Anal Fistula Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS.' ASCRS, fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/abscess-and-fistula-expanded-information.
- 2. 'Anal Fistula.' uk, 20 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-fistula/.
- 3. 'Anal Fistula.' Fairview, www.fairview.org/sitecore/content/Fairview/Home/Patient-Education/Articles/English/a/n/a/l///Anal/Fistula/116764en.
- 4. 'Anal Fistula.' A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 8 May 2019, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/anal-fistula.html#.
- 5. 'What Is A Fistula? Types, Causes and Treatments Explained.' NAFC, www.nafc.org/fistula.
- 6. 'American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). 'Anal Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention.' https://www.cancer.net/, June 2019, www.cancer.net/cancer-types/anal-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention#.
- 7. 'Kumar, Karthik, and MBBS. 'What Happens During a Fistulotomy? Procedure to Remove Infection.' MedicineNet, www.medicinenet.com/what/happens/during/a/fistulotomy/article.htm.
1. Causes
Many fluid-producing glands are present in the anal area. Clogging or blockage may occur in these glands. In such cases, bacteria may accumulate and develop into a swollen pocket of liquid or tissue that's infected. Doctors refer to this buildup as an abscess.1‘Abscess and Fistula Expanded Information | ASCRS.’ ASCRS, fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/abscess-and-fistula-expanded-information.
Left untreated, the abscess grows. As time passes, it can makes its way to the surface of the skin and create an opening near the anus. The contents of the abscess then drains from the opening. An anal fistula is the tunnel that links the opening and the gland.
