Among the disorders that the general surgery outpatient clinic of our hospital deals with are fissures and fistulas in the anal region.

What Are Anal Fissures and Fistulas?

Anal fissures are cracks and tears in the anus. They are also known as breech cracks. It can be caused by prolonged constipation and excessive straining when defecating. Colitis and Crohn's disease can trigger anal fissures. Fistulas are small spaces formed between the end of the intestine and the anus. They are usually caused by perianal apses. Other causes include insufficient fluid intake and low consumption of fibrous foods.

What Are The Symptoms of Anal Fissure and Fistula?

Symptoms of anal fissure may appear as tenderness, burning, pain, swelling, discharge, irritation and difficulty in defecating in the anus. Since these symptoms can be confused with hemorrhoids and condyloma symptoms, it is important to go to the doctor early. If left untreated, it can cause complications and become difficult to treat. Fistulas are divided into vesicovaginal between the vagina and bladder, enterovesical between the bladder and intestine, vesicouterine between the bladder and uterus, ureterovaginal between the vagina and ureter, urethrovaginal between the vagina and urethra, collovaginal between the large intestine and bladder, and rectovaginal between the vagina and rectum.

How Are Anal Fissure and Fistula Diagnosed?

In order not to be confused with other anus diseases, a detailed physical examination is required for the anal fissure and fistula while diagnosing. In cases where the doctor deems it necessary, diagnosis can also be made through endoscopy for examination of the rectum and colon area.

What Are Anal Fissure and Fistula Treatments?

For the treatment of anal fissure and fistula, a well-planned diet and, if necessary, drugs or creams that facilitate defecation can be used in the first place. If the crack has existed for a long time and is large, surgical operation may be required. In the operation, the apses can be drained and the path of the abscess can be closed by suturing the fistula channel. Biological adhesives, stoppers and medical clips can also be used to close the anus. Fistulas can be burned with laser energy. In addition, the abscess can be burned with radio waves by entering the fistula channel through fistuloscopy, that is, the camera. The post-treatment process is very important and requires routine doctor checks.

After the examination, our general surgeon will diagnose the disease with appropriate diagnostic methods and, if deemed necessary, will contact our infectious diseases specialist to plan the treatment and help you.