What is anal fistula surgery?
Anal fistula is a tunnel or canal that develops between the skin near the anus and the bowel. It can involve a number of unpleasant symptoms and often, to correct the condition, surgery, known as anal fistula surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia, is chosen.
Why is it done?
Anal fistula surgery is usually needed to treat people with the condition, as it is unlikely to resolve on its own. Anal fistulas are the result of an abscess around the anus that, once emptied of pus, looks like a small canal. Anal fistulas can be extremely unpleasant and often cause discomfort. Surgery is almost always necessary.
What does it consist of?
Anal fistula surgery is performed under general anesthesia. There are different procedures available and the most appropriate one will depend on individual cases.
- Fistulotomy
Fistulotomy involves opening the fistula through an incision so that it heals like a normal flat scar. It is the most common type of surgery and represents the best treatment option for fistulas that do not cross the sphincter. However, if it does cross the sphincter, the risk of incontinence increases, making other procedures preferable.
- Bristle techniques
A sow is a segment of surgical thread that can be inserted into the fistula to keep it open.
They can be used to keep the fistula open for several weeks, allowing it time to drain and heal, thus avoiding the need for incisions.
The procedure, while allowing the fistula to heal, does not cure the condition. To heal the fistula, it may be necessary to insert more bristles, which are even narrower, in order to gradually cut it.
- Advanced flap procedure
It involves covering the portion of the fistula that enters the bowel with a flap of tissue taken from the rectum.
The procedure avoids cutting the muscles around the anal sphincter.
Preparing for anal fistula surgery
Before surgery, it may be necessary to stop taking certain medications, in addition to emptying the colon with laxatives or an enema. In addition, it will be necessary to temporarily stop eating and drinking. It is recommended that the patient have someone with him/her who can accompany him/her home after the procedure.
Post-surgery recovery
After surgery, bleeding and pain when going to the bathroom are likely to occur. To relieve pain, it may be helpful to follow a high-fiber diet and take stool softeners for the first few days after surgery.
Most patients will return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, but it will take several weeks, even months, for the fistula to heal completely, depending on the specific case.
Here are some of the main actions to take for postoperative care after anal fistula surgery:
- Stay active: try to walk a little every day.
- Diet: follow a diet rich in fiber every day.
- Stay hydrated
- Painkillers may be prescribed for the first two weeks.
- Keep the area where you operated clean: warm baths are recommended.