If you have been diagnosed with an anal fistula, it means you have a connection between the inside of the anus and the anal skin. Usually this starts as an anal gland infection and abscess in the anal area.
You may have experienced pain, discharge, itching or a lump although sometimes a fistula causes no symptoms at all. In most cases, an operation is needed, the nature of which depends on your exact situation.
A simple fistula can be usually be treated with a single operation although if the situation is more complex fistulas, multiple procedures may be needed. The first step is always a full assessment, sometimes with examination under an anaesthetic being required.
