What is an anal fistula?
An anal fistula is an abnormal track between the skin on the outside of the buttock/anal area and the anal canal on the inside. Anal fistulas are normally caused by an infection around the anus. The infection causes a build-up of pus (abscess), that leaves a channel behind when it has drained away.
There are different types of fistulas:
Symptoms and signs of anal fistula can be there all the time or may disappear for a while before coming back. Symptoms of an anal fistula may include:
Anal fistulas can be treated with a seton. A seton is a piece of suture material or a thin silicone string (very similar to an elastic band) which is passed from the skin opening along the fistula tract, through the internal opening and out through the anus.
FiXcision is a surgical multi-part cutting instrument for anal fistula treatment. It is used for precise excision of anal fistulas.
Comfort Drain is a flexible, silicone, elastic drain with knotless closure that facilitates drainage of perianal fistulas. It is used for the long-term drainage of anal fistulas.
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