What are the symptoms of anal fistula?

Symptoms of ANAL FISTULA are: (1) Hemorrhoids (piles) or a lump at the anus. (2) Pain over the anus. (3) Pus from around the anus or anus itself. (4) Itching around the anus. (5) Swelling of the affected area

Anal Fistula Quiz

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Carlos Cuenca, MD (General surgery)

Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)

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Learn more about Anal fistula

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is anal fistula?

This is a condition where a tunnel forms between the anus and the skin surrounding the anus. Patients are prone to recurrent infection of the area, and this is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease.

Symptoms of anal fistula

Hemorrhoids (piles) or a lump at the anus
Pain over the anus
Pus from around the anus or anus itself
Itching around the anus
Swelling of the affected area

Questions your doctor may ask to check for anal fistula

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose anal fistula

Do you have hemorrhoids (piles) or a lump at the anus?
Do you have anal pain?
Do you have pus from around the anus or anus itself?
Do you have itching of the anal region?
Is the affected area swollen?

Treatment for anal fistula

Surgery is usually required as they rarely heal on their own. Treatment of the underlying cause (e.g. bowel inflammation) is needed to prevent fistulas from returning.

View the symptoms of Anal fistula

Diseases related to Anal fistula

References

Limura E, Giordano P. Modern management of anal fistula. World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Jan 7;21(1):12-20. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.12. PMID: 25574077; PMCID: PMC4284327.
https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v21/i1/12.htm
Mei Z, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Liu P, Ge M, Du P, Yang W, He Y. Risk Factors for Recurrence after anal fistula surgery: A meta-analysis. Int J Surg. 2019 Sep;69:153-164. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Aug 7. PMID: 31400504.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919119301931?via%3Dihub
Amato A, Bottini C, De Nardi P, Giamundo P, Lauretta A, Realis Luc A, Piloni V. Evaluation and management of perianal abscess and anal fistula: SICCR position statement. Tech Coloproctol. 2020 Feb;24(2):127-143. doi: 10.1007/s10151-019-02144-1. Epub 2020 Jan 23. PMID: 31974827.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10151-019-02144-1
Seow-Choen F, Nicholls RJ. Anal fistula. Br J Surg. 1992 Mar;79(3):197-205. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800790304. PMID: 1555083.
https://academic.oup.com/bjs/article-abstract/79/3/197/6172516?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Reviewed By:

Carlos Cuenca, MD (General surgery)

Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)

From our team of 50+ doctors

Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.