Do You Have An Anal Fistula? Here’s What To Expect.
What is Anal Fistula & Anal Abscess?
An anal fistula is a small tunnel formed from the inside of the anus or rectum to an external opening in the skin near the anus. The external opening near the anus is characterised as painful, red, inflamed, oozes pus and sometimes even blood. It is like a pimple that does not fully heal.
An anal fistula usually develops from a blocked and infected gland in the anus. It sometimes declares itself as an anal abscess which did not heal properly after treatment.
Unfortunately, anal fistulas usually do not get better on their own, and surgery to treat the fistula is required in most cases. Your anal fistula surgeon will take a detailed assessment of your condition, identify the specific type of fistula present, and recommend the most suitable treatment for best results.
An anal abscess, on the other hand, is a common condition that can lead to fistula formation. It usually occurs due to an infection in the tissue around the anus or rectum, and it may be accompanied by pain, swelling, itching, redness and discharge from the area. If untreated, an anal abscess can lead to a fistula, so it is important to get proper anal abscess treatment as soon as it is detected.
