About

There are a number of small glands present just inside the anus. And if one of these glands get blocked, there can be chances of an abscess that can be formed. About 50% of these abscesses may tend to develop into a fistula. A fistula is basically a small tunnel connecting the infected gland that is present inside an anus to the opening on the skin that is around the anus. The main symptoms for fistula include swelling and pain around the anus and also pain with the bowel movements.

Cause

There are several glands found just inside the anus that make fluid. There are times when these get blocked and when this happens, there can be a build up of bacteria. This can further create an infected tissue and also fluid. This is often termed an abscess. And if the abscess is not treated, it tends to grow. Slowly, this will make its way to the outside and create a hole in the skin somewhere near the anus. The fistula is basically the tunnel that connects the gland to the opening. Majority of times, an abscess can cause a fistula. Although it’s rare, they can also happen from conditions like an illness that affects your bowels, tuberculosis, or sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms

A patient with fistula will have recurrent anal abscesses, with pain with bowel movements and bleeding also. There would be also some foul smelling drainage or pus from the opening around the anus. The skin around the anus can also be irritated because of the persistent drainage.

DIAGNOSIS OF FISTULA

A careful examination of anorectal symptoms and past medical history will be followed by a physical examination by the Doctor. On examination, an external opening that drains blood or stool is usually seen. And with a digital rectal exam, there may incidence of pus produced from the external opening. There would be some fistulas that will close spontaneously and the drainage will be intermittent.

LASER TREATMENT FOR FISTULA

This particular procedure is done using Leonardo Laser. The main aim of the laser treatment of Fistula is to gently remove the fistula tract without causing any damage to the sphincter muscle. Usually, the procedure will be done under general anaesthesia and requires only 30 -40 minutes. First, a radially emitting Laser Fibre gets inserted from outside and then laser energy is emitted circumferentially into the fistula tract. Laser energy helps control the Photo thermal destruction of the fistula tract and collapses it. This in turn also helps support and improves the healing process. Laser Treatment for Fistula comes with a lot of advantages such as there is less pain, and the time taken to complete the procedure is quite less, the patient has a faster recovery. It also has less risk involved as there is minimal bleeding and the patient can resume work immediately.