You should know your treatment options if you have a fistula in your rectal area. You should contact your physician immediately if you are experiencing pain, bleeding, or discomfort. You will also want to follow the doctor’s instructions for proper healing. In addition, you can learn more about surgical procedures to correct a fistula, including various types.
Anal fistula
If you suffer from an anal fistula, you may wish to have surgery to correct the problem. The operation is typically performed under general anesthesia. Some procedures are also performed under regional anesthesia. With regional anesthesia, numbness occurs only in the lower body. Most people recover from anal fistula surgery on the same day. However, you should ask your family or friends to stay the night with you if you can’t drive home. Before the surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking. If you’re under general anesthesia, you’ll need to follow instructions given by your anesthetist.
Symptoms of anal fistula include continuous pain, smelly discharge near the anus, difficulty regulating bowel movements, and difficulty urination. If the anal fistula is large or painful, it can also cause an abscess. Antibiotics can help treat anal fistula, but they won’t cure it.
Rectovaginal fistula
The rectovaginal fistula is an obstructed connection between the vagina and the rectal wall. This condition can occur due to several factors, including an infection or underlying disease. In some cases, treatment will involve surgery to close the fistula. However, the process will require a second surgery to reconnect the intestines.
The most common symptom of the rectovaginal fistula is the leakage of stool or gas from the rectum into the vagina. The leakage of gas and stool may be painful and lead to infection. It can also cause unpleasant odors and can affect sexual function.
A thorough medical examination will be necessary to diagnose rectovaginal fistula and its cause. The physician will also want to check for any signs or symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease or vulvovaginal cancer. Other important issues include whether the fistula is associated with inflammatory bowel disease or cancer and the state of the anal sphincters.
Surgery to resolve a fistula
Surgery to resolve a fistula can be an effective way to treat an abscess or fistula. The surgery usually does not require complex procedures. The patient should keep the wound clean and dry in the first few days following the procedure. Afterward, the patient should avoid any sexual activity for a few weeks. Additionally, people recovering from fistula surgery should avoid vigorous activity, heavy lifting, or deep squatting. Patients recovering from surgery can also use a soft pillow to minimize pressure on the wound during the healing process. Those who suffer from severe pain should contact their doctor immediately.
Surgical treatment for a fistula involves opening and closing the fistula and draining the infection. Surgical treatment for fistulas is usually outpatient, although a large fistula may require a hospital stay. During the surgery, a general anesthetic is used.
Other types of fistulas
A fistula is an abnormal connection between an organ or cavity and a hollow space, such as an artery or vein. Normally, blood flows from the heart to the organs in the artery and from the organs to the heart through the vein. However, fistulas can develop in other places, including the lungs, kidneys, brain, and other organs. In such cases, containment of the fistula is needed to prevent infection and promote healing.
There are many different treatments for fistulas. Depending on the type of fistula, treatment methods may include medical and lifestyle modifications. For example, some fistulas can be managed using a dry dressing, a barrier cream, or surgery. Other types of fistulas can be treated with a specialized medical procedure such as pouching.
Infection is a common problem with fistulas. If not treated, the infection can become severe or even life-threatening. For this reason, it is essential to consult with a gastroenterologist for an evaluation and treatment.
