When to seek Medical Attention for Anal Fistula?

When to get medical advice for anal fistula

Fistulas require immediate medical attention from best fistula doctor in Chennai to prevent serious infections or other complications. An inflammation that causes sores, or ulcers, to form on the inside wall of the intestine, rectum, anus or nearby organs, lead to the development of fistulas. A tunnel called the fistula is created when such ulcers extend through the entire thickness of the bowel wall to drain the pus out from the infected area through the anus.

What is anal fistula?

The anus is the external opening through which faeces are expelled from the body. An infection near the anus causing a collection of pus forms an abscess in the nearby tissue. There are a number of glands inside the anus that make mucus. An abscess that is formed when these glands get occasionally clogged and become infected may also develop into a fistula. A small channel may be left behind, even after the pus drains away. Other not so common causes of anal fistulas include:

  • Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition where the digestive system becomes inflamed.
  • Diverticulitis is an infection and inflammation of the small pouches that form on the sides of the large intestine.
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a long term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring.
  • Infection caused from tuberculosis, HIV or STDs
  • Radiation (treatment for cancer)
  • Trauma
  • Cancer
  • A complication of surgery near the anus

Symptoms of anal fistula

Anal Fistula causes unpleasant symptoms of discomfort and skin irritation, that do not usually get cured without Fistula treatment in Chennai. On persistent symptoms of an anal fistula, an examination for any bowel conditions would be necessary. It is advisable to get medical advice on observing signs and symptoms of anal fistula that include:

  • skin irritation in the anal region
  • frequent anal abscesses
  • throbbing pain that is usually constant and gets worse on sitting, moving, passing motion or coughing
  • The end of the fistula may not be visible but can be felt as a hole in the skin near the anus
  • smelly or bloody discharge from the opening near the anus
  • passing stools with pus or blood
  • abscess with swelling and redness around the anal opening accompanied by high body temperature, chills or fatigue
  • some cases may have difficulty in controlling bowel movements

Medical diagnosis of anal fistula

An anal fistula is usually diagnosed by examining the area around the anus, that includes looking for an opening of the fistula tunnel on the skin. The depth and direction of the tract are also examined. The examination in many cases reveals a discharge from the external opening. If the opening of fistula on the skin's surface is not visible, it may be necessary to perform additional tests such as:

  • A procedure using an anoscope, a special instrument to see inside the anus and rectum.
  • A better view of the fistula tract may be required through an ultrasound or MRI.
  • In some cases, an examination in the operating room, under anaesthesia may be needed to diagnose the fistula.
  • Further tests like blood tests and X-rays may be called for to see if the condition is related to inflammatory diseases of the intestine, like the Crohn’s disease.
  • A procedure called colonoscopy that uses a flexible, lighted instrument inserted into the colon via the anus may be performed on the patient under light anaesthesia for conscious sedation.
  • A long, thin instrument called the fistula probe guided through the outer opening of the fistula may be used to inject a special dye and know the opening of the fistula on the inside.

Medical advice includes surgery for anal fistula

An infection that starts in an anal gland is the cause for most anal fistulas. The abscess caused due to the infection, may drain on its own leaving the drainage tunnel that connects the infected gland to the hole on the skin surrounding the anus, open. If the drainage doesn’t happen on its own, a surgery to drain it through the skin next to the anus may be necessary.

An anal fistula is almost always cured these days by latest laser treatment of Anal fistula. Nonsurgical treatments may be an option only in rare cases. The challenge of the surgery is to remove the fistula while protecting the anal sphincter muscles.

If the anal sphincters are damaged, it could cause incontinence. When sphincter muscle are not or little involved in the fistula, fistulotomy is the first line of treatment. This procedure allows the skin and muscle over the tunnel to be cut open so that the tunnel is converted in to an open groove.

This way, the fistula tract heals from the bottom up. More complex fistulas require a special drain thread called a seton, to be fixed and needs to remain in place for a minimum of 6 weeks’ time. A follow up procedure is almost always performed and that can be either

  • An advanced flap procedure to cover the fistula with a flap, or piece of tissue, taken from the rectum
  • A lift procedure where the skin above the fistula is released, the sphincter muscles are extended and the fistula is closed.

Crohn’s disease fistulas may be treated differently by injecting stem cells into the fistula.

Fistula specialist in Chennai with expertise in minimally invasive surgery techniques will be able to provide surgery options that are usually done on an outpatient basis, require smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.

This means the patient can go home the same day unless the patients has very large deep fistula tunnels requiring to stay in the hospital for a short time after the surgery. On getting prompt medical advice for anal fistula, the abscess and fistula can be treated properly that allows better healing, avoid complications and prevent recurrence of fistulas.

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The downtime post hernia successful Hernia Surgery

The downtime post Hernia Surgery

Hernia can be corrected in most cases only through surgery that may be done using a laparoscope or conventional techniques. After surgery, 5% of the individuals may have the hernia return most likely because the organ finds a different way to slide and protrude through the large mass of muscle that is much weaker. For this reason, Hernia specialist advises patients to stop smoking forever, avoid lifting weights during the healing period, lose weight if obese and follow medications as prescribed.

Factors that determine what happens after hernia surgery

There are various factors that can differ the recovery time after hernia surgery. Such factors include:

  • Type of hernia - The most common type of hernia that generally heal with fewer complications are inguinal hernias.
  • Type of surgery - Laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery offer quicker recovery as compared to open surgery.
  • Age of the patient – Patients who undergo hernia surgery at a younger age, typically heal faster than older ones.
  • Overall health – Recovery is faster in healthy patients than in patients with co-existing conditions.
  • Expertise of hernia surgeon - having hernia surgery done by an experienced hernia surgeon lowers the risk of complications.

Recovery and downtime mostly depends on the type of hernia surgery

Surgery is usually the only treatment for hernia. Hernia can be corrected by surgery done using a laparoscope or conventional techniques. There are 3 types of hernia surgeries namely:

Open hernia surgery involves an incision made in the affected area, through which the surgeon pushes the organ inside its original place and the muscle sutured to hold the organ stronger in place. A mesh may be required to be placed to offer better support to the muscle.

Laparoscopic Laser hernia treatment in Chennai follows the same procedure as open surgery with the advantage of few small incisions is similar instead of a big incision. The Laparoscope and other surgical devices are inserted through the small incisions to perform the procedure. Laparoscopic treatment offers the advantages of quick recovery time, lower chances of infection, minimal pain and blood loss.

Robotic Hernia Surgery/Repair uses the same technique as laparoscopic surgery but the surgeon operates the surgical devices inserted through the incisions, with help of a computer that performs the procedure like a Robot. This procedure can be performed with the best precision and hence smaller hernias can be operated on. Improved versions of 3D Robotic surgeries give a clear 3D view of the body’s internal organs and are thus very useful.

What happens in the recovery room after hernia surgery

Immediate post operative recovery starts with waking from general anaesthesia in the recovery room. The team of anaesthesia and recovery room nursing will manage if there are any immediate discomforts after surgery. Some of the common discomforts in the recovery room include postoperative nausea, pain, dizziness and fatigue that will all fade away quickly. In case of general anaesthesia and the breathing tube inserted, the throat may feel sore for up to 3 days and this can be managed easily with lozenges.

Vital signs will be monitored and eventually the patient will be shifted from the bed into a chair, and given some light fluids to drink. Within about 2 hours after laparoscopic surgery, the patient can stand and even attempt walking slowly.

Discharge after hernia surgery

The patient is usually discharged from Hernia hospital in Chennai, after being able to pass urine and drink liquids without much discomfort of nausea or vomiting. The patient is also made sure to be able to walk without any dizziness. The average time for a patient to be discharged varies from 3-6 hours after the surgery ends.

On the same evening of the surgery, the patient is usually able to stand, walk, and climb stairs with some mild discomfort. On discharge, the patient is advised not to drive for the first 2-4 days, and until on pain medication. Specific instructions for wound care will be provided upon discharge from the hospital.

In general, you may remove the outer bandage after 2 days, and the white tape or skin glue after 7-10 days. When the patient is ready, he can get back to normal diet. The patient may be allowed to take shower on the first day after surgery, but bathing in the tub or swimming for 5 days is to be avoided.

Pain after hernia surgery

Hernia surgery is likely to feel sore and uncomfortable until the incision sites heal. Most people feel better in 2 weeks’ time unless there are other conditions affecting the healing period. It is possible get off pain medications within a few days after surgery. A laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair offers faster recovery that lasts from 2 to 14 days, associated with mild to moderate incisional pain and minimal groin discomfort.

The groin discomfort could be secondary to the gas used during surgery, dissection of hernia or placing of the mesh. By the 3rd or 4th week after surgery, pain and discomfort are completely gone. Less than 0.1% of patients are symptomatic by the end of 3 to 6 months’ period.

Downtime for activities after hernia surgery

Mild activities such as walk, using a treadmill, or a stationary bike without any resistance is recommended from the first day after surgery. Higher intensity exercises such as in a gym, running, or lifting heavy weights is generally restricted until 2 weeks after surgery or when pain from the surgery has completely gone.

Return to work without restrictions is usually possible after 3 – 7 days from surgery. A follow up with surgeon for best hernia treatment in Chennai is advisable within the first 2 weeks after surgery. A laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is rapid and hence it takes only up to 3 weeks for the patient to feel completely normal and get back to all activities.

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Difference between Laser procedure vs Normal procedure for Piles

Piles Laser procedure vs Normal procedure

Haemorrhoids, which are also called piles, occur when the blood vessels in the rectal area become swollen and inflamed. While piles are not usually considered a serious medical condition, they can cause discomfort and pain, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. It is recommended to visit the best piles hospital in Chennai and choose a treatment option that is best suitable for you.

Some common causes for piles include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, and ageing.

Symptoms

  • Itching or irritation around the anus
  • Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
  • Swelling or a lump near the anus
  • Bright red blood after a bowel movement
  • Leakage of faeces
  • Inflammation or swelling around the anus.

Piles can often be managed with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle modifications such as increasing fibre intake, drinking plenty of water, and exercising. However, it's crucial to consult a piles specialist in Chennai if symptoms persist or worsen. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to provide relief.

There are surgical and non-surgical piles treatments available in hospitals to diagnose and know more about the available options. The treatments include:

Minimally invasive procedures

It includes laser treatment for piles. Laser treatment is a minimally invasive technique that involves using a laser to burn away excess tissue and remove the pile growth. It is often used to treat small piles that are causing minimal discomfort. This procedure can be done in an outpatient setting, on an outpatient basis, with minimal risks and downtime associated with it. Because of its minimally invasive nature, patients typically experience less pain compared to traditional procedures.

Surgery or normal procedure

Normal procedures include sclerotherapy, ligation excision, hemorrhoidectomy, and rubber band ligation. These techniques involve cutting away excess tissue around the pile growths or tying off the veins so they can no longer carry blood flow to them. These procedure has been used for decades and remains a popular choice among patients and doctors. 

The primary benefit includes a high success rate in relieving the symptoms associated with piles. The procedure involves surgically removing the swollen veins or tissue from around the anal area. This reduces the pressure on those veins and allows for better functioning of the glandular tissue in that area. It can be done under local anaesthesia, making it an ideal option for those who are needle-phobic or would prefer not to undergo general anaesthesia. 

The laser procedure and normal procedure for piles have different advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the severity of the patient's condition, it is significant to consider both types of procedures before deciding by understanding each from the best doctor for piles.

When it comes to treating piles, the best option is often determined by understanding one's individual health needs and researching which type of procedure would be most beneficial. Thus, it is important to weigh both possible treatments when considering how to treat piles effectively and safely.

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Best Hemorrhoid (Piles) Treatment for People with Diabetes

piles treatment for piles with diabetes

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can cause a variety of health complications. One common complication associated with diabetes is the development of piles or haemorrhoids.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration and poor circulation which can contribute to the development of piles in people with diabetes. As well as this, certain medications used for treating diabetes may also increase the risk of developing piles due to their side effects such as constipation or diarrhoea.

Furthermore, people with diabetes may find that they have difficulty controlling their urge to defecate or may be forced into straining when going to the bathroom which further increases their risk of developing piles. In such conditions, along with the diabetes treatment, one must also visit a piles specialist in Chennai

Symptoms of Piles in People with Diabetes

  • The most common symptom is rectal bleeding, which may appear as bright red drops or streaks on the toilet paper after using the restroom.
  • Other common symptoms include anal itching, pain when passing stools, and prolapsed piles; this occurs when an internal pile has extended out of the anus and is visible outside of the body.
  • Some may also experience mucous discharge from the anus as a result of their haemorrhoids.

It is essential for individuals with diabetes to seek medical attention in a piles treatment hospital in Chennai if they experience any type of rectal bleeding or prolonged inflammation in their anal area, as this may be indicative of more serious health issues such as fissures or fistulas which require prompt medical treatment.

Treatment for piles for people having Diabetes:

Piles can be painful and uncomfortable, leading to difficulty managing everyday activities. Fortunately, there are some treatments available for people with diabetes who are suffering from piles. There are both non-surgical piles treatments, surgical options, and lifestyle changes that may help manage piles symptoms in diabetic individuals.

  • Dietary modifications such as increasing dietary fibre and drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent constipation which can aggravate haemorrhoids.
  • Alternatives like aloe vera are also used for treating piles. However, it is not a permanent treatment for piles.
  • Over-the-counter medications such as topical creams and ointments containing hydrocortisone may provide relief from pain and itching associated with haemorrhoids.
  • For those whose symptoms are more severe, surgery in a piles hospital may be recommended to remove or reduce the size of swollen veins in the rectal area. Some of these surgeries for piles include:

- Rubber band ligation where a rubber band is placed around the base of the piles, which cuts off its blood supply. The vein then shrinks and dies.

- Sclerotherapy: A chemical irritant is injected into the pile to shrink it is another recommended piles treatment in Chennai.

- Laser is used to sealing off the vein from its blood supply, which reduces its size and causes it to die.

Living with diabetes can be difficult, and piles can cause more discomfort affecting the quality of life. Thus, it is suggested to avail treatments at the earliest in the best piles hospital in Chennai.

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The complications of Fistula Failure

complications of fistual failures

Fistulas are connections between two body parts that form after surgery or other medical treatments and are used to allow fluids to flow from one area of the body to another. Fistulas are typically created surgically to provide a direct connection for fluid drainage or to bypass blocked passageways in the body.

One common type of fistula is an anal fistula. It is an abnormal connection between the anal canal and another organ, usually the skin around the anus. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection in an anal gland spreading to the skin.

They are a common yet serious medical condition that may require surgery from the best gastroenterologist. Although surgical treatments for anal fistulas are generally successful, there is always the risk of failed surgery resulting in the need for further corrective treatment from the best fistula treatment hospital.

Do fistulas fail?

Fistula failure is a serious and often life-threatening complication of medical procedures that can occur when a fistula does not heal properly. The recurrence rate of the failed fistula is often around 50%.

It means that even after successful treatment with medications or surgery, there is still a good chance that the fistula may reappear at some point in time. Patients require multiple surgeries as it fails and treatment requirement is higher.

What happens when it fails?

Fistula failure happens leads to infection. It can also cause blockage. This can be caused by scar tissue that forms around your fistula, obstructing digestive juices' flow. A blocked fistula will cause you to feel pain when it is used, and the output of the fistula can be discolored or contain blood.

In some cases like anal, failed fistula surgery can lead to incontinence or an abscess. Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeon before undergoing any procedure and be aware of potential signs that the original operation was not successful.

Common symptoms indicating a failed fistula surgery include continued drainage from the wound, recurrent pain and infection in the area, and lack of healing after several weeks. In some cases, MRI imaging may be necessary to determine if there is still active inflammation at the site.

The risk of fistula failure increases with age and with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and drug use can also increase the chances of a failed procedure.

It is important for individuals who are considering undergoing any form of surgery involving a fistula to discuss their risk factors with their doctor ahead of time in order to minimize complications. In some cases, fistula failure may require reoperation or corrective surgery in order to restore proper function.

Also read: Is Anal Fistula difficult to treat?

Long-Term Outlook

The long-term outlook for fistula failure is generally excellent. Most fistulas can be successfully treated without any complications, and those that do fail tend to have a very high success rate with subsequent treatments.

The essential thing is to ensure proper treatment of the underlying cause of the fistula failure, such as infection or inflammation, as well as ongoing maintenance therapy to prevent further issues from developing.

Patients who experience recurrent problems with their fistulas should consult a specialist for advice on how best to manage their condition. Additionally, ongoing follow-up care after successful treatments is essential for monitoring and preventing future issues from arising. With careful management, most patients can expect an excellent long-term outcome from their treatment.

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