Anal Fistula — Symptoms & Treatment in Lucknow
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the inside of the anal canal and the skin near the anus, usually as the aftermath of an anal abscess. It tends to cause recurring discharge, discomfort and infection, and — unlike many anal conditions — it does not heal on its own. The goal of treatment is to cure the fistula while protecting the muscles that control continence.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma treats anal fistula in Lucknow at Medanta, using modern, sphincter-preserving techniques.
What is an anal fistula?
Most anal fistulas begin as an infection in one of the small glands inside the anal canal, which forms an abscess. When the abscess drains, a tunnel can persist between the gland and the skin — the fistula. It then causes intermittent discharge, swelling and pain. Because the fistula passes near or through the muscles that control continence, treatment must be careful and precise.
Symptoms to watch for
- Recurrent discharge of pus or fluid near the anus
- A small opening or lump in the skin beside the anus
- Pain, swelling and irritation, worse before discharge
- Recurrent abscesses in the same area
Causes & risk factors
- A previous anal abscess (the commonest cause)
- Infection of the anal glands
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease) in some cases
- Less commonly, other specific conditions
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical examination
- MRI of the pelvis to map the fistula tract accurately
- Examination under anaesthesia in some cases
How an anal fistula is treated
An anal fistula needs surgery to heal. The right operation depends on how the tract relates to the continence muscles. Simple, low fistulas can sometimes be laid open safely; more complex fistulas are treated with sphincter-preserving techniques such as a LIFT procedure, laser (FiLaC), or the staged use of a seton, all chosen to cure the fistula while protecting continence.
Because the wrong operation can affect continence, experience and accurate mapping (with MRI) matter. Dr Verma selects the technique that offers the best chance of cure with the lowest risk to function.
When to see a GI surgeon
- Recurrent discharge, pain or swelling near the anus
- A recurring abscess in the same place
- A known fistula that keeps causing problems
Anal Fistula: common questions
Can an anal fistula heal without surgery?
Rarely. Most anal fistulas do not heal on their own and need surgery to cure them, because the tunnel keeps the infection going. The good news is that with modern, sphincter-preserving techniques, most fistulas can be cured while protecting continence.
Will fistula surgery affect my continence?
Protecting continence is the central goal of fistula surgery. Modern sphincter-preserving techniques — chosen after accurately mapping the fistula, often with MRI — allow most fistulas to be cured with a very low risk to continence. The right choice of operation, in experienced hands, is key.
Concerned about anal fistula?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.