Difference between Fistula & Fissures? What are the key differences?

Posted On July 21, 2023

Fistula and fissures are often confused for the same problem but they are not. However, they have few similarities, one of which being that  both are anal pathologies which are difficult to ignore and require immediate action to treat their symptoms, including itchines, pain and bleeding in the rectal area. We at SIDS Hospital, Surat can help you manage both the conditions with our team of qualified & best fissure surgeon in surat.

The common problem with both these conditions is that people get confused and think that they are suffering from piles. But, in reality, it requires a deeper analysis of the problem, and an expert can thoroughly evaluate the situation smoothly; hence it’s recommended to see a fissure and fistula doctor in surat, and get it treated accordingly.

Now, let’s dive deep to explore these anal conditions and their differences.

What is Fistula and how does it occur?

An anal fistula is a narrow tunnel that runs from within the anus to a skin opening near the outside. Anal fistulas are typically the result of an anal abscess or infection that did not heal properly. The gland can become infected, resulting in the formation of an abscess.

It’s uncommon, but they can also be caused by tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, or an ongoing bowel illness like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. An abscess can cause a fistula. It’s uncommon, but they can also be caused by tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, or an ongoing bowel illness like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms

People who suffer from external fistula tend to show the following symptoms.

• Abdominal pain
• Painful bowel obstruction
• Fever

People who suffer from internal fistula tend to show the following symptoms.

• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• A bloodstream infection or sepsis
• Poor absorption of nutrients and weight loss
• Dehydration
• Worsening of the underlying disease

Treatment of a Fistula

Antibiotics alone will not cure an anal fistula, which must be drained of infection. The majority of anal fistulas will necessitate surgery to correct the problem by draining the abscess. If your anal fistula is simple, the most common surgery is a fistulotomy, which involves cutting and removing the skin and muscle over the tunnel. SIDS Hospital has the best fistula surgery in surat.

Having said that, if the condition is detected early, certain medications such as antibiotics, antipyretics, and analgesics can be beneficial. Individuals may require a different treatment plan than others. The type, location, severity, and size of the fissure or fistula are also factors. Similarly, the recovery time can also vary.

What is a fissure, and how does it occurs?

As discussed earlier, a fissure is a tiny cut in the skin of the anus. And it usually occurs by passing hard or large stools. It often occurs when a person suffers from chronic constipation or diarrhea that tears the skin of the anus.

If the anal fissure doesn’t improve and heals over six weeks, a patient is required to see the best fissures surgeon in surat for fissure surgery.

Causes of Fissure

• Passing large or hard stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Chronic diarrhea
• Anal intercourse
• Childbirth

In the worst cases, a person may suffer from a fissure due to anal cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis, and herpes.

Symptoms of anal fissure

The following are some of the symptoms of an anal fissure.

• A visible tear in the skin around your anus
• A skin tag, or small lump of skin, next to the tear
• Sharp pain in the anal area during bowel movements
• Bleeding while passing the stools.
• Burning or itching in the anal area

Treatment of a fissure

Most anal fissures won’t require any kind of medical surgery. An anal fissure is an open wound, and keeping the open wound clean and dry will help a patient treat fissure rapidly.

Other treatments are as follows.

• Drinking plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day
• Eating a high-fiber diet daily
• Taking sitz bath
• Using anti-inflammatory ointments

If you have a severe or chronic anal fissure, your doctor may recommend lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS), a procedure that involves cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter muscle to relax it and reduce pain and spasms.

These are the conditions that cannot be treated with dietary changes alone. Incorporating healthy dietary changes, on the other hand, promotes healthy bowel movement. This reduces the possibility of diarrhoea or constipation, which could lead to fissures. Drinking plenty of fluids, including water, to smoothen the hard stool. It makes them easier to pass and helps promote good wound healing.

Preventing the condition is always preferable to treating it. If you notice any signs of a fissure or fistula, seek medical attention right away from the top fissure and fistula surgeons. 

The expert best fistula surgeon in surat at SIDS hospital, provides you with access to the most recent and advanced treatment for elective surgeries at the most reasonable prices. We address all of your surgical concerns and ensure that your needs are met throughout your medical journey.

FAQs

How do I know if I have fissures & fistula?

Abdominal pain and fever are the symptoms of fistula. And when you notice bleeding while passing the stools or A visible tear in the skin around your anus, these are the symptoms of an anal fissure.

What happens if fissures are not treated?

If you fail to treat fissures, it may lead to an acute fissure becoming chronic and, thus, more difficult to treat. And misdiagnosis of an anal fissure may also allow other conditions to go undetected and untreated, such as serious infections or cancer.

Which is worse, piles or fissures?

Piles are inflamed veins in the anal region that may protrude outside, causing discomfort. An anal fissure, on the other hand, is a small cut on the lining of the anal cavity. However, piles are majorly painless, while a fissure causes a lot of pain.

Can a fissures lead to fistula?

A fissure does not turn into a fistula. Hence, a fissure will not lead to a fistula. But, it can lead to a lot of pain.