The difference between perianal abscess and anal fistula

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Perianal abscesses and anal fistulas both belong to local infectious diseases of the anus. A perianal abscess represents the acute phase of infection, characterized by significant localized subcutaneous swelling, heat, pain, and the formation of pus and abscesses. Once the pus breaks through the skin and discharges, it naturally forms an anal fistula. Anal fistulas represent the later stages or dormant phases of local infections. Both perianal abscesses and anal fistulas require surgical treatment. The surgical method for perianal abscesses mainly involves a one-time radical surgery for the abscess, while the surgical approach for anal fistulas primarily involves fistulotomy with seton placement, followed by regular wound cleaning and dressing changes post-surgery.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can anal fistulas be left untreated?

If an explicit diagnosis of anal fistula is made, it cannot go untreated. If the anal fistula is localized around the anus but not actively treated and surgically removed, it is very likely to cause branching of the fistula tract or spread to the ischioanal fossa, as well as thickening of the fistula wall. This can exacerbate the symptoms of local infection, causing an increase in stabbing pain or purulent secretions. Prolonged, recurrent episodes of anal fistula may also lead to carcinogenic changes in the fistula wall due to inflammatory stimuli. Therefore, once an anal fistula is diagnosed, it is necessary to promptly undergo surgical treatment with fistulotomy and seton placement to prevent the condition from worsening and complicating later treatments.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Should surgery be performed if there are no symptoms of anal fistula?

If an anal fistula is in its acute phase, the main clinical symptoms are intermittent discharge of pus from the external opening, or pain and itching. If there are no symptoms, and only the external and internal openings along with the fistula tract exist, surgery is still required because the absence of symptoms temporarily does not guarantee that an acute episode will not occur later. During an acute episode, there will be local tissue and skin inflammation, redness, heat, and severe pain. If an anal fistula is not surgically treated for a long time, it may lead to an increase in the number of branches of the fistula or thickening of the fistula wall, and it may even spread to the pelvic cavity. Therefore, once an anal fistula is discovered, it is necessary to perform surgery as soon as possible. Early treatment has significant benefits for wound recovery and the difficulty of the operation.

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Written by Yang Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What will happen if an anal fistula is not treated?

An anal fistula is a chronic fistula and duct caused by an infection of the anal sinuses. If not treated, an anal fistula may repeatedly flare up. The consequences of repeated occurrences can lead to abscesses, peripheral spreading, and eventually extensive spreading of the loose tissue around the anus, which in severe cases may damage the anal muscles, leading to anal incontinence. If an anal fistula persists for a long time, there is also a possibility of malignant transformation.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Can a twenty-year anal fistula turn into cancer?

Firstly, anal fistulas can become cancerous. Statistical data show that the probability of malignant transformation in anal fistulas is 1/1000, and such transformations are relatively rare in clinical practice. However, anal fistulas can change, but the timing of malignant transformation varies. Generally, the longer the duration of an anal fistula, the higher the chance of it becoming cancerous. The factors contributing to this transformation typically include chronic inflammation, long-term irritation, bacterial infection, and stimulation from medications, all of which can lead to cancerous changes.

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Written by Yang Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What color is the pus from an anal fistula?

An anal fistula is a sinus tract and fistula formed from an infection of the anal sinuses and glands. During the infection phase, there is a possibility of swelling, pain, and pus discharge. This discharge may be yellow pus or pus mixed with blood. Regardless of the color, it is crucial to seek prompt medical treatment at a hospital and undergo thorough treatment, rather than attempting conservative treatment on one's own.