A fistula is a formation in the tissue adjacent to the anus against the background of a purulent inflammatory process of a destructive channel. Fistulas are classified as complete, incomplete, and internal. A complete fistula has its origin in the rectal cavity with an exit to the surface of the skin near the anus, and may have several internal openings connected by a single tract in the rectal tissue. An incomplete fistula is a tract in the anal tissue with an exit to the mucosa of the rectal wall. An internal fistula is a channel that has two exits in the wall of the rectum.
Causes
The main causes of fistula development are proctitis and paraproctitis (infectious diseases of the mucosa or adjacent rectal tissue). An infection entering the rectal tissues forms an abscess, which subsequently opens and leads to the development of a fistula. Fistulas can be provoked by hernial formations in the rectal cavity, Crohn's disease. A fistula may also arise under the influence of chlamydia, tuberculosis, syphilis, and AIDS. A fistula is often the first sign of the development of a cancerous tumor in the rectum.
Symptoms of Rectal Fistulas
A fistula manifests as purulent sores on the skin near the anus. The fistula discharges pus and serous fluid with an unpleasant odor. The patient constantly feels itching, pain, and irritation in the anal area. In the chronic form of the disease, pus may accumulate in the fistula tract, leading to aching pain. During defecation, the pain intensifies, and afterward, relief occurs, with an increase in the discharge of purulent masses. The acute form of fistulas is accompanied by fever, severe pain, and disturbances in urination and defecation processes.
Diagnosis of Rectal Fistulas in Israel
Based on the symptoms and complaints of the patient, the diagnosis of a fistula can be determined immediately. To obtain detailed information about the fistula itself, special examinations are conducted in Israel. The direction and entrance of the fistula are determined using probing. To determine the type of fistulous tract, all patients undergo a dye test. Tumors, strictures, and inflammations will be shown by recto-sigmoidoscopy. Fistulography, sphincterometry, and ultrasound are also performed.
Treatment of Rectal Fistulas in Israel
All types of rectal fistulas in Israel are treated surgically. Depending on the type of fistula, the presence and number of fistulous scars on the surface and inside the rectum, and the presence of inflammatory suppurations, specialists choose the method of surgical removal of the fistula. If necessary, before the operation, the patient may undergo a course of antibiotics. To avoid the formation of fistulas, it is necessary to timely treat precursor diseases (hemorrhoids, tumors, proctitis, and paraproctitis, and avoid injuries to the rectum).