Fistula at the anus in the baby
Babies can also have a fistula on the anus, which is also operated on as in adults. Without treatment there is a risk of an abscess forming, which in the worst case can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis). Most often parents notice fistulas in their children as a kind of swelling or pimple on the buttocks. Pus can also be emptied under pressure. In babies, the wounds usually heal very well after the operation and the event is not remembered by the children.
Risks and complications
In general, these surgical procedures can lead to wound healing disorders and bleeding. Smoking has a negative effect on postoperative complications and should therefore be avoided. The most important complication is a continence disorder, which can occur during fistulotomy, for example. Continence disorders occur mainly when the sphincter muscles are further severed. Therefore, the sphincter muscles should be spared as much as possible.
Healing time
The healing time of an anal fistula varies greatly from person to person. It depends on various factors. These include the general state of health of the person affected, the type of fistula and the type of treatment.
Patients with a weak immune system or additional diseases, for example chronic inflammatory bowel disease, usually require a longer period of time for a good healing process. The type of fistula is also very important. Simple fistulas that do not affect the sphincter muscle heal and are much easier to treat than complex fistulas that affect the sphincter muscle. A general healing period of several weeks and months is normal and to be expected on average. However, the exact duration cannot be given as a general rule.
Prognosis
With complete fistula cleavage the prognosis is quite good. In very branched and complicated courses, recurrences may occur.
Summary
Fistulas of the anus are a common disease affecting mainly young men. In the diagnosis, the patient interview (anamnesis), the clinical examination as well as the operative probing and staining of the fistula duct play a decisive role. In the case of very complicated courses of the disease, MRI and endosonography can be used additionally.
The therapy of an anal fistula is surgical, whereby the sphincter muscle should be spared as much as possible. Superficial fistulas can be split, but the remaining ones cannot. Especially in the case of high anal fistulas, sphincter muscle-sparing procedures should be used.
Depending on the procedure, type of fistula, previous illnesses and other existing risk factors, the risk of continence disorders increases after the operation. This complication is generally present in anal surgery and should also be considered here. A cavity filled with pus is called an abscess.
An abscess on the buttocks can develop as a result of inflammatory processes and requires medical treatment. Here you will find the topic: abscess of the buttocks An abscess is a cavity filled with pus. Abscesses in the anal area are usually caused by a previous inflammatory process. Here you will get to the topic: Anal abscess
