What is an anal fistula?
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and nearby skin. It often follows an abscess and may cause recurring discharge, swelling or pain.
What needs mapping?
A specialist examines the area and may arrange imaging or an examination under anaesthesia to understand the tract and its relationship to the sphincter muscles.
Why are there different treatments?
Many fistulas need a procedure. Options depend on the tract, sphincter involvement and previous treatment. The aim includes treating the fistula while protecting bowel control.
A balanced discussion
Ask about the proposed approach, possible staged treatment, recurrence and continence risks. Laser is one option in selected cases; it should not be presented as a guaranteed cure.
After treatment
Ask about dressings, drainage, pain relief, follow-up and whom to contact if symptoms change. Some plans involve more than one procedure.
When is it urgent?
Fever with increasing pain or swelling may indicate an abscess and needs urgent medical assessment.
EXPLORE REAL ANATOMY
Put the structures in context.
Open the interactive GI and colorectal model, including directional blood-flow visualisation. The model shows general anatomy; it does not diagnose this condition.
Open the anatomy workbench ↗
Further reading
Sources support this general explanation. The right decision for you depends on clinical assessment.
Talk through your options.
Bring your reports and questions. Ask the practice to confirm the clinic, timing and fee.
Request a consultationDR RICHA MISHRA · BENGALURU
Anal fistula assessment with a female surgeon in Bangalore
Dr Richa Mishra assesses perianal discharge, recurrent swelling and fistula concerns. Bring previous operation notes and any pelvic imaging. Treatment planning considers the tract, the anal sphincter and previous treatment; ask about healing, recurrence, continence and the alternatives to any proposed laser procedure.
Consultations are available at Evexia Diagnostics Centre, Nyanappana Halli, with other consultation locations at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, and Apollo Clinic, JP Nagar. Call +91 93535 23083 to confirm the clinic, appointment and fee.
You may discuss privacy preferences and request a chaperone when booking. Patients of all genders are welcome.
Related care and patient guides
Fistula treatment choices and questions before surgery
Is laser fistula treatment suitable for everyone?
No single technique is suitable for every fistula. The tract, branches, infection and involvement of the anal sphincter affect the choice. Ask the surgeon to explain your anatomy and compare the proposed technique with alternatives, including healing, recurrence and bowel-control risks.
Why might a seton or staged treatment be discussed?
Some fistulas involve a significant amount of sphincter muscle. A seton can keep the tract draining while a further treatment plan is considered. A draining seton is not necessarily a cure. Other options may include fistulotomy or approaches intended to preserve the sphincter, depending on the findings.
NHS: anal fistula treatment options ↗
What should I bring to a fistula consultation in Bangalore?
Bring previous operation notes, scans if already performed, discharge summaries and your current medicine list. Tell Dr Richa Mishra about previous abscesses, discharge, procedures and bowel-control concerns. Ask the practice about privacy, chaperone arrangements, the consultation fee and confirmed location.
Clinic locations in South Bengaluru ↗ · Consultation checklist ↗ · Piles guide ↗ · Fissure guide ↗