Embarrassing Illnesses

The main aim of treatment for an anal fistula is to heal the fistula with as little effect on the anal sphincter muscles (the ring of muscles that open and close the anus) as possible. Damage to the sphincter muscles could cause incontinence problems in the future.

Very few anal fistulas are able to heal by themselves, so surgery is usually necessary.

Fistulotomy

The main surgical procedure used to treat a fistula is a fistulotomy. During this procedure, the surgeon will cut open the fistula, whilst you are under general anaesthetic, and then scrape and flush out its contents. The fistula is then laid open and flattened out. After 1-2 months, the fistula will heal into a flat scar. To access the fistula, your surgeon may have to cut a small portion of the anal sphincter muscle.

If the fistula is relatively simple to operate on, you may have the surgery and go home the same day. If the path of the fistula is particularly long or complicated, you may need to stay in hospital for a few days, or undergo a second stage of surgery to complete the procedure.

It can be painful to move around soon after the operation, but after approximately one week, any pain and discomfort should ease. Most people make a full recovery after two to six weeks, but if the fistula was particularly complicated, it can take up to eight weeks for it to heal completely.

Fibrin glue or collagen plug

Most cases of anal fistula will require surgery, However, in some cases you may be able to have the fistula sealed with a special type of glue made from protein. This means the fistula will not have to be cut open. The glue is injected through the opening of the fistula, and then stitched closed. A fistula can also be sealed using a small plug made of collagen and then stitched closed.