Anal fistulas are a source of considerable pain, and without medical treatment, they can cause serious complications. What’s more, a fistula won’t go away with home care or even antibiotics — and delaying medical treatment will only make things worse.
But there is some good news: Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, specializes in state-of-the-art treatments using advanced, minimally invasive techniques to help heal fistulas, resolve your symptoms, and reduce your risk of complications. In this post, he explains why fistulas happen and why now is the best time to seek treatment.
Anal fistulas typically begin with an infection in an anal gland — one of a series of tiny glands on the inner wall of the anal canal. When a gland becomes infected or blocked, it can develop into a pus-filled, swollen abscess.
Fistulas form when pus, bacteria, and other debris from the abscess push against the surrounding tissue, looking for a way to drain. Eventually, this pressure creates a channel — or fistula — between the gland and the skin near the anus, forming a drainage hole, or fistula.
Anyone can develop a fistula, but they tend to be more common among people with risk factors like:
Anal gland infections don’t always cause fistula formation. Data show that about half of all anal gland infections eventually lead to fistulas. They’re also about twice as common among men.
Not surprisingly, an anal fistula can cause considerable pain around the anus, especially during bowel movements. Other symptoms include:
As the infection progresses, you may develop a fever or other flu-like symptoms.
While antibiotics can help control infections temporarily, they can’t cure a fistula or make the tunnel “go away.” Without prompt medical treatment, a fistula can become more complex, forming additional channels and more widespread infection. Prompt medical treatment protects your long-term bowel function, prevents complications, and relieves uncomfortable symptoms.
Dr. Tarlowe offers three primary treatment options for fistulas: fistulotomy, seton treatment, and ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT).
During a fistulotomy, Dr. Tarlowe opens and cleans the fistula, fully draining it and removing debris. The fistula is then allowed to heal naturally over time. This approach is appropriate for fistulas located some distance from the anus, reducing the risk of fecal incontinence later.
When a fistula is close to the anal sphincter, Dr. Tarlowe may recommend a different technique called a seton. This approach uses a specialized suturing technique to keep the fistula open, allowing it to drain and heal. Setons help prevent sphincter damage, reducing the risk of fecal incontinence. It’s also an effective approach to reduce the risk of recurrence in people with IBD.
LIFT is typically recommended for more complex fistulas, such as those involving the anal sphincter. During this procedure, Dr. Tarlowe isolates the fistula tract and closes both ends, allowing the tunnel to collapse and heal while reducing the risk of complications.
Anal fistulas don’t just cause pain — without the right medical care, they can develop into far more complex and widespread infections. They can also substantially increase your risk of developing fecal incontinence. What’s more, delays in medical treatment very often mean that when you do eventually seek care, you’ll require a more complex and intensive treatment.
The good news: Fistula treatment is typically performed right in our office, and with the proper technique, your outcome and long-term results can be excellent. Choosing to have your fistula treated now rather than later is a great way not only to feel better but also to prevent more serious issues in the future.
To learn more about fistula treatment, call 954-210-7127 or request an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe in Deerfield Beach, Florida, today.
