A fistula is an abnormal passageway that connects two organs or vessels that would not normally be connected; with an anal fistula, the end of the large bowel forms a passageway with the skin near the anus.1
Anal fistula’s can form when there is an infection (abscess) near the anus causing pus to collect; when the pus eventually drains away, a small channel is often left.
Symptoms of an anal fistula can include a constant throbbing pain when you defecate or sit down, the passing of blood or pus during defecation, skin irritation, redness, or swelling and a smelly discharge from near your anus.1
Anal fistula’s can cause unpleasant symptoms pain and discomfort which are unlikely to improve if left untreated. Surgery is often recommended.1
Different procedures have different risks and benefits which you will need to discuss with your surgeon, and whether these require an overnight stay in hospital.
Treatment options for anal fistula include a Fistulotomy (a procedure that involves cutting open the whole length of the fistula so it heals into a flat scar or a Seton procedure ( a piece of surgical thread called a seton is placed in the fistula and left there for several weeks to help it heal before a further procedure is carried out to treat it).
For further reading, please see the NHS website below.
For Further Reading:
1https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fistula/ (accessed 29th January 2022)
General, Colorectal and Laproscopic Surgeon
I qualified from King’s College School of Medicine (London) in 1995 and went on to train in surgery in the London areas. I finished my Surgical training at St Mark’s hospital in Harrow, the National Centre for Colorectal disease. I also completed a PhD in the genetics of Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis (FAP) jointly at St Mark’s and with Cancer Research UK, at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. I therefore have a strong background in both science and surgery.
At Ipswich hospital I have a number of senior roles and leadership is a significant part of my practice. These roles have included: Clinical Lead, Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) lead, Surgical Tutor and Health Education East of England (HEEoE) Performance Support Well-being Case Manager. My present Leadership roles include: Foundation Years Training Programme Director (TPD), General Medical Council (GMC) performance assessor Team Leader, and Appraiser and Educational Supervisor. The GMC recognises me as a dedicated trainer, for future doctors. I am trusted to teach the next generation of surgeons and therefore practice using the latest techniques following national guidelines in a professional manner.
