Anal Fistula Surgery Dubai

Anal fistula surgery is performed to treat an anal fistula, an abnormal tunnel that forms between the anus and the surrounding skin. It is often caused by infection in the anal glands that develops into an abscess. If untreated, this abscess can progress into a fistula. At Neuro Spinal Hospital Dubai, Dr. Sadir Alrawi and his team use the latest minimally invasive techniques for the best anal fistula treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Persistent pain during bowel movements or prolonged sitting.
Drainage of pus or blood with foul smell.
Swelling, redness, and tenderness around the anus.
Recurrent anal abscesses with fever or chills.
Itching, irritation, and skin discomfort.
Changes in bowel movements, including constipation or mucus in stool.

Causes of Anal Fistulas

Untreated anal abscess.
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
Trauma or injury (childbirth tear, surgery).
Complications after anal surgery.
Tuberculosis (rare cases).

Risk Factors

Obesity (extra strain on the anal region).
Diabetes (impaired healing and immunity).
Weakened immune system (HIV, chemotherapy, transplants).
Smoking (slows healing, increases infection risk).
Male gender (higher incidence).
Poor hygiene after bowel movements.

Diagnosis

Medical history: Symptoms, prior abscesses, underlying conditions.
Physical exam: Inspection of anal area and internal exam.
Imaging: Transrectal ultrasound, MRI (detailed fistula mapping).
Fistulogram: Contrast imaging to evaluate fistula tract.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

Antibiotics for infection control.
Fistula plug (biocompatible material to close tract).
Fibrin glue injection (biological sealant).
Seton placement for drainage in complex cases.
Medications for underlying conditions (Crohn’s, TB).

Surgical

Fistulotomy: Opening and removing the tract for drainage and healing.
Seton Placement: Thread placed to allow gradual healing and drainage.
Advancement Flap Repair: Tissue flap used to cover internal opening.
LIFT Procedure: Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (sphincter-sparing).
Fibrin Glue: Less invasive, used for low-risk fistulas.

Pre-Surgical Care

Stop smoking prior to surgery.
Fasting for 6 hours before procedure.
Bowel preparation with enemas.
General anesthesia administered during surgery.

Follow-up Care

Post-op wound care with sitz baths and ointments.
Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Repeat imaging if recurrence is suspected.
Additional procedures if fistula persists.
Management of complications like infection or recurrence.

Possible Complications

Infection.
Narrowing of anal canal (stenosis).
Damage to sphincter muscles (incontinence risk).
Recurrence of fistula.
Bleeding.

FAQ: Anal Fistula Surgery Dubai

What is anal fistula surgery?
Surgery to remove or repair an abnormal tract between anus and skin, usually caused by abscess or infection.

What are the symptoms?
Pain, swelling, pus discharge, bleeding, and recurrent abscesses.

How is it diagnosed?
Through physical exam, imaging (MRI/ultrasound), and sometimes fistulogram.

What are the treatment options?
Fistulotomy, seton placement, advancement flap, LIFT procedure, and glue/plug therapies.

How long is recovery?
Several weeks to months, depending on complexity and patient’s healing.

Can it recur?
Yes, recurrence is possible but minimized with proper care and follow-up.

Where can I get treatment?
At Neuro Spinal Hospital Dubai, with board-certified colorectal and oncology surgeons.