Fistula
What is an anal fistula?
An irregular tube that forms from inside your anus to the skin outside is called an anal fistula. The top region of your anus, or butthole, where your anal glands are located, is where it often develops. A fistula may develop from the infection’s discharge when these glands get contaminated. We refer to this infection as a perianal abscess. (Anal fistulas can also occasionally be referred to as perianal fistulas. “Perianal” refers to the area around your anus.)
How common is this condition?
One somewhat common anorectal ailment is a fistula. Men and those assigned as male at birth are twice as likely to have it (AMAB). A fistula develops in around half of patients with an infected anal gland. Seventy-five percent of anal fistulas are caused by an infected gland that produces an abscess, a pocket of pus that has to drain.
What does an anal fistula look like?
A hole in the skin close to your anus is what an anal fistula looks like. Actually, the hole is the outermost section of the tunnel that leads to the internal abscess. It may leak discharge, particularly when you contact the surrounding skin, such as pus, blood, or excrement. While the remainder of the tunnel is still present, some older fistulas may seal at the opening. Up until the fistula reopens to release the drainage, this results in discomfort and swelling.
What is the main cause of a fistula?
Fistulas can develop anywhere in your body, from one organ to another or from one organ to a skin incision. They typically appear after an injury or illness causes your tissues to become inflamed for an extended period of time. Persistent infection and inflammation, particularly when pus needs to drain, might eventually erode into the surrounding tissues. This may open a passageway between the surrounding tissues and the wound.
