What Is Fistula And What Are Causes , Symptoms And Treatment
What Is A Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal pathway that develops between two parts of the body that are not normally connected. Such a connection could form between a vessel, intestine or organ and another structure of the body. Fistulas usually occur after injury or surgery, but can also develop due to inflammation or infection. An example of a type of fistula is perilymph fistula wherein a cavity develops in the membrane that stands between the inner ear and middle ear. This results in a connection between the two parts of the ear and fluid seeping out from the inner ear passes into the middle ear, resulting in problems of balance. An anal fistula can also develop in which a connection develops between a gland in the anus and the skin’s surface in the area. This is a more common type of fistula and results usually due to an abscess in the anal area. When an abscess develops due to infection of an anal gland, a fistula generally develops there. In many cases the fistula closes up after some time and the fluids begin to accumulate leading to infection and abscess. This again increases the likelihood of developing a fistula in the same area.
Symptoms Of Fistula
Anal fistula usually results in symptoms such as throbbing pain in the anal area, pus or mucus discharge from the opening of the fistula, leakage of fecal matter from the fistula opening, sensation of a lump near the anal area, skin infection due to continuous fluid leakage, diarrhea and constipation. If the fistula becomes blocked again, an abscess may form once more and symptoms such as fever and swelling may occur.
Fistula Treatments ?
Fistula does not usually respond well to medication and as a result most doctors recommend a fistulectomy, which is a surgical excision of the fistula. However, the fistula may recur even after the surgery due to abscess or fistula tract residuals. Proper care must be taken after surgery to prevent the formation of a new fistula tract. In some cases surgical removal of the fistula may lead to anal incontinence. Homeopathy helps in the treatment of anal abscesses, thereby preventing the formation of a fistula. Such treatment must begin as early as possible so that healing can take place before a tract begins to form. Other preventive measures include maintaining regular bowel movements so that strain is eliminated, maintaining proper hygiene of the anal area, use of cotton under garments instead of nylon ones and prompt treatment of boils or infections.