Fistula of the anus: causes, symptoms, treatment

The fistula of the anus (it is also called the fistula) is the course formed in the anus. Most often, this phenomenon serves as a complication of paraproctitis, when the fistula is formed as a result of an operative or spontaneous dissection of an existing abscess. The causative agents of such a pathological process can be different infectious agents, in some cases there is a tuberculous etiology.

When the turn opens and into the lumen of the intestine, and outward through the skin, a complete fistula of the anus is diagnosed. In the case when the course opens or in the lumen of the intestine, or through the skin in the anus, one can speak of an incomplete fistula. Depending on how the fistulous passages refer to the sphincter of the anal opening, the fistula is divided into those that are inside it, pass through it or are located outside of the sphincter.

Fistula of anus: symptomatology

Symptoms depend on the nature of the fistula. So, if there is incomplete external fistula, a person will experience itching, irritation, minor pain, constant humidity in the anus. Soreness increases with defecation. A person can feel that he has some foreign body in the anus. With a complete fistula in the excrements can be observed impurities of pus.

When the fistulous opening closes, the patient's condition worsens: the pain intensifies, the temperature rises. If the pathological process proceeds for a long time, irritation of surrounding skin covers begins, men get scrotum, women have labia (large ones). The skin in the anus is thickened, which makes the defecation process even more painful because of the trauma of the skin.

Fistula of anus: diagnosis

If there is an external fistulous hole, the diagnosis will not be difficult. It can be seen with the naked eye - in the anus can be seen a small swelling of the granulation tissue. If you press on the surrounding area, a drop of pus will appear. To make a study of the fistulous course (determine its length, direction, number of branches, etc.), use methods such as sensing, examination by the rectal mirror, radiography (contrast agents are administered before the fistulous course).

There are some signs that allow differentiating fistula tubercular etiology from pararectal fistulas. For the first, the thin and dented edges of the fistula are characteristic, the cyanotic shade of the surrounding skin, pale granulations.

Fistula of anus: treatment

Depending on how anatomically located fistula, will be carried out and the choice of the method of surgical treatment. But in any case, get rid of the disease will only allow the operation. Fistula of the anus is usually dissected along the entire length of the stroke, antibiotics are introduced, then the wound is sutured. After that, a special tube is inserted into the lumen of the intestine, with the help of which in the postoperative period, the removal of gases will take place. Further therapy consists in taking medications that increase the strength of the body. Also, much attention after the operation should be given to nutrition - the patient is assigned a diet that includes only those products that are almost completely absorbed into the small intestine.