An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the anal canal to the surface of the skin. This tunnel is often the result of an abscess formation earlier due to erosion of the normal muscle and tissue barriers between the inner cavity of the anal canal and the outer surface of the skin.There are two types of fistulas: anal fistula and coccygeal fistula.

Causes of anal fistula:

• The most common cause is an abscess in the perianal area.
• After a natural birth and having an infection.
• Acute pain and swelling, especially around the anus nearby area.
• Itchiness and redness.

symptoms of anal fistula:

• Inflammatory disease in the intestines/ Sexual transmitted disease.
• Trauma and Cancer.
• Radiation, especially when it is used to treat cancer.
• Tuberculosis.

Anal fistula treatment

• Fistulatomy: where the fistula canal is opened and excised to get rid of it. It is used if the sphincter muscle is not injured.
• Closure of the fistula: where a wire is inserted through the channel of the fistula to drain and close the fistula.
• Closure of the internal opening of the fistula with a sling or the use of a fibrin adhesive.