Fistula ( ભગંદર )
What is Fistula ( ભગંદર )?
A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway that connects two organs or vessels that do not usually connect. They can develop anywhere between an intestine and the skin, between the vagina and the rectum, and other places. Some fistulas include:
1. Urinary Tract Fistulas : Abnormal openings within a urinary tract organ or an abnormal connection between a urinary tract organ and another organ.
2. Anal Fistulas: Abnormal connection between the epithelialized surface of the anal canal and the perianal skin.
3. Other Fistulas :
• Enteroenteral Fistula occurs between two parts of the intestine.
• Enterocutaneous or Colocutaneous Fistula occurs between the small intestine and the skin or the colon and the skin respectively.
What Causes Fistula ( ભગંદર )?
Most anal fistulas develop after an anal abscess. They can occur if the abscess does not heal properly after the pus has drained away. It has estimated that between one in every two to four people with an anal abscess will develop a fistula.
Less common causes of anal fistulas include:
• Crohn's disease – a long-term condition in which the digestive system becomes inflamed
• Diverticulitis – infection of the small pouches that can stick out of the side of the large intestine ( colon )
• Hidradenitis suppurativa – a long-term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring
• Infection with tuberculosis (TB) or HIV
• A complication of surgery near the anus
What are the symptoms of Fistula ( ભગંદર)?
• skin irritation around the anus
• a constant, throbbing pain that may be worse when you sit down, move around, have a bowel movement or cough
• smelly discharge from your anus
• passing pus or blood when you poo
• swelling and redness around your anus and a high temperature (fever), if you also have an abscess
• difficulty controlling bowel movements (bowel incontinence) in some cases
What is treatment for Fistula (ભગંદર)?
Anal fistulas usually require surgery as they rarely heal if left untreated.
The main options include:
• a fistulotomy – a procedure that involves cutting open the whole length of the fistula so it heals into a flat scar
• seton procedures – where a piece of surgical thread called a seton is placed in the fistula and left there for several weeks to help it heal before a further procedure is carried out to treat it
• other techniques – including filling the fistula with special glue, blocking it with a special plug, or covering it with a flap of tissue All these procedures have different benefits and risks. You can discuss this with your surgeon.
