Rats dig holes. What kind of disease is this?

As the saying goes, mice like to dig holes. The anorectal disease that I will introduce to you today is like a "mouse". It will dig a hole in the human anus, causing repeated swelling, pain and pus discharge around the anus, affecting the patient's quality of life. Its real name is "anal fistula". The "mouse" here is actually the perianal infection focus, and the fistula is the "mouse hole" it digs. If the disease is not treated, the "mouse holes" will increase, and the anal fistula will become more and more complicated. We describe these fistulas as "tree roots" that are intertwined around the anal tissue. Therefore, it is very important to detect anal fistula in time and treat it in time.

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What is anal fistula?

Anal fistula is actually the post-perianal abscess. Most anal fistulas are secondary to perianal and rectal abscesses. The fat tissue near the perianal abscess is infiltrated by pus and inflammation, and after repeated attacks and ruptures, an external opening is formed. Because the external opening grows quickly, the surface often heals falsely. In fact, under the surface of the perianal skin, the pus and fistula inside still exist. The pus that cannot be excreted is like a "rat", quietly spreading to the surrounding tissues and "making holes", which can form multiple fistula branches or external openings, with amazing survival and destructive power!

Why does anal fistula occur?

Unhealthy eating habits and long-term consumption of spicy and greasy food can change bowel habits and characteristics, leading to constipation or diarrhea, and increase the incidence of perianal abscesses and anal fistulas.

What are the precipitating factors?

Sitting for a long time, staying up late for a long time, smoking, drinking, and overwork can induce perianal abscess and anal fistula. Sitting for a long time can cause long-term high pressure in the anus; staying up late for a long time and overwork can cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, change bowel habits, and then cause perianal diseases, increasing the incidence of perianal abscess and anal fistula.

What are the main symptoms of anal fistula?

1. Pus discharge: intermittent attacks, sometimes there is pain and sometimes not; 2. Pain: generally no pain, when the pus is not drained smoothly, there is local swelling and pain, and the pain will be relieved immediately after rupture. 3. Nodules and fistulas: most patients can feel cord-like fistulas and nodules around the anus, which are mildly painful when pressed. 4. Itching: Pus often irritates the skin around the fistula, causing itching or eczema of the anal skin. 5. Systemic symptoms: during the acute inflammatory period and repeated attacks of complex anal fistulas, long-term chronic consumption symptoms such as fever, weight loss, anemia, and physical weakness may occur to varying degrees.

The harm of anal fistula needs to be taken seriously! Let’s see how serious it is?

1. Infection and pus discharge: After anal fistula infection, the anus will be painful, and the pus will irritate the skin around the anus, causing anal itching. 2. Increased fistula openings and fistula tracts: Anal fistulas often recur, and pus can penetrate the tube wall and spread along the sphincter gap to form a complex anal fistula, which not only makes treatment difficult, but also affects the physiological function of the anus. 3. Risk of malignant transformation: According to clinical observations and domestic and foreign literature reports, anal fistulas that last for more than 10 years are prone to cancer. 4. Anal incontinence: If anal fistulas are not treated in time, they can cause serious damage to the anal function and may even cause complications such as anal incontinence.

How can we get rid of this annoying "feces-stealing" rat?

Then we need to use the function of "rat poison"! Don't expect this mouse to turn back and have a change of heart. Once we have an anal fistula, we need to perform surgery as soon as possible. Anal fistula cannot heal on its own. Repeated infection and pus discharge will form a fibrotic tube, commonly known as "fistula". The fundamental method of anal fistula treatment is surgery, which should not be delayed. If anal fistula recurs, the fistula will be extended and increased. If more anal sphincters are involved, it may have a great impact on anal function after surgery, and the probability of recurrence will also be greatly increased. It may be necessary to do many surgeries. The treatment methods include blocking and surgical treatment (incision, resection, hanging thread therapy, etc.). The key to the operation is to deal with the internal opening, clear the tube, change the dressing in place after surgery, leave no dead cavity, and protect the anal function to the maximum extent. Depending on the complexity of the condition, it takes about 2-4 weeks, or even longer.

How to prevent it?

1. Keep the anus dry and hygienic: If anal sinus inflammation is not treated in time, the inflammation will continue to worsen, and may eventually lead to the formation of fistulas and perianal abscesses. Perianal abscesses are mostly caused by bacterial infections, so the prevention of anal fistulas requires first ensuring the hygiene around the anus, paying attention to cleaning after defecation, and keeping the area around the anus dry. 2. Diet: Avoid spicy, irritating foods and barbecue foods, avoid drinking strong alcohol, and keep the bowels open. If the hard stool rubs against the anus, it may cause inflammation and edema of the anus, causing the recurrence of anal fistulas. 3. Improve bad living habits: For example, don't look at your phone or read newspapers when going to the toilet. Avoid squatting in the toilet for a long time and develop good bowel habits, which can greatly reduce the occurrence of anal fistulas. 4. Prevent and treat constipation and diarrhea: It is of great significance to prevent the formation of perianal abscesses and anal fistulas.