FAQ - Fistula Treatment

What is an anal fistula ?

A fistula in ano is a tunnel like pipe developed in the peri-anal region usually having one or more external opening around anus leading to an internal opening in the anal canal or rectum.

How does it occur ?

Within the anus, there are glands that create fluid. Sometimes these can become blocked and infected creating what is called an abscess. This is the most common cause of a fistula, although fistula can sometime be caused by other conditions as well, such as Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, TB, sexually transmitted diseases or cancer.

What are the symptoms of a fistula ?

Fistula can be very embarrassing as well as uncomfortable. Pain is a frequent symptom, as well as frequent abscesses. Foul smelling pus discharge. Skin irritation can also develop due to infection and excess fluid being discharged.

How serious is a fistula ?

Fistulas can cause a lots of discomfort and if left untreated may cause serious complications. Some fistulas can cause a bacterial infection, which may result in sepsis, a dangerous conditions that can lead to low BP, organ damage or even death.

What are the treatment options for anal fistula ?

Anal fistula are almost never found to heal spontaneously. The inner wall of the fistula develops fibrotic tissue & pyogenic membrane not allowing spontaneous healing. The most commonly followed mode of treatment is laying open the entire track of the fistula & removing the fibrotic tissue and pyogenic membrane.

In certain cases, silk setone is passed through parts of the track.

– Laser Surgery (Fistulectomy)

– Laying open the fistula & applying skin graft.

– Laying open, excision of the fistulous track and suturing the wounds.

* Ayurveda has a unique way of treating fistula in ano by Kshar sutra treatment.

Is fistula a sign of cancer ?

An anal fistula is a very rare sign of cancer. However, if left untreated for a long time, a fistula may lead to cancer. It may also develop as a result of radiation therapy.

Can a fistula heal in its own ?

In some cases fistulas may close up, but then it reopen. Typically fistulas do not heal on their own without any treatment.

What is Kshar sutra therapy ?

Kshar sutra therapy is a modified and standardized version of an ancient treatment procedure. Kshar sutra is an ayurvedic medicated thread which is prepared by smearing a special linen thread with various ayurvedic drugs. It takes about one month to prepare it. It is used for the treatment of anorectal diseases like Fistula in ano, Haemorrhoids, Sentinel Piles, Pilonidal sinus etc.

Is Kshar sutra a surgical operation? Does the patient need hospital admission ?

Kshar sutra treatment is a minimum invasive procedure in which ligation of piles, sentinel tags & threading of fistulous track is done under local anaesthesia/spinal anaesthesia/general anaesthesia at all. So, it will not be suitable to compare it with surgical operation. Normally the patient doesn’t need any hospitalization but in few cases where the procedure is carried out in spinal anaesthesia/general anaesthesia hospital stay of about 24 hours may be required.

Is kshar sutra a painful procedure ?

The feeling of pain can’t be generalized for all individuals. Some people feel more pain even in minor injury while a few can tolerate much more pain.

Is there any risk?

As compared to other contemporary procedure for anorectal diseases, Kshar sutra therapy has minimum risk & possibility of complications.

When does the patient resume his job & daily routine activities after Kshar sutra procedure ?

Normally, the patient can carry out his daily routine activities from the same day.

After how many days Kshar sutra is being changed?

Kshar sutra is changed after an interval of 10days, depending on the condition of the wound.

For how much duration Kshar sutra treatment is to be continued?

Duration of treatment depends on complexity of fistula in ano, from how much duration the disease occurred, number of fistulous tracts, wound healing of the wounds of every patient varies.