Definition of anal fistulas
The sooner you see a doctor or proctologist, the better. It is important to prevent the spread of inflammation. If you are not sure whether you should go directly to a proctologist, please make an appointment with your family doctor. Usually, this person can already estimate your situation well.
What are anal fistulas?
Anal fistulas appear in the rectal region, which can affect different numbers of skin layers. They arise as a result of an abscess, i.e. an encapsulated collection of pus.
As the disease progresses, fluids try to find a way out from this pus-filled cavity and fistula tracts start to form.
Anal fistulas can take different routes through the sphincter muscle.
As a result, openings of the drainage tracts can often be seen in the skin of the anus; however the drainage tracts can also be situated towards the mucous membrane side. Discharge from the fistula openings - especially of pus, but also feces - is typical.
Diagnosis
Your proctologist can gain an overview to using a digital examination or ultrasound.
An external fistula opening can be recognized by the doctor during a visual examination of the anal region. The inner opening in the rectum can be felt as a small nodule. An MRI scan will generally speaking clearly show the fistula tracts and adjacent smaller abscesses.
