Colonic & Anorectal Fistulas
What are anorectal and colonic fistulas?
An internal fistula can be described as an abnormal tunnel that runs between two internal organs. An external fistula refers to an abnormal tunnel that runs between two internal organs.
A colonic fistula refers to an abnormal tunnel that runs from the colon to the skin surface or to an internal organ such as the bladder or small intestine.
Anorectal fistula refers to an abnormal tunnel that runs from the anus/rectum to the skin surface around the anus. Rectovaginal fistulas are anorectal fistulas that occur between the anus, rectum, and the vagina.
Also Read: What Is Fistula Surgery?
What are the most common anorectal and colonic fistulas?
Colonic fistulas can occur in rare cases. They may be caused by complications of surgery, or a condition like diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, or cancer NIH External Link.
Anorectal fistulas can be caused by an infection of the gland in the anus. This is according to European studies. Anorectal fistulas tend to be more common in those who have had anorectal abscess or in people with Crohn’s disease.
Anorectal fistulas occur more frequently in men than in the women. Anorectal fistulas may occur in anyone, but the average age for people with anorectal Fistulas is 40.
What are the complications of anorectal and colonic fistulas?
Colonic fistula
Colonic fistulas may cause complications like:
- Problems with your body’s fluid and electrolyte NIH External link, such as dehydration or low levels for certain electrolytes.
- Malnutrition
- Infections, such as those in the urinary tract, are common
- Peritonitis is an infection of part of the abdominal cavity’s lining.
- Abscesses are painful, swollen and pus-filled areas that are caused by infections.
- Sepsis NIH external Link, a serious condition that results when your immune system is overwhelmed by an infection
Anorectal fistula
Anorectal fistulas can cause infection and abscesses around anus, but rarely cause serious infections. Anorectal fistulas can cause cancer NIH external link in rare cases.
What are the symptoms and signs of colonic and anorectal fistulas?
If you experience symptoms of anorectal or colonic fistula, it is important to see the Best Fistula Specialist doctor.
Colonic fistula
The symptoms of colonic fistula can vary depending on where the fistula is located. The colon contents may get into the fistula, and then pass to the opposite end. This could be either in the skin or an internal organ.
- Colonic fistula can cause fluid, stool, or gas passing symptoms.
- Through an opening in your skin
- In the urine
- Through the vagina
- Fistulas that connect the colon to other parts of the intestines can cause symptoms like
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the abdomen
- Weight loss
Anorectal fistula
Anorectal fistula can present with the following symptoms:
- Drainage of pus from the area around the anus
- There may be swelling or pain around the anus. Sometimes, there may also be redness or fever.
- Anal pain
A rectovaginal fistula in women can cause symptoms like stool passage or gas passing through the vagina.
What causes anorectal and colonic fistulas?
Anorectal and colonic fistulas most often develop after birth.
Colonic fistula
Abdominal surgery is the most common cause for colonic fistulas. Fistulas can also be caused by diseases that cause inflammation in the GI tract such as Crohn’s disease or diverticular disease. Radiation therapy NIH external Link, cancer, trauma to the abdomen, and other causes can also cause fistulas.
Anorectal fistula
Anorectal fistulas can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, cancer and some infections like tuberculosis and HIV NIH extern link. Anorectal fistulas can also be caused by damage to the anorectal region due to surgery, childbirth or injury, as well as radiation therapy.
How can doctors treat anorectal and colonic fistulas
Colonic fistula
Some colonic fistulas can close naturally without the need for surgery. The Best Fistula doctor in Kolkata, Dr. Azhar Alam, will not treat or prevent complications that could lead to the fistula healing. Your doctor may recommend different Fistula treatment options depending on your specific needs.
- Give you fluids, electrolytes
- Provide nutritional support NIH external link. This may include total parental nutrition (TPN), intravenous (IVN) nutrition, and enteral nutrition in which liquid food is delivered through a tube in your stomach, nose, or small intestine.
- To treat an infection, prescribe antibiotics and drain any abscesses
- Protect your skin from fluid draining from the fistula, if you have one externally
- Doctors can perform surgery to close a fistula if it is unlikely to heal on its own.
Anorectal fistula
Anorectal fistulas are usually treated by doctors with surgery. Anorectal fistulas are unlikely to close by themselves without surgery. However, some rectovaginal fistulas can close by themselves. Your doctor may suggest delaying surgery if you have a rectovaginal Fistula.
Your Fistula doctor may drain an anorectal fistula to treat an abscess. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics in some cases.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
