Anal Fistula: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in Turkey

What is Anal Fistula, Its Symptoms and Anal Fistula Treatment in Turkey

To briefly define fistula, it is a tube-shaped formation that develops between a person's organ and another area. It is generally an abnormal condition and commonly occurs around the anus. In some cases, it can develop between two sections of the intestine. So what is anal fistula, what symptoms does it show, and how is it treated? Let's examine it together.

What is Anal Fistula?

Anal fistula is a tube-shaped, abnormal structure that develops between the last portion of a person's intestine and the anal area. This formation, which occurs in the form of an abscess, develops as a result of infection. When the contents of this abscess empty, a canal-like structure remains behind. Fistulas do not heal on their own; they usually require surgical intervention. Abscesses are among the most important factors in the development of anal fistulas.

What are the Types of Anal Fistula?

Like many diseases, anal fistulas have more than one type. These can be listed as follows:

• Intersphincteric fistulas
• Transsphincteric fistulas
• Suprasphincteric fistulas
• Extrasphincteric fistulas

Why Does Anal Fistula Occur?

One of the most important reasons for the development of anal fistula is the formation of an abscess in the area. If the contents of this abscess empty, the canal left behind cannot heal adequately and a fistula develops. In these channel-shaped structures, the infection process can usually continue. Other possible causes include anal trauma, formations developing after anal surgery, and Crohn's disease.

What are the Symptoms of Anal Fistula?

The human body functions in a certain order and when any problem occurs, it tries to communicate this to the person through symptoms. The symptoms that may be seen in the development of anal fistula are as follows:

• Irritation symptoms around the anus
• Pain and discomfort that occur during sitting, moving, defecation, or coughing
• Foul-smelling discharge around the anus
• Pus-like discharge and bleeding during bowel movements
• If an abscess has formed in the buttocks, swelling, redness, and warmth around the anus
• Rarely, difficulty controlling bowel movements

How is Anal Fistula Diagnosed?

Diseases that occur in the anal area can create hesitation about the examination process. However, delaying the examination due to this hesitation can lead to disease progression. For this reason, when the symptoms listed above are noticed, it is important to consult a doctor.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor must first examine the patient. A diagnosis can usually be made as a result of the physical examination performed. During examinations performed under anesthesia, fistulography imaging and, if necessary, MRI imaging are used to determine the type of fistula, and the doctor formulates the treatment plan accordingly.

How is Anal Fistula Treated?

Since this disease does not heal on its own, the basic treatment method is surgery. Surgery is usually performed after the abscess has been emptied and the infection has subsided. Different surgical approaches can be used in the treatment of anal fistula:

• Complete removal of the anal fistula
• Removal of part of the fistula and closure of the other part
• Using special clips or patches made from the patient's own tissues to close the canal
• Seton ligation therapy
• Use of surgical adhesives or plugs
• Closure of the fistula by suturing

It is of great importance that anal fistula surgery is performed by specialized and experienced physicians. Inappropriately performed treatment can affect the muscles that control bowel control function, and this can lead to bowel control problems for the person.

How is Anal Fistula Care Provided?

Due to hesitation about examination, some people may research self-care methods they could perform. However, if symptoms are present, it is important to see a doctor before the condition progresses. Some supportive methods that can be applied with doctor's advice include:

• Exercise methods
• Keeping the anal area clean
• Warm water sitz baths

These applications should not be done on their own, but should be done under the doctor's advice. When applied correctly, they can help keep the area clean and reduce infection risk.

How is Anal Fistula Surgery Performed?

The most commonly used method in anal fistula treatment is surgery. Surgery is usually performed using spinal anesthesia, a method based on numbing the lower body with an injection given at waist level. Before surgery, the doctor may recommend a preparatory medication to the patient to ensure the bowels are completely emptied; the patient takes this the night before surgery and empties the bowels.

These procedures, called fistulotomy and fistula tract excision in medical terminology, usually do not require hospitalization. The surgical process takes approximately 10-30 minutes. However, in cases with complication risk, the patient may be kept under observation in the hospital for one night.

Precautions to be Taken After Anal Fistula Surgery

Some points to be careful about in the post-operative period are as follows:

• Post-operative nutrition should be arranged under doctor's supervision and advice.
• The surgical area dressing should be done regularly and in a timely manner.
• Personal hygiene should be observed carefully.
• Adequate fluid intake should be ensured and fiber-rich foods should be consumed.

Anal Fistula Treatment in Turkey

Turkey has become a preferred medical tourism center by international patients thanks to its successful surgical practices. The reasons why patients from abroad prefer Turkey include the following:

• Hospitals are equipped with modern medical technology and equipment
• The experience and expertise level of health care personnel involved in the treatment process
• Comprehensive and regular patient support services
• Treatment and related expenses are relatively affordable compared to other countries

Anal Fistula Treatment Costs in Turkey

Pricing is one of the most frequently asked questions among foreign patients considering anal fistula treatment in Turkey. However, many factors such as the type of fistula, its location, stage, the treatment method to be applied, and the treatment process directly affect the cost. For this reason, it is recommended to contact the relevant health institution directly to obtain accurate and personalized price information.

For patients planning to come to Turkey for treatment purposes, it would be beneficial to obtain necessary information about visa applications and travel procedures from the relevant consulate or health institution beforehand.