What is an Anal Fistula?

An anal fistula is a small tunnel that connects an abscess, an infected cavity in the anus, to an opening on the skin around the anus.

The anus is the external opening through which feces are expelled from the body. Just inside the anus are a number of small glands that make mucus. Occasionally, these glands get clogged and can become infected, leading to an abscess. About half of these abscesses may develop into a fistula.

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What causes an anal fistula?

The leading causes of an anal fistula are clogged anal glands and anal abscesses. Other, much less common, conditions that can cause an anal fistula include:

• Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory disease of the intestine)

• Radiation (treatment for cancer)

• Trauma

• Sexually transmitted diseases

• Tuberculosis

• Diverticulitis (a disease in which small pouches form in the large intestine and become inflamed)

• Cancer

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What are the symptoms of an anal fistula?

The signs and symptoms of an anal fistula include:

• Frequent anal abscesses

• Pain and swelling around the anus

• Bloody or foul-smelling drainage (pus) from an opening around the anus. The pain may decrease after the fistula drains.

• Irritation of the skin around the anus from drainage

• Pain with bowel movements

• Bleeding

• Fever, chills and a general feeling of fatigue

You should see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

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How is an anal fistula diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose an anal fistula by examining the area around the anus. He or she will look for an opening (the fistula tract) on the skin. The doctor will then try to determine how deep the tract is, and the direction in which it is going. In many cases, there will be drainage from the external opening.

Some fistulas may not be visible on the skin's surface. In this case, your physician may need to perform additional tests:

• An anoscopy is a procedure in which a special instrument is used to see inside your anus and rectum.

• Your physician may also order an ultrasound or MRI of the anal area to get a better view of the fistula tract.

• Sometimes your surgeon will need to examine you in the operating room (called exam under anesthesia) to diagnose the fistula.

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What are the treatments for an anal fistula?

Surgery is almost always necessary to cure an anal fistula. The surgery is performed by a colon and rectal surgeon. The goal of the surgery is a balance between getting rid of the fistula while protecting the anal sphincter muscles, which could cause incontinence if damaged.

Fistulas in which there is no or little sphincter muscle involved are treated with a fistulotomy. In this procedure, the skin and muscle over the tunnel are cut open to convert it from a tunnel to an open groove. This allows the fistula tract to heal from the bottom up.

In the case of a more complex fistula, the surgeon may have to place a special drain called a seton, which remains in place for at least 6 weeks. After a seton is placed, a second operation is almost always performed:

• A fistulotomy, or

• An advancement flap procedure (the fistula is covered with a flap, or piece of tissue, taken from the rectum, like a trap door), or

• A lift procedure (the skin above the fistula is opened up, the sphincter muscles are spread, and the fistula is tied off).

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Why Choose Apollo Healthcare?

Established by Dr Prathap C Reddy in 1983, Apollo Healthcare has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem. From routine wellness & preventive health care to innovative life-saving treatments and diagnostic services, Apollo Hospitals has touched more than 120 million lives from over 120 countries, offering the best clinical outcomes.

• 7,000+ Healing HandsLargest network of the world’s finest and brightest medical experts who provide compassionate care using outstanding expertise and advanced technology.

• 4,000+ PharmaciesApollo Pharmacy is India’s first, largest and most trusted branded pharmacy network, with over 4000 plus outlets covering the entire nation

• Most Advanced Healthcare TechnologyApollo Hospitals has been the pioneer in bringing ground-breaking healthcare technologies to India.

• Best Clinical OutcomesLeveraging its vast medical expertise & technological advantage, Apollo Hospitals has consistently delivered best in class clinical outcomes.

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Apollo 24|7 is the largest multi-channel digital healthcare platform in India, created with a vision of eliminating flexibility blockages from the healthcare industry. We believe in making healthcare affordable to everyone by combining analytic excellence, affordable cost, and extensive research with advanced technology. Apollo 24|7 is a single online platform where you have access to a wide range of services such as online pharmacy, online doctor consultations, and diagnostic lab tests at home. We also provide expert solutions for chronic conditions and COVID-care with a secured digital vault, where you can safely upload all your medical reports. 

The Smart Choice for Your Health is Here

Make the best decision for your health by choosing Apollo 24|7. Here’s why you can count on us:

• 36 years of legacy in the healthcare industry

• 24x7 availability of doctors

• More than 3.5 million diagnostic tests each year

• 700+ collection centres and 100+ laboratories

• High quality and affordable diagnostic solutions 

• Fast and accurate test report results

• Several medical specialties under one roof

• Online prescriptions - available anytime, anywhere

• Order medicines and book tests online with ease

• Digitised health queries

Ask a Doctor Online 24/7

Online doctor consultations take place through online doctor chat, call, or video call. This helps you to talk to doctors online from the comfort of your home by simply choosing a doctor from different specialties. Avail personalised solutions for any health problem with prompt online doctor consultation with Apollo 24|7.

• Safe and secure platform

• Affordable rates

• Video and chat options

Online Doctor Consultation - Now at Your FingertipsThe demand for doctors is expected to increase as new medicines allow people to live longer. However, there are several ways to reach out to a doctor without the need to visit a hospital or clinic, all thanks to technology. With the online facility available, doctor consultations have become easier, and you can get the right health care. Online doctor consultations with 4000+ top medical doctors are available at Apollo 24|7. Video call or chat with expert doctors from 100+ medical specialties, including | Dermatology | Gynaecology | Paediatrics | Psychiatry | General Physicians | Gastroenterology | Dietetics | Ent Specialists | and more, in just 15 minutes.

Benefits of choosing online doctor consultations:

• Save time, money, and effort.

• No need to travel. 

• Most convenient option to choose from, and helps in early diagnosis.

• Online doctor consultations are confidential and safe.

• No risks of infections.

Apollo 24|7 is a part of Apollo Hospitals. Apollo Hospitals was established in 1983 by Dr. Prathap C Reddy. It incorporates over 10,000 beds across 70 hospitals, over 4000 pharmacies, 172 primary care and diagnostic clinics, and 148 telemedicine facilities spread across 13 countries. Apollo Hospitals has touched billions of lives by offering exceptional clinical outcomes.

Milestones of Apollo Hospitals:

• 36 Years of legacy and credibility in the healthcare industry. 

• NABL certified multi-channel digital healthcare platform.

• World’s best medical specialists.

• Largest & trusted branded healthcare network.

• Advanced healthcare technology.

Pharmacy Simplified with Apollo 24|7

Apollo pharmacy is the most credible and established online pharmacy in India. It delivers 100% original medicines and products. Apollo pharmacy is believed to offer super-fast home delivery for all the healthcare essentials. Explore our broad range of medicines or over-the-counter medicines and products such as baby care, personal care, wellness, lifestyle, health, and nutrition categories online with ease. 

Rapid deliveries of medicines are available online at Apollo Pharmacy. In some cities, deliveries are done in less than 24 hours.

• Get health credits on purchasing medicines and products.

• Alluring deals on medicines and other products.

• A broad range of medicines and essential healthcare products to choose from.

• Prescriptions are uploaded directly.

• Authentic and top-notch quality products.

Convenient Diagnostic Lab Tests at Home

Regular health check-ups are vital for a healthy life because it helps in detecting diseases at the earliest, following a timely treatment. Apollo 24|7 provides blood sample testing at your doorstep conveniently. You can book lab tests at home and utilise the home-collection facility. We offer a broad range of diagnostic lab tests such as | RT-PCR Test | Renal Profile Test (KFT, RFT) | Hemogram Test | Lipid Profile Test | Thyroid Profile Test (T3 T4 TSH) | D-Dimer Test | Urine Culture Test | Complete Blood Count Test (CBC Test) | Widal Test | Liver Function Test (LFT) | and more.

Top-notch quality diagnostics are critical for the best treatment and personalised patient care.

Here are some simple steps to book a lab test:

• Book online - Select the package or test you want to book.

• Choose home-sample collection option - A qualified phlebotomist visits your home for sample collection at the selected slot time.

• Get fast and accurate blood test reports - download them from the app or website anytime, anywhere!

Find Pathology Labs with Ease at Apollo 24|7Manage your health with prompt health check-ups from Apollo 24|7. We offer an extensive range of laboratory services that deliver factual diagnostic lab test results. You will find the most trusted pathology labs here at Apollo 24|7. 

Other Services Offered by Apollo 24|7

Apollo Circle Membership: Premium Healthcare Program

Apollo 24/7 Circle is an elite membership plan for those who put their overall health and well-being on priority. This membership plan guarantees priority access to Apollo’s best doctors, personalised care, unique deals, and comprehensive wellness programs especially curated by professionals. 

Apollo Prohealth Program Apollo Pro Health Program is an exclusive end-to-end personalised proactive healthcare management program that combines predictive risk assessments and top-notch quality diagnostics with accurate physician checks. Approximately 22 million health checks have been done based on this program. You can count on us for:

• Customised health risk assessments: diagnostic tests designed exclusively for your profile to foresee the health risks.

• Physician-led assessment: designed for customised treatment plans and overall wellness goals.

• Multi-organ assessment: diagnostic tests designed as per your profile with consultations from top specialists and physicians.

• Health instructors: to evaluate your health parameters regularly and help you stay on your path to health and wellness.