Anal Fistula

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the inside of your anus and the skin outside the anus. They are usually the result of a pus-filled cavity (known as an abscess) which has formed by chance in the nearby tissue. When the pus drains, it leaves behind a narrow tunnel joining the “internal opening” in the anal canal to the “external opening” on the skin. This tunnel always passes through some anal sphincter muscle on the way.

Once an anal fistula has formed, the body won't then heal and repair it naturally. If an anal fistula is left untreated it may cause further abscesses and worsening fistulas in the future. For this reason, I always advise getting expert help and treatment for an anal fistula; it really can help prevent further problems occurring.

Treatments

Anal fistulas are treated by surgery and there are a variety of ways this can be carried out. The exact type of surgery done will depend on the nature, size and location of your fistula.

One of the most common operations, done for simple fistulas (called “low fistulas” because they only affect the lower part of the anal muscle) is known as a fistulotomy. This involves cutting open the fistula with overlying skin and muscle along its entire length (a process known as "laying open") so that it heals over time into a flat scar.

This is usually a successful operation with a fast recovery. People often find they are able to use the toilet without pain or discomfort after just a few days. It is done as a day case, meaning people are able to go home later the same day.

Unfortunately, some fistulas involve more of the anal muscle, sometimes over half of it, and these are called “high fistulas”. As you would expect, this makes surgery more difficult and complex, because if I cut those types of fistula open, I would be cutting a significant part of the anal muscle as well, which could make the person incontinent.

There are a range of techniques to deal with these more complex “high” fistulas, with new ones being developed all the time. The aim is to avoid damaging the muscle or causing continence problems. A brief overview of a few of these techniques can be seen below:

One of the most common operations, done for simple fistulas (called “low fistulas” because they only affect the lower part of the anal muscle) is known as a fistulotomy. This involves cutting open the fistula with overlying skin and muscle along its entire length (a process known as "laying open") so that it heals over time into a flat scar.

This is usually a successful operation with a fast recovery. People often find they are able to use the toilet without pain or discomfort after just a few days. It is done as a day case, meaning people are able to go home later the same day.

Unfortunately, some fistulas involve more of the anal muscle, sometimes over half of it, and these are called “high fistulas”. As you would expect, this makes surgery more difficult and complex, because if I cut those types of fistula open, I would be cutting a significant part of the anal muscle as well, which could make the person incontinent.

There are a range of techniques to deal with these more complex “high” fistulas, with new ones being developed all the time. The aim is to avoid damaging the muscle or causing continence problems. A brief overview of a few of these techniques can be seen below:

Care tailored for you

I appreciate that it can be confusing, and even overwhelming, to see the sheer number of options available. This is where experience is so important. I have been treating fistulas for over 20 years and strongly believe in providing a tailored approach to care and treatment, one that meets the needs of the individual to give the best possible benefits.

I don't take on new techniques without long consideration and looking at all the evidence. I will only ever adopt a technique when it has shown to be beneficial without undue additional risks.

I appreciate that it can be confusing, and even overwhelming, to see the sheer number of options available. This is where experience is so important. I have been treating fistulas for over 20 years and strongly believe in providing a tailored approach to care and treatment, one that meets the needs of the individual to give the best possible benefits.

I don't take on new techniques without long consideration and looking at all the evidence. I will only ever adopt a technique when it has shown to be beneficial without undue additional risks.

Recovery

Your recovery will depend on the type of operation you have, but it is usually fairly quick. You will have a sore bottom for a while but not that sore, and you should be able to carry on with everyday activities fairly quickly afterwards.

I'll see you again about two weeks after your surgery, to check the wound is healing correctly. This is really important for anal fistulas as we want to make sure the wound doesn't heal back into a fistula again.

Can I help you?

In the 20+ years I have been working as a consultant colorectal surgeon, I have treated many people who were struggling with an anal fistula. I have seen the difference that the correct treatment can make to the quality of their lives. Being able to get them out of pain and back to normal again is incredibly rewarding.

In the 20+ years I have been working as a consultant colorectal surgeon, I have treated many people who were struggling with an anal fistula. I have seen the difference that the correct treatment can make to the quality of their lives. Being able to get them out of pain and back to normal again is incredibly rewarding.