Fistula - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a fistula?

When fecal matter becomes trapped inside of glands in the rectum, an infection can create a painful and tender bulge called an abscess near the anus. If left untreated, the abscess can “bore” through internal tissues – thus creating an unnatural “tunnel” with that may or may not have painful external opening. This tunnel, called fistula or fistula-in-ano can have several branches.

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2. What are the symptoms of fistula?

The first signs of fistula are throbbing sensation, visible opening, swelling, and tenderness. Often, foul-smelling pus from the infected glands seeps out from the fistula. In rare cases, feces can also pour out of the fistula during bowel movement.

3. What causes fistula?

Fistula can develop from an untreated abscess inside of the anal canal, and can also be a symptom of a serious digestive ailment called Crohn’s disease. Other factors that may create or exacerbate fistula are: HIV infection, tuberculosis, and radiation therapy for prostate or rectal cancer.

4.What is the treatment for fistula?

Sometimes, draining of the infection from the anal canal is sufficient to treat fistula. In other cases, a surgical procedure called fistulectomy or fistulotomy, is used to remove the entire tunnel.