Perianal Fistula

Perianal Fistula General Surgery What is Perianal Fistula?

It is a small abnormal connection or tract that links the anal canal to skin around the anus.

How is Perianal Fistula treated?

Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice. Fistulotomy is the surgical procedure of laying the fistula tract open, and allowing the wound to heal completely.

Depending on location and severity, several surgeries may be required to preserve the muscle and prevent faecal incontinence.

Fistula

Anal Canal

How do I know if I have a Perianal Fistula?

Signs and symptoms include: • Consistent or occasional discharge (blood or pus) • Firm and tender lump around the anus • Pain • Itchiness

If the fistula is located in a high position that passes through a significant portion of muscle around your anus that controls your bowels, a seton (surgical thread or suture) may be inserted to allow infection to settle. You will need a second operation subsequently.

What are the pre-operative preparations?

• The entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and will be done under general anaesthesia • No food and drinks is allowed from midnight on day before procedure • Medication will be given prior to clear out your bowels

•

•

Some medications can be taken with sips of water. Please consult your doctor about this Drugs such as aspirin, blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications will need to be stopped temporarily prior to surgery

What can I expect after the operation?

• Pain – especially on defaecation and may lead to constipation.

You should take adequate analgesia and stool softener as prescribed and drink plenty of water to facilitate bowel movement •

Difficulty in urination – usually temporary and resolves the next morning

What complications can occur?

• Bleeding from operation site some yellowish-blood stained discharge from the wound site is expected during the wound healing process • Excessive bleeding • Recurrence – uncommon but may occur in individuals with a complex fistula

•

Wound infection – may occur at anytime during the healing process. It can be prevented by following the advice

How to care for my wound: • Wound may take approximately 2-3 weeks to heal • Wound hygiene is important during recovery process. Use shower spray to flush wound until water from wound site runs clear • Towel dry wound site with clean towel before wearing light clothing When to seek medical attention after discharge?

You should seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present: • Persistent fever • Excessive bleeding or discharge from wound site • Severe pain that is not relieved by medication Please return to our Acute and Emergency Care Department immediately if any of the above occurs.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group in the north of Singapore. It comprises Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital and community extensions such as Admiralty Medical Centre and Wellness Kampung.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

GS.PE.02.0522