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News & Events Signs You May Have an Anal Fistula and Why Early Treatment Is Key 

Signs You May Have an Anal Fistula and Why Early Treatment Is Key 

At first, an anal fistula may result in pain or discomfort, but if not treated, it can progress to more severe complications, including infections, sepsis, or, in rare instances, cancer. That gives you the bottom line, however, let’s learn more about signs you may have an anal fistula and why early treatment is key. 

What Is an Anal Fistula? 

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that forms between the inside of the anus and your outside skin surrounding the anus. Many times they are the complication of an infection in an anal gland. This causes an abscess or infected wound which drains pus from the anus. This abscess can create a tunnel through your anus to the skin outside. 

The fistula looks like a hole in your skin which connects to the abscess. It can drain blood, pus, or feces, and  may leak especially if you touch the area around it.  

Common Signs of an Anal Fistula 

You will feel the following symptoms with an anal fistula: 

  • Severe intense pain near the anal area that becomes worse when you sit down, have a bowel movement, or cough. 
  • Redness and swelling near and surrounding the anus. This signifies an active infection known as cellulitis. 
  • Drainage somewhere near your anus. It may be a smelly liquid of blood, pus, or feces. 

What Are Risk Factors? 

If you are a man, have had a perianal abscess in the past, and also have an inflammatory bowel disease IBD like Crohn’s, you have a higher risk to develop an anal fistula. 

In addition, if you are immunocompromised and have frequent infections, have had radiation or surgery in that area, or have a chronic sexually transmitted infection, you are at a higher risk. 

How Are Anal Fistulas Diagnosed? 

Colorectal Surgical Associates will be able to diagnose an anal fistula by using an imaging test like an MRI, an endoscopic ultrasound, or a fistulography, which maps the tunnel using a contrast dye, and you may need an examination under anesthesia. 

What Are Treatment Options? 

The main treatment goals are to repair the fistula so it does not recur, and to protect the anal sphincter muscles to prevent incontinence. The surgical team will look at both conservative and surgical treatments.  

Antibiotics won’t heal the fistula. Other surgical treatments are required.  

These can include: 

  • Fistulotomy: A procedure that opens up the fistula so it can heal from the inside-out, and it is usually an outpatient procedure. 
  • Fistula Closure Methods: Plugging up the fistula with glue or a plug closes up the inner opening. Your surgeon then fills the tunnel with a material that your body will absorb. 
  • Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures that close the fistula while preserving anal sphincter function to prevent incontinence. 
  • Cutting Seton Procedure: Your surgeon places a suture or a rubber band (seton) and slowly tightens it. The fistula drains and heals with less chance of incontinence. 

Determining the Difference Between Hemorrhoids and Anal Fistula 

Many people may think the pain and discomfort they are feeling is simply hemorrhoids. It the pain and inflammation does not lessen in a few weeks or becomes worse, it is best to find an experienced physician like The physicians at Colorectal Surgical Associates  

Don’t wait to seek care.  

Anal Fistula Diagnosis and Treatment in Kansas City 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of an anal fistula, don’t wait to contact Colorectal Surgical Associates   at (816) 941-0800   for an examination and diagnosis. 

It is essential to get treatment as soon as possible before complications set in. 

Find an Office

Gladstone Office

6060 North Oak Trafficway
Suite 101
Gladstone, MO 64118
Phone: (816) 941-0800

Overland Park Office

4370 W 109th St.
#350
Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: (816) 941-0800

Independence Office

19550 E 39th St
Suite 110
Independence, MO 64057
Phone: (816) 941-0800

Lee’s Summit

1980 SE Blue Parkway
Suite 2330
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Phone: (816) 941-0800