If you experience painful swelling around your anus, you may have an anal fistula. Albert Chung, MD, a double board-certified colorectal surgeon, provides expert diagnosis and personalized in-office treatment for anal fistulas at his practice in Santa Ana, California. Prompt evaluation and treatment can quickly alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications. Call (714) 988-8690 today to schedule your appointment and start your journey to relief.
An anal fistula is a small tunnel formed between the skin near the anus and the anal canal, typically developing due to an infection originating in an anal gland. This infection can spread, creating a channel filled with pus, leading to pain, swelling, and occasionally fever. Untreated, an anal fistula can cause serious complications, including abscesses and bowel incontinence, making timely treatment essential.
Anal fistulas vary based on their location in relation to the anal sphincter muscles. These classifications include suprasphincteric, superficial, transsphincteric, intersphincteric, and extrasphincteric fistulas. Each type requires specific treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of expert diagnosis.
Anal fistulas often result from anal abscesses, which occur when anal glands become clogged and infected. As infection intensifies, the body naturally creates a pathway—an anal fistula—to drain the pus. While most fistulas originate from abscesses, other causes can include conditions like Crohn’s disease, sexually transmitted infections, trauma, diverticulitis, tuberculosis, or radiation exposure.
Common symptoms associated with anal fistulas include significant swelling, redness, and pain near the anus, especially during bowel movements. Bleeding, discharge, and discomfort during urination or defecation are also frequent indicators. If these symptoms are accompanied by fever, urgent medical care is necessary to prevent severe complications.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Chung, he will perform a comprehensive evaluation, carefully reviewing your symptoms and medical history. A gentle physical examination typically identifies the fistula. Additional diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound imaging, MRI, CT scan, colonoscopy, or blood work, may be recommended to pinpoint the exact cause and extent of your condition.
While professional treatment is necessary, supportive home care can ease symptoms and promote comfort. Warm sitz baths, proper hygiene, and dietary adjustments to ensure soft bowel movements are highly beneficial. Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers and stool softeners can help manage symptoms until treatment.
Surgery is the primary method for effectively treating anal fistulas. Mild fistulas may be treated with a fistulotomy, a procedure involving opening the fistula to clear infection and promote natural healing. For more complex fistulas, Dr. Chung may initially use a seton—a drainage device—to reduce inflammation before proceeding with advanced surgical procedures such as advancement flap or lift procedures. The selected approach will be tailored to your specific condition to ensure optimal outcomes and protect sphincter function.
Recovery timelines depend on the procedure performed. After surgery, most patients can resume daily activities within a few weeks. Dr. Chung provides detailed aftercare instructions and schedules follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence.
Anal fistulas rarely heal independently and typically require surgical intervention to resolve fully and prevent recurrence.
Dr. Chung utilizes minimally invasive techniques and effective pain management strategies to minimize discomfort during recovery.
Recovery can vary but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the fistula and the chosen treatment method.
We are here to hear you as you heal. Feel free to reach out to us.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly improve colorectal cancer outcomes. Call Dr. Albert Chung’s colorectal clinic in Orange County.