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Treatment of Anal fistula

Very few anal fistulas heal spontaneously, so surgery is usually necessary.

If an abscess is the cause of an anal fistula, surgery involves cutting the abscess and draining the pus under general anaesthetic. The fistula is then ‘laid open’ by cutting a small amount of the anal skin and muscle to open up the tract.

Following surgery the wound may take from 2 to 6 weeks to heal, depending on its size. Dressing the wound is very important to ensure that healing progresses well and the fistula does not return. Once treated the fistula should heal and produce no long-term problems, provided there is no underlying cause.

Occasionally an anal fistula is very complex and is situated more deeply. These fistulas are difficult to treat; surgery might be planned in several stages. If the fistula occurs above the anal sphincters, surgery will involve the person needing a temporary colostomy.

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