anal fistulas

Question 1

Symptoms of anal fistulas? (2)

Answer 1

Bloody/ mucosy discharge
Often very viable and painful

Question 2

Treatment for anal fistula?

Answer 2

Surgical removal + drainage (with antibiotics if infected)

Question 3

What is an anal fistula?

Answer 3

Abnormal “tracks” form between inside of anus —> elsewhere
Eg subcutaneous skin (mostly)

Question 4

What does an anal fistula typically progress from? (4)

Answer 4

= Perianal abscesses
- abscess discharges (toxic substances) which aid fistula formation as abscess grows

(Also Crohn’s and rectal cancer)