Fistula literally means opening an unnatural alternative path between two spaces in the body. Therefore, this road has two ends. While one of these pathways is on the inner surface of the canal, the other is located in the anal region.
Although it generally gives similar clinical findings to anal abscess, it is more comfortable than anal abscess. Unlike anal abscess, the patient talks about recurrent and periodic foul-smelling discharge that causes contamination of underwear.
Diagnosis is made by seeing the outer end of the tract, that is, its external mouth, along with the history. During the examination, the inner mouth of the fistula can be detected with various liquid or pliable materials.
The aim of treatment is to eliminate the alternative path. For this reason, additional examinations may be needed to clearly define the path, especially in complicated fistulas.
Fistulography, endoultrasonography and MRI fistulography are the tests that may be required in the directions. MR fistulography is considered the best imaging method among these examinations.
The location of the inner mouth of the fistula, the outer mouth and the path connecting the mouths are the main factors that determine the treatment strategy for the patient.
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