consult the proctologist immediately when
In addition, it is also important to see your doctor in case of constipation that does not go away after 3 days, even with the use of laxatives.