An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the inside of the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It usually develops after an infection near the anus causes an abscess that does not heal properly. (Anal Fistula Images)Understanding how a fistula looks, why it forms, and how to prevent complications can help you seek timely treatment and avoid long-term discomfort.
This guide explains anal fistula (fistula in ano) with a simple overview, causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and how fistula images in males and females are used for diagnosis and patient education.
What Is a Fistula (Fistula in Ano)?
A fistula is an abnormal passage between two parts of the body or between an internal organ and the skin. When this tunnel forms between the anal canal/rectum and the skin around the anus, it is called fistula in ano or anal fistula.
- The inner opening is inside the anal canal.
- The outer opening appears as a small hole on the skin near the anus that may leak pus or stool.
Doctors often use fistula in ano images and diagrams to explain the location and path of the tunnel to patients before planning surgery or other treatment.
Fistula Images: How an Anal Fistula Looks
Although this article does not show actual photos, it explains what you typically see in fistula real images and clinical pictures.
External Appearance
In fistula in ano real images, the outer opening usually looks like:
- A tiny hole or pin-point opening near the anus.
- Surrounding skin may appear red, swollen, or thickened.
- There may be dried discharge or active oozing of pus or blood.
When viewing fistula images in male patients, you often see:
- A single or multiple small openings in the perianal skin.
- Hair, sweat glands, and skin folds typical of the male perianal area.
- Sometimes associated skin infection or scarring from previous abscesses.
In fistula images in female patients, the pictures may show:
- Openings close to the anus or, in complex cases, between the rectum and vagina (rectovaginal fistula).
- Skin irritation from constant moisture or leakage.
- Signs of previous childbirth injury or surgery in some women.
Doctors rely on fistula images together with examination and imaging tests (like MRI or ultrasound) to map the fistula tract and classify its complexity before treating it.
Causes and Risk Factors of Anal Fistula
Most anal fistulas develop after an anal abscess, which is a pocket of pus caused by blocked or infected anal glands. When the abscess drains, either spontaneously or surgically, a tunnel may remain and become a chronic fistula.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Previous anal abscess or perianal infection.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease).
- Trauma or surgery in the anal or rectal area.
- Tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, or radiation in rare cases.
- Long-standing diarrhea, constipation, or straining, which irritate anal glands.
In women, obstetric trauma or pelvic surgeries can increase the risk of certain types of fistula, including rectovaginal fistula, which may appear in fistula images in female educational materials.
Common Symptoms of Anal Fistula
Symptoms vary depending on the depth, length, and location of the tunnel, but some signs are very typical.
Key symptoms include:
- Constant or throbbing pain around the anus, worse when sitting, coughing, or passing stool.
- A small opening near the anus that leaks pus, blood, or stool.
- Recurrent swelling or abscess formation in the same area.
- Redness, warmth, or irritation of the surrounding skin.
- Foul-smelling discharge or soiling of underwear.
- Fever or fatigue if infection is active.
In fistula in ano images, the area may look inflamed with visible tracks or scars from previous abscess drainage.
Types of Fistula in Ano (Brief Overview)
Classification helps decide treatment and is often illustrated using fistula in ano images and diagrams.
- Simple fistula: Single, straight tract with one internal and one external opening.
- Complex fistula: Multiple tracts, high inside the anal canal, or associated with Crohn’s disease or previous surgery.
- Low vs high fistula: Based on how much sphincter muscle is crossed, which affects the risk of incontinence after surgery.
These details are usually explained to patients using line drawings or fistula real images taken during examination or imaging.
How Doctors Diagnose a Fistula
Diagnosis is based on:
- Detailed medical history and symptom review.
- Physical examination of the anal area, sometimes using a small scope (anoscopy or proctoscopy).
- Imaging tests such as MRI, endoanal ultrasound, or fistulography for complex cases.
Fistula in ano images from MRI or ultrasound help surgeons see the exact route of the fistula and its relation to anal muscles, which is critical to plan safe surgery.
Treatment Options for Anal Fistula
Unlike minor anal problems, most anal fistulas do not heal on their own and usually require some form of procedure or surgery.
Non-Surgical and Supportive Care
- Antibiotics for active infection (not a cure for the fistula itself).
- Pain relief, sitz baths, and good perianal hygiene.
- Managing underlying conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Surgical and Procedure-Based Options
Choice of procedure depends on fistula type, tract length, and sphincter involvement.
Common procedures include:
- Fistulotomy (opening the tract so it heals from inside out): Often used for simple, low fistulas.
- Seton placement (a thread placed in the tract): Helps drain and slowly cut through or preserve sphincter muscle.
- LIFT procedure (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract): A sphincter-sparing option for some complex fistulas.
- Advancement flap, plugs, or glue: Used in selected cases to close internal openings and preserve continence.
In many hospital or clinic websites, fistula real images or post-operative photos are shared (with consent) to show before–after results and explain expectations to patients.
Prevention and Self-Care Tips
Not all fistulas can be prevented, but you can lower your risk and reduce complications by caring for your digestive and anal health.
- Treat anal abscesses early: Do not ignore pain, swelling, or discharge near the anus; early treatment lowers the chance of a chronic fistula.
- Maintain soft stools: High-fiber diet, adequate water intake, and avoiding straining protect the anal glands.
- Manage chronic gut diseases: Control Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or infections with medical guidance.
- Good perianal hygiene: Gently clean and keep the area dry; avoid harsh soaps or aggressive wiping.
- Regular follow-up after surgery or childbirth: Especially important for women at risk of obstetric fistula or rectovaginal fistula.
If you already have a known fistula, early review of new pain, swelling, or change in discharge can prevent severe infection or abscess formation.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care urgently if you notice:
- Persistent pain or lump near the anus.
- Repeated swelling that bursts and drains pus.
- Continuous discharge or bleeding from a small hole near the anus.
- Fever, chills, or feeling very unwell along with anal symptoms.
Prompt evaluation by a colorectal surgeon or proctologist ensures accurate diagnosis, proper imaging, and treatment planning tailored to your condition.
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