An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel-like connection between an internal opening inside the anus and an external opening at the bottom skin near the anus.
Based on the tunnel passing through the internal and external sphincter, anal fistulas can be defined as:
Based on the complications, the number of tunnels, and the damaging percentage of the passing through the external sphincter, they can be divided into two types:
A simple anal fistula is characterized by having only one fistula tract, and it passes through less than 30%-50% of the external sphincter.
On the other hand, complex anal fistulas present with multiple tracts that pass through more than 30%-50% of the external sphincter, traversing the anterior anus (particularly in women), being associated with radiation or Crohn’s disease, or when the patient’s sphincter function becomes dysfunctional (as seen in a type of anal fistula where the anal muscle tone is weak, potentially leading to incontinence).
Based on the location of the internal opening, it can be divided into:
An anal fistula, often known as an “anorectal fistula,” is a common condition that impacts the anal region. Typically, anal fistulas originate after the ulceration or drainage of pus from an anorectal abscess.
As the anorectal abscess heals, there is a gradual size reduction; however, during this process, feces continue to enter the abscess cavity, forming a tunnel in the affected area. As the condition progresses into a chronic state, scar tissue builds up around the cavity, resulting in the establishment of a chronic infectious tract – the anal fistula.
The clinic’s anorectal doctor also highly advises whoever experiences the symptoms below to seek anorectal professional health providers. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and promote faster recovery. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the specific characteristics of the fistula.
Sometimes, the doctor will examine you under local anesthesia for a simple fistula. For suspecting complex fistulas, including recurrent disease and perianal Crohn’s disease, the doctor will recommend you take further imaging or examination such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), EAU (endoanal ultrasound), fistulography, and even CT for an accurate diagnosis.
The anatomical course of the fistula tract is important in determining treatment. Depending on the height at which the fistula crosses the anal sphincter (continence muscle), the treatment will change.
A combination of treatments tailored to the individual’s specific condition and needs.
The primary treatment for an anal fistula is minor surgical intervention. The challenge in surgical management lies in ensuring that the surgical technique does not harm the anal sphincter, thereby protecting anal function while achieving a high cure rate. The goal is to minimize the chances of recurrence following surgery and to prevent any potential complications.
Guoyi Proctology Therapy employs a therapeutic approach that combines minor surgery with naturopathic medicine Ba Zhi San ointment to treat fistulas. This integrated approach is designed to achieve a recurrence rate of less than 2%. Significantly, this method is tailored to minimize the risk of complications, providing a well-balanced treatment strategy that emphasizes both the success rate and overall treatment outcomes.
Since we understand the importance of post-treatment care, we take a very unique approach to this phase. During the post-treatment.
General Function
BZS (Ba Zhi San) ointments are cream-based medicines infused with a unique botanical formula that relieves pain, stops bleeding, reduces inflammation and swelling, combat infections, detoxifies the nearby tissues, eliminates slough, and promotes wound healing granulation. Each ointment serves a specific function at a specific location in the anal canal. In other words, your doctor will choose the best BZS (Ba Zhi San) ointments for you based on your symptoms, the location of the lesions, and previous responses to other types.
The BZS (Ba Zhi San) ointments restore proper muscle function and connective tissue, which resolves anal conditions. The pharmacological mechanism of these ointments includes the blockage of venous blood supply and the elimination of moisture from the body.
Personalized Therapy
The application of BZS (Ba Zhi San) ointments achieves an ideal treatment effect that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes, which reduces the treatment duration and prevents recurrence. Tailored formulations of BZS (Ba Zhi San) ointments are created based on diagnosis and symptoms, ensuring effective treatment for specific conditions. Personalized dosages maximize optimal results for each patient.
Maintaining good hygiene practices, avoiding prolonged sitting or pressure on the anal area, managing underlying medical conditions effectively, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms or concerns can help reduce the risk of developing anal fistulas.
