Anal fistula
An anal fistula is a tubelike passage (tract) from the anal canal to a hole in the skin near the anus. This abnormal condition may occur after rectal surgery, after an abscess in the rectal area, or as a complication of Crohn's disease (a form of inflammatory bowel disease).
Symptoms of an anal fistula include itchy, irritated skin from fluids passing out of the rectum through the hole in the skin. The fluid usually contains mucus and small amounts of blood. An anal fistula may become infected. When infection develops, an anorectal abscess can form.
When an anal fistula is suspected, a visit to a health professional is needed.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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