What causes anal fistulas?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
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The most common cause of anal fistula is perianal abscess. Both anal fistula and perianal abscess involve infections at the anal crypts. Typically, an anal fistula forms naturally after a perianal abscess ruptures. Once an anal fistula occurs, it requires prompt surgical treatment. The primary surgical technique is fistulotomy with seton placement, thoroughly removing the local lesion and infection focus to allow fresh granulation tissue to regrow. Anal fistula is a local infectious disease of the anus, generally categorized into simple superficial anal fistula and high-risk complex anal fistula. If a high-position complex anal fistula is suspected, further diagnosis may require additional examination with pelvic MRI or perianal ultrasonography. After the rupture of a perianal abscess, it typically forms a characteristic internal and external opening, with a fistula tract connecting them, thereby forming the typical anal fistula.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should be paid attention to for anal fistula?

Patients with anal fistula, as there is an external opening in the anal region and intermittent thick secretion from this opening, should first ensure to keep the perianal area clean. It is recommended to change underwear daily and to cleanse the area after bowel movements with saline or hemorrhoid wash, and to conduct fumigation and hot compresses around the perianal area and the external opening to prevent irritation and even sharp pain caused by residual feces and secretions. Furthermore, during acute episodes of anal fistula, mupirocin ointment can be applied around the external opening for anti-inflammatory treatment. The definitive surgery for anal fistula primarily involves fistulotomy with seton placement. Without surgery, an anal fistula cannot be completely cured and may lead to worsened conditions such as thickening of the fistula wall or increased branching of the fistula channels.

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Written by Yang Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Consequences of recurrent anal fistulas

If an anal fistula is not treated in time, it may repeatedly occur. If an anal fistula repeatedly occurs, due to local inflammation, pus will spread and infiltrate into the perianal tissues, causing further aggravation of infection. This can then affect the function of the anus, potentially leading to symptoms such as fecal incontinence. Moreover, if an anal fistula repeatedly occurs over a long period, there is a possibility of malignant transformation.

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Written by Yang Dong
Colorectal Surgery Department
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Anal fistula etiology

The cause of an anal fistula is due to infection of the anal glands. In normal human anatomy, there is a location at the junction of the rectum and the anal canal called the anal sinus or anal gland, which is relatively weak. If it is damaged, intestinal bacteria can enter the anal gland, causing inflammation. Over time, the infected anal gland leads to further abscesses towards the perianal space, causing a perianal abscess. After the perianal abscess ruptures, it further develops into an anal fistula.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How long will it take for a fallen anal fistula seton to heal?

The primary surgical method for anal fistulas is the fistulotomy with seton placement. The duration for which the seton, made of elastic band, remains in place largely depends on the severity of the anal fistula and the amount of sphincter muscle tied. If the fistula is a simple superficial one, the seton usually falls out around seven days. In cases of high, complex anal fistulas, or those with multiple branching fistula tracts and multiple sphincters tied, the seton may take slightly longer to fall out, generally about ten days. If the seton has not fallen out after the local sphincter muscle has fully regenerated, it can be cut by a professional proctologist. However, it is important to note that postoperative care mainly involves dressing changes until the seton falls out, indicating that the wound has largely healed.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can an anal fistula be left untreated for a lifetime?

If diagnosed with an anal fistula, one should not forego treatment indefinitely, as an anal fistula is a localized infectious disease of the anal region. Without active treatment, the infection may further spread, increase the number of fistula branches, and potentially induce a high, complex anal fistula. There is also a risk that the fistula and the infection might penetrate the local anal sphincter, reaching the ischioanal fossa and causing other infectious diseases. The primary treatment method for anal fistulas is surgical, mainly involving fistulotomy with seton placement, which thoroughly removes the local infection, allowing the anal fistula to heal. Neglecting active treatment could worsen the condition or increase the difficulty of future surgeries.