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 Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Is an anal fistula close to the anus considered high or low position?

In general, anal fistulas close to the anus are considered low anal fistulas. Clinically, anal fistulas are classified as either high or low based on the levator ani muscle as the boundary. Those located above the levator ani muscle are considered high anal fistulas, while those below are considered low anal fistulas. Clinically, the treatment for anal fistulas primarily involves surgical intervention. Options include fistulectomy, which involves the removal of the internal opening and the fistula tract. Post-surgery care may include the use of anal cleansing agents, red oil gauze strips, and golden ointment for dressing changes to promote wound healing. It is important to maintain smooth bowel movements and consume a light diet. High, complex anal fistulas may easily damage the anal sphincter or even the anorectal ring, leading to fecal incontinence. Therefore, during surgery, the thread hanging method may be chosen to avoid excessive damage to the anal sphincter.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to deal with the internal opening of an anal fistula?

The internal opening of an anal fistula is generally located at the site of inflammation in the anal crypt. The primary reason for the formation of an anal fistula is the repeated outbreaks at the anal crypt, which lead to further infection and the formation of a perianal abscess. When the abscess cavity ruptures, it forms an external opening and the anal fistula. Surgical treatment is required for the internal opening of an anal fistula, generally involving a seton procedure that threads a line through the internal opening and part of the sphincter muscle, gradually cutting and draining the area slowly. If the inflammation at the internal opening is significant, it may also be necessary to excise part of the infected site in the anal crypt. Post-surgery care of the internal opening of an anal fistula primarily involves dressing changes, requiring daily thorough disinfection of the local area, ensuring clear drainage, to allow the granulation tissue at the internal opening to grow freshly, and to slowly heal the wound without infection. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How to deal with a ruptured anal fistula?

The clinical symptoms of anal fistula mainly include intermittent discharge of pus from the external opening near the anus, or occasional acute attacks that cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain around the external opening of the anus. If the external opening of the anal fistula breaks and discharges pus, or is accompanied by pain, it is considered an acute phase of the anal fistula. The primary method of management and treatment is surgery, with the main surgical approach being fistulotomy and seton placement. To locally alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of the external opening of the anal fistula, anti-inflammatory ointments can be applied for temporary anti-inflammatory treatment. However, to avoid the local complications such as thickening or branching of the fistula, it is advised that patients undergo surgical treatment of the anal fistula as soon as possible. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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How to determine if you have an anal fistula

First, you can judge whether you have an anal fistula based on symptoms. Patients with anal fistula often experience recurrent perianal swelling and pain, as well as discharge of pus and blood, which may also have a foul odor, with secretion often found on their underwear. In such cases, patients should consider whether they have an anal fistula. Additionally, patients with anal fistulas in the early stages often have perianal abscesses, which generally tend to form fistulas after the abscess ruptures spontaneously or is surgically drained. Patients can also visit the colorectal surgery department of a hospital for a digital rectal examination, where the fistula tract and the internal opening can be felt. MRI scans of the perianal region can also be performed to determine the type and severity of the anal fistula. Clinically, once an anal fistula is detected, it is advisable to opt for fistula excision surgery to completely cure the anal fistula by removing the internal opening and the fistula tract. Post-surgery, it is essential to persist with dressing changes to avoid wound infection and bleeding.

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Written by Yang Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What are the symptoms of an anal fistula?

Anal fistula is one of the common diseases in proctology. The most typical symptom of anal fistula is recurrent anal induration, accompanied by swelling, pain, and pus discharge, often with a ruptured external opening. During the quiescent phase, a hard cord can be felt leading from the ruptured external opening to the inside of the anus; during the acute inflammatory phase or abscess phase, pressing may cause pus to ooze from the ruptured opening.