Anal fistula and fissure

Question 1

What are anal fistulae?

Answer 1

Abnormal “tracks” form between the inside of the anus and elsewhere (mostly subcutaneous skin)

Question 2

What do anal fistula typically develop from?

Answer 2

Perianal abscess

(Abscess discharges toxic substances which aid fistula formation as abscess grows)

Can also be from Crohn’s or rectal cancer

Question 3

What are symptoms of an anal fistula?

Answer 3

Bloody/ mucousy discharge, often very visible and painful

Question 4

What is treatment for an anal fistula?

Answer 4

Surgical removal and drainage (with antibiotics if infected)

Question 5

What is an anal fissure?

Answer 5

Tear in anal skin lining below dentate line

Question 6

Are anal fissures very painful?

Answer 6

Yes as strong sensory supply

Question 7

What is the most common cause of an anal fissure?

Answer 7

hard faeces

Question 8

What are causes of anal fissures?

Answer 8

Hard faeces
Childbirth
Trauma
Crohn’s
Ulcerative colitis

Question 9

What are symptoms of anal fissures?

Answer 9

Extreme defecation pain
Pruritus ani
Anal bleeding

Question 10

What treatment is there for anal fissures?

Answer 10

Stool softener
Increase fibre and have more fluids
Topical creams like lidocaine ointment

Surgery not really done but possibility