How does anal fistula form?

The formation process of anal fistula:

Stage 1: Infection and inflammation of the anal crypts and anal valves. Initially, the inflammation is limited to local areas. If the anorectal department does not treat it in time, the inflammation can spread to the area around the anus.

Stage 2: Inflammation starts from the local anal fossa and anal valve and gradually spreads to form anorectal inflammation. If the inflammation cannot be controlled, it may invade the interstitial space with low resistance.

The third stage: As the disease resistance of the tissue space around the anorectum weakens, it becomes a place for bacteria to invade, spread, accumulate and multiply, making the tissue here susceptible to infection and inflammation, forming an abscess around the anorectum. If the anorectal abscess is delayed in early treatment or treated improperly, tissue necrosis and pus can spread along the local gap, making the condition more complicated. It should be removed and drained as soon as possible to drain the pus and control the development of inflammation.

The fourth stage: After the anorectal abscess ruptures or is incised and drained, although the abscess cavity gradually shrinks, the ulcer does not close for a long time. Then the cavity wall forms a hard tube wall with connective tissue hyperplasia, and there is a gap in the middle, which is a fistula. Pus often flows out of the fistula, causing repeated infections and recurrences. It cannot heal itself and becomes a fistula.

How to prevent anal fistula?

1. Pay attention to preventing diarrhea in daily life: because when diarrhea occurs, feces can easily enter the anal sinus and fistula, causing inflammation.

2. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the anus: When anal fistula occurs, pus often forms around the anus, which can easily cause eczema. Take a shower or sit bath after defecation to keep the affected area clean, develop good defecation habits, and keep the bowels smooth: In the treatment of anorectal diseases, natural defecation is always advocated. It is not required to defecate every day, but to defecate at any time according to the actual situation of the individual.

3. Get adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue: Rest is very important to reduce postoperative bleeding and local anal symptoms. Therefore, patients are advised to get adequate rest and avoid heavy physical labor.

4. Adhere to anal function exercises: Anal lifting is a simple and practical method of anal function exercise, which has the dual functions of preventing and treating anal diseases, and is advocated both at home and abroad.