Anal fistula caused by perianal abscess

If perianal abscess is not treated in time, it may develop into anal fistula. Anal fistula is a more complicated disease that is prone to recurrence and directly affects the quality of life.

An anal abscess is an accumulation of pus in the tissues around the anus or rectum. When the abscess ruptures or is not drained properly, the infection may form an abnormal fistula structure through the anal glands. This is the basic process of anal fistula formation. Anal fistula often manifests as persistent drainage, discharge or non-healing wounds around the anus. Some patients may also have pain or recurrent infections.

Anal fistulas are divided into simple and complex types according to the complexity of the fistula. Simple anal fistulas are mostly single-tracted and relatively easy to treat surgically, while complex anal fistulas involve multiple pathways, deep tissues or anal sphincters, making them more difficult to treat. If anal fistulas are left untreated for a long time, they may lead to repeated infections, damage to surrounding tissues, and even affect anal function.

The key to preventing anal fistula is to treat perianal abscesses as early as possible, avoiding delays and self-treatment. If anal fistula has already formed, keeping it clean is the top priority, such as taking a warm water sitz bath every day to reduce irritation during bowel movements. At the same time, a high-fiber diet, such as eating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains, can help improve the smoothness of bowel movements and reduce the chance of fistula infection. If you find abnormal wounds around the anus that have not healed for a long time or increased secretions, it is recommended to seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Only through professional examination and treatment can the problem be completely solved.