DIGESTIVE CONDITIONS · PATIENT EDUCATION
Fistula-in-Anoexplained plainly.
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the inside of the anal canal to the skin near the anus, usually following an abscess. It causes recurrent discharge, pain and swelling, and is cured with surgery using sphincter-preserving techniques wherever possible.
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Everyday digestive diseaseMedically reviewed July 2026Written for patients
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FISTULA-IN-ANO AT A GLANCE
- 4.
- Sections in this guide
- 3.
- Related guides & articles
01 / THE GUIDE
Fistula-in-Ano (Anal Fistula)
in plain language.
Written for patients and families, reviewed by the surgeons who treat it.
- DEFINITION
- An abnormal tract between the anal canal and the skin
- WHO
- Often follows an anal abscess; more common in men
- SEE A SURGEON
- Recurrent discharge, a non-healing opening, or repeated abscesses
- URGENCY FLAGS
- Spreading redness, fever or severe pain — possible active abscess
What is an anal fistula?
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It most often forms after an anal abscess (a collection of pus) fails to heal completely, leaving a track that repeatedly discharges.
Symptoms & causes
Typical symptoms are recurrent discharge of pus or blood, a persistent opening or lump near the anus, itching, and pain that eases when the fistula drains. Most fistulas follow an abscess; some are linked to conditions such as Crohn's disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical, supported where needed by an MRI to map the fistula track in relation to the sphincter muscles. Accurate mapping is essential to plan a cure while protecting continence.
Treatment options
Anal fistulas need surgery to heal. The approach depends on how the track relates to the sphincter — options range from fistulotomy for simple tracks to sphincter-preserving techniques (such as LIFT or laser) for complex ones, prioritising both cure and continence.
This guide was originally published by Dr. Avinash Tank in his medical-education library.Read “Fistula-in-Ano (Anal Fistula)” on dravinashtank.in
02 / EXPLORE
Understand
the bigger picture.
Choose a question. Each answer comes from our patient-education library.
This overview was originally published by Dr. Avinash Tank in his medical-education library.Colon & Rectum: the full overview
03 / PATIENT EDUCATIONALL FISTULA-IN-ANO GUIDES
Learn more about
fistula-in-ano.
Doctor-written guides from Dr. Avinash Tank's medical-education library — understand the condition before you decide on treatment.
These articles live on dravinashtank.in, Dr. Avinash Tank's own site, and open in a new tab.
04 / WATCH · FISTULA-IN-ANOFULL VIDEO LIBRARY
Fistula-in-Ano,
explained on film.
Surgeon explainers, patient stories and operations from the hospital's own channel.
TALK TO A SURGEON
Bleeding, pain or
swelling at the back passage?
These are common and very treatable. The consultation is private and the examination is quick.
05 / COMMON QUESTIONS
Aboutfistula-in-ano
Fistulas rarely heal on their own because the track stays open and keeps discharging. Surgery is the reliable cure.
07 / PRACTICAL MATTERSPATIENT CARE GUIDE
Before you
come in.
Insurance, your stay, recovery and travel — the practical questions every patient asks.
08 / WHY DWARIKA HOSPITALABOUT THE HOSPITAL
Four promises.
One standard.
What every patient can expect here — from the first call to the last follow-up.
01.
Super-specialist led
Surgery here is performed by MCh-qualified surgical gastroenterologists, not general surgeons operating outside their specialty.
02.
Keyhole by default
Laparoscopic and scarless techniques are the standard approach, reserving open surgery for cases that genuinely need it.
03.
One team, one plan
Diagnosis, surgery, nutrition and follow-up sit under one roof — you are not handed between disconnected clinics.
04.
Counselling before consent
Every patient is told what the operation can and cannot achieve, with costs stated upfront, before anything is scheduled.
YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD. YOUR HOSPITAL.
Closer than
you think.
409–418, 4th Floor, Gamara Capital, Beside AUDA Garden, Near Civic Center, Opp. Samanvay Residency / Safal Parisar 2, South Bopal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380058
24×7 — round-the-clock emergency & inpatient care
Patients travel to us from South Bopal, Bopal, Shela, Ghuma, Sanathal, Prahlad Nagar, Satellite, Jodhpur and across Gujarat — Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot.
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