There are glands inside the anus that secrete fluids. Sometimes these glands can get clogged. Pus builds up in the blocked clogs, which get infected. This is called an abscess. Unless the abscess is treated right away, it will keep growing. It eventually punches a hole through the skin near your anus to drain the infected tissues and pus. This tunnel that leads from the gland to the hole is called a fistula.

Usually, it is an abscess that causes a fistula. But sometimes a fistula can be caused by tuberculosis, a bowel illness or sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the symptoms of anal fistula?

The symptoms of anal fistula are-

  Pain while sitting down
  Soreness around the anus
  Swelling and redness
  Bleeding
  Painful defecation
  Fever
  Foul secretion from a hole near your anus

How is fistula diagnosed?

If you complain of any of the above symptoms, a doctor will perform a physical examination on you.

Sometimes a physical examination does not reveal a fistula because the fistula can close for a while and then open up again. So then your doctor might ask you to get the following tests done-

  A blue dye test
  Computerized tomography (CT Scan)
  Anorectal ultrasound
  Colonoscopy.

Treatment for anal fistula

Unfortunately, there are no medicines that can treat fistula. If you are diagnosed with fistula, you will require surgery. However, it is a minimally invasive surgery with no risks involved.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. A fistula surgery can be done in the following ways-

  If the fistula is located beneath the sphincter muscles, the surgeon cuts the fistula open so that it can heal and new healthy tissues can develop there.
  If the fistula passes through the upper part of the sphincter muscles, then the surgeon runs a special stitch through the fistula (seton stitch) so that the fistula can drain properly and heal. It takes 6 weeks for the pus to drain and the wound to heal
  Sometimes, a doctor will simply plug the fistula so it does not seep pus.

General and specific complications of a fistula surgery

Though it is a safe surgery, some complications may arise, but rarely. These may be general or specific.

General complications-

  Bleeding and pain
  Scarring around the region of the surgery

Specific complications-

  Pain while urinating
  The involuntary passing of wind or lose faeces

An anal fistula is a painful condition that refuses to go away and the only way to cure it is surgery.

Can Medication Treat Anal Fistula? Find Out!

An anal fissure or fissure-in-ano is a small, cut in the skin in anal passage which results because of trauma to skin by passing hard stool in this region. Sometimes pain is so severe that patient tends to avoid passing stool in an attempt to stay away from pain.

Symptoms of Anal Fissure: 

  Pain in anal region while passing stool; it may be burning/pricking/Itching in nature.

  Bleeding may or may not be there.

  If untreated for long time; a skin tag known as Sentinel tag or Sentinel Piles develops from the lower end of fissure.

Causes 

The causes related to the emergence of an anal fissure include:

  Passing hard stool which causes frictional injury to inner lining of anal passage.

  Repeated bowel movement or diarrhea

  Trauma to anal canal like by enema nozzle 

Why non surgical treatment is better than Surgery:

Usually surgery (Lateral sphincterotomy) is advised in a view to relieve spasm in anal region so that Fissure starts healing but there are certain complications like stool incontinence etc. associated with this procedure which makes non surgical approach better than surgical intervention. Some of the reasons which make non surgical approach better than surgery for anal fissure are as follows: 

  Acute anal fissure can be conveniently treated by Graded Kshar Karma Treatment. In this treatment a specialized Ayurvedic medicine is applied in fissure region which debrides the fissure and promotes healing. In this way fissure heals completely. So, no need for any surgery at this stage and thus no complication like bleeding, pain, stool incontinence, etc.

  When Fissure is not treated at this stage; a skin tag known as sentinel piles develops from the lower end of fissure. This condition also can be managed by Graded Ksharsutra TM Treatment. In this treatment, Graded Ksharsutra TM - a specialized medicated thread is ligated at the root of sentinel piles and sentinel tag gets detached in 3-5 days. No hospitalization or bed rest is required in this treatment. So, at this stage also fissure can be managed without surgery.

  Delayed healing and Recurrence of Anal fissure are other complications seen after Anal Fissure surgery. Such complications are not seen in Graded Kshar Karma and Ksharsutra Treatment.

  In some case stool incontinence (inability to hold stool; which is far worse than Anal fissure itself) is also seen after Anal Fissure surgery. However, there is no harm to stool control in Graded Kshar Karma and Ksharsutra Treatment.

  No hospitalization or bed rest is required in Graded Kshar Karma and Ksharsutra treatment. Hospitalization and bed rest for a considerable time period is necessary in surgery.

  Graded Kshar Karma and Ksharsutra are more economical than surgery. With this discussion; it is for sure that non surgical treatment for Anal Fissure is far better than Surgery.

Anal Fissure - Non Surgical Treatment Is Better Than Surgery!

If you think fissure and fistula are the same, you are mistaken. While the term fissure refers to the tear of the skin, fistula refers to the abnormal tube-like passages or connections between organs. Fissures get cured with or without treatment in a few days to few weeks, and do not lead to complications. On the contrary, fistulas when left untreated may lead to complications.

So, read on further to know about the distinction, how to recognize the symptoms and avail treatment.

What is anal fissure?
An anal fissure can occur due to various reason, such as prolonged diarrhea, anal sex, vaginal childbirth, rectum cancer, etc. For majority of the cases, it is usually due to constant constipation or strained bowel movements, that tear down the muscles controlling the sphincters to the inner rectum or the anal canal.

What is anal fistula?
Anal fistulas are not tears but abnormal abscesses near the anus, filled with pus. In fistula, a tunnel is formed under the skin which connects these abscesses to the infected glands. Fistulas are usually the results of present or previous abscesses. If ignored or left untreated, one single fistula can lead to the development of a more complex fistula, where the single fistula tract ends up creating multiple openings.

Symptoms of anal fissure and anal fistula
Some of the common symptoms of an anal fissure are excruciating pain in the anal area every time the bowel movement occurs, constant itching or burning sensation in and around the anus, bloody stool and visible tears and cracks around the anus.

For anal fistula, some of the very common symptoms are a throbbing pain in the anus, which continues to increase, difficulty in sitting down for longer period, swelling and redness around the anus, accompanied by skin irritation, discharge of blood and pus, and at times fever.

Treatment options
To completely cure anal fissure and fistula, it is the various surgical options that are the most effective ones. However, when diagnosed in its earliest form, medications like antibiotics, analgesics, and antipyretics can often help. It is solely depending on the location, type, and size or severity of the fistula or fissure, the treatments may vary from person to person and so does the recovery time.

Though, these conditions cannot be cured with dietary changes or exercise, following a healthy diet can boost healthy bowel movement, reducing chances of constipation or diarrhea that results in fissures.
Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is essential that you visit the nearest medical facilities once you notice any signs of fissure or fistula , to avail the right treatment and get relief from the symptoms quickly.


Don't Confuse Fissure With Fistula!

Fissure in Ano, also known as Anal Fissure, is basically a small longitudinal cut in skin that lines the opening of the anus. Fissures cause bleeding and severe pain in the bowel movements. These are very common in the general public, but often confused with other pain. A fissure can happen at any point in your lifetime and can have equal general distribution.

Types of Fissure in Ano:

  Acute Fissure: Fissure in Ano less than 6 weeks of duration is known as Acute Fissure.

  Chronic Fissure: Anal Fissure with more than 6 weeks of duration is known as Chronic Fissure. 

Causes of Fissures in Ano:

  Anal fissures are basically caused by stretching of the anal muscles beyond its capability.

  In adults, it is caused by the passing of large stools, constipation or by prolonged diarrhea.   In older adults it is caused by the less flow of blood to that area.

  It is also caused by sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, chlamydia, herpes) and it results in fissures.

  Anal sex can also be the cause of fissures.

Symptoms of Fissures in Ano:

  Tear in the skin around the anus

  Small lump of skin, or skin tag next to the tear

  Pain during bowel movement

  Stools with blood or pus

  Itching and burning in the anal area 

Preventions During Fissures in Ano:

  One should drink enough water.

  One should have high fibre diet so that one does not suffer from constipation.

  Be careful and hygienic after anal defecation.

  In case of suspected fissure or any kind of pain, use a lubricating ointment.

  Sit in lukewarm water

Treatment for Fissures in Ano

Surgical treatments are not recommended, but there are some other measures that can be taken and are listed as follows:

  Some prescribed medication to lower the severity of pain.

  Nitroglycerin ointment may help heal the fissure.

  Having a rich fiber diet as a lifestyle change.

  Drink enough water as that helps in softening the stool.

  Sometimes Stool softeners may be required to soften the bowel movement.

When Anal Fissure does not heal with all of the above listed things, then a surgery may be required:

  Lower most part of the internal anal sphincter is divided laterally. With this acute fissure heals of its own. In chronic cases one may require to undergo fissurectomy.

  The surgery decreases the anal pain and spasm, allowing the fissure to heal.

  If a sentinel pile is present, it is removed to heal the fissure. 

It is important to note that any kind of treatment requires 6-10 weeks to recover. However, the pain may disappear just after 2-4 days after the surgery. One must consult a doctor before going for any treatment. This surgery can also be performed with LASER,where there is less trauma and early recovery is posssible.

Fissure In Ano

Anal Fissure is a small tear in the anal area. This can happen due to injury while passing hard formed stool or even by repeated bowel motion. It may be very painful especially at the time of passing hard stool. 

Symptoms

Most commonly sought symptoms in Anal Fissure are as given below: 

  A noticeable tear in the skin close to the anus. 

  Cutting or burning pain in anal passage while passing stool which may persist for a considerable time

  Sometimes pain is so severe that patient stops eating in an attempt to avoid defecation to avoid pain

  Blood stains on stools may also be there

  If not treated in time; skin starts growing from the lower end of fissure to form a tag known as sentinel tag/sentinel piles.

  At times; sentinel tag may get inflamed.

Causes

  Passage of hard stool through anus. 

  Chronic Diarrhoea

  Trauma to the anus and anal canal like during childbirth

  Inflammation in anus because of crohn's disease or some other inflammatory disease 

Anal Fissure treatment: Diet: High fiber diet like green leafy vegetables, salads, fruits like papaya, chikku are advised. Resins with milk can also be taken in night. Adequate quantity of liquids especially butter milk is advised. Banana, apple etc. should be avoided. 

Graded Kshar Karma & Ksharsutra: Anal Fissure can be completely treated by Graded Kshar Karma and Ksharsutra treatment. In acute anal fissure; stool softener along with Graded Kshar Karma is advised. In this treatment; Graded Kshar - a specialized Ayurvedic medicine is applied in fissure region. This medicine debrides the fissure and induces healing. Usually pain subsides in a week or 10 days time period when fissure is still in healing phase.

Considering pain has subsided; some patients discontinue the treatment to further aggravate and complicate the problem. For complete healing of anal fissure usually 3-5 Graded Kshar Karma sittings are required at a weekly interval. In between these weekly sittings patients are advised to apply certain medicines in anal passage by themselves. If anal fissure has progressed to development of sentinel tag then Graded Ksharsutra TM treatment is the treatment of choice. 

In this treatment Graded Ksharsutra TM is ligated at the root of sentinel tag. Medicine released from Ksharsutra blocks the blood supply of sentinel tag and it sheds off in a week or 10 days time period. No hospitalization or bed rest is required in this treatment. Patient can continue his normal routine activities as usual during his treatment. So, you can say no to surgery in Anal fissure.

Anal Fissure - Say No To Surgery!

Anal fistula, a challenge for modern surgery, but can be cured with grade ksharsutra in Ayurveda (Indian system of medicine).  Anal fistula is a disease for which different methods of treatment have been advocated time to time, even today when we are talking about robotic surgery, this disease has no satisfactory method of treatment in modern surgery. The latest method of video assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is not satisfactory due to high incidences of recurrence after the surgery. But at Sushruta Anorectal Institute New Delhi; with the help of Graded KsharsutraTM all these patients of complex Anal fistula are being successfully treated.

In Ayurveda about 2000 yrs ago Acharya Sushruta has indicated ksharsutra treatment to treat fistula-in-ano. Late professor P J Deshpandey at the faculty of Ayurveda Institute of Medical Sciences B H U; had done extensive research in this field and established a treatment module to cure this disease. In 1990 Indian council of medical research has clinically evaluated this Ayurvedic treatment module at four premiere institutes in our country including AIIMS Delhi & PGI Chandigarh. Subsequently, it was concluded by I.C.M.R. that in the patients of fistula in ano, ksharsutra treatment is more effective& convenient as compared to modern surgery.

Ksharsutra is a thread coated with certain Ayurvedic medicines known for their antiseptic, debridement & healing properties. After u v sterilization this medicated thread (ksharsutra) is used under complete aseptic precautions in the patients. The patient is routinely investigated with special reference to any other associated disorder like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis etc. The next step lies in the proper identification& evaluation of the fistulous tract. It is mandatory to define the fistula tract wrt its depth, direction & branching pattern. This may be achieved by careful probing under expert hands using malleable probes& if required help may be taken from other investigations like x-ray fistulogram or MRI fistulogram. 

Once the tract has been clearly defined the Ksharsutra is placed in it with the help of certain instruments, under local anesthesia. This entire procedure is usually completed in ten to fifteen mins. As there is no cutting of tissues hence no bleeding, no pain & patients can go home after half an hr rest in the daycare room. The medicine-coated on the thread is gradually released in the tract. The cumulative effect of the coated drugs exerts a powerful debridement effect on the fistula tract & induces healing by the fresh & healthy granulation tissues. Thus Ksharsutra is the mechanism of drug delivery precisely at the tissues involved. 

Every seventh or tenth day the old sutra is replaced with a new Ksharsutra till there is a final cut through. It has been observed that the tract heals @ 0.5-1 cm per week. The post-operative complications like recurrence of the disease, fecal incontinence, bleeding is not seen with Ksharsutra treatment. Further, this therapy is performed as an OPD procedure. No general anesthesia & no hospitalization is required. Patient maintains his normal routine activities as usual during the treatment period. 

 At Sushruta Anorectal Institute; Rohini - New Delhi, we have been working on this disease including piles fissures & pilonidal sinus for the last 30 yrs. Here we have developed the concept of Graded KsharsutraTM which has given us a more effective & convenient way to treat anal fistula. At Sushruta Anorectai Institute we have treated on record thousands of patients of anal fistula from different states including overseas patients. We have records to prove that the patients of high anal complex fistula, those have been operated two or three times but failed to heal were successfully treated at this institute.

How to Treat Anal Fistula Naturally without Surgery

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