Does an anal fistule heal on its own?

A fistule is caused by the spread of an infection in the anal area. These interconnected infectious tunnels should not remain untreated. Otherwise, fistule infections and tunnels may spread throughout the body. Therefore, an anal fistule does not heal by itself.

Is an anal fistule an indication of cancer?

Anal fistules usually occur in the pelvic area. An anal fistule can be attributed to cancer or cancer-related treatments in rare cases. Although fistules rarely occur in other areas of the body, their causes should be carefully investigated.

Is an anal fistule touchable or noticeable?

The first symptom of an anal fistule is redness and inflammation in a way that the anal area can be analogized to a painful and swollen hot bulb. Patients with an anal fistule feel pain when sitting or standing. Bowel movements and coughing also cause anal pain in such patients. When an anal fistule bursts, one may notice the discharge of pus, blood, and feces from the anus.

Does an anal fistule emit gas?

Intestinal and rectal content, including gas and feces, may be excreted through an anal fistule. If an anal fistule connects to the vagina, intestinal content and gas may enter the vagina.

Is it possible to treat an anal fistule with antibiotics?

Antibiotics are taken to temporarily reduce infections. The general surgeon may prescribe you take antibiotics to reduce anal inflammation and infections before performing fistule surgery. Since this surgery is very sensitive and complicated, it is better to be done by using laser equipment to prevent any damage to the healthy tissue around the anus.

What antibiotics are commonly prescribed to patients with an anal fistule?

The general surgeon may prescribe patients to take metronidazole or ciprofloxacin before surgery or fistule laser. Since antibiotics may reduce the beneficial bacteria in the body and intestines, it is recommended to consume probiotic food supplements for a period after taking antibiotics in order to prevent constipation.

What are the complications of fistule surgery?

When an anal fistule is treated through conventional surgery (using blade and cauter), the patient may experience anal incontinence and even anal stenosis. Other common complications of conventional fistule surgery are bloody and purulent discharges, pain, and inflammation. To minimize the postoperative complications, it is recommended to visit an experienced and proficient general surgeon and laser surgery specialist to treat your anal fistule using the high-power CO2 laser.