An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the inside of the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It most commonly develops following an anal abscess and usually requires surgery to heal.

Common symptoms include pain, swelling, recurrent discharge of pus or blood, skin irritation and recurrent abscesses. Symptoms often improve when the fistula drains but return if the opening becomes blocked.

An anal abscess is an acute infection that causes a painful collection of pus near the anus. It usually develops over a few days and often requires urgent drainage.

An anal fistula is a small tunnel that may develop after an abscess has healed. Unlike an abscess, a fistula is a chronic condition that often causes recurrent discharge, irritation and repeated infections. Not everyone who develops an anal abscess will go on to develop a fistula.

Although both conditions affect the anal area, they are very different.

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal that typically causes severe pain during and after opening the bowels, often with a small amount of bright red bleeding.

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It is more likely to cause persistent discharge, recurrent swelling or abscesses than pain during bowel movements.

Most anal fistulas develop after an anal abscess. Less commonly, they may be associated with Crohn’s disease, previous anal surgery, trauma or radiotherapy.

Although it is possible to live with an anal fistula, it rarely heals without treatment. Ongoing symptoms, recurrent infections and repeated abscess formation can affect your quality of life, so specialist assessment is recommended.

In most cases, yes. Unlike many other anorectal conditions, anal fistulas rarely heal without surgery. The exact procedure recommended depends on the type of fistula and its relationship to the anal sphincter muscles.

The most appropriate operation depends on the anatomy of your fistula. Treatment may include a fistulotomy (laying open the fistula), insertion of a seton or a LIFT (Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract) procedure.

Most procedures take between 30 and 60 minutes, although more complex fistulas may take longer. Anal fistula surgery is usually performed as a day-case procedure under a general anaesthetic.

Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Most patients return home on the day of surgery and gradually resume normal activities over the following weeks.

The wound is left open to heal naturally, so healing usually takes several weeks. The exact healing time depends on the size and position of the fistula.

An anal fistula usually appears as a small opening or lump near the anus. It may leak pus or blood and can sometimes be associated with swelling or recurrent abscesses.

Not everyone requires a seton. A seton is used when it provides the safest way to treat the fistula while protecting the anal sphincter muscles. Whether you need one depends on the type of fistula you have.

Yes. Even after successful treatment, some fistulas can recur. The risk depends on the type of fistula, the procedure performed and any underlying conditions such as Crohn’s disease.

Some complex fistulas require careful long-term management rather than a single operation. The aim is always to achieve the best possible outcome while preserving anal sphincter function and maintaining quality of life. Your treatment plan will be tailored to the anatomy of your fistula and may involve a staged approach or more than one procedure.

Some discomfort is expected after surgery, but this is usually well controlled with pain relief. The amount of discomfort varies depending on the procedure performed and gradually improves as healing progresses.

Without a gallbladder, you will not develop stones within it again. In rare cases, stones can still form in the bile ducts, but this is uncommon.

The cost of treatment depends on the procedure performed and whether you are using private medical insurance or paying for treatment yourself. Please contact us for an individual quotation.