Anal fistula: overview

Abstract

Anal fistulas are one of the most common forms of benign anorectal disease and it is a pathological connection between the anal canal and the perianal skin, more than 90% of anorectal fistulas develop from a cryptoglandular abscess leading to suppuration and the aberrant constitution of the tract. The resulting fistula may remain chronic or evolve into a perianal abscess. Perianal fistulous disease has significant implications for the patient's quality of life. The age of first presentation is 40 years. Male gender is associated with increased risk in some studies and smoking has been shown to increase fistula tendencies.

Anal fistulas are classified into 4 types and each of them has different anatomical paths, these are: intersphincteric, transsphincteric, suprasphincteric and extrasphincteric, from these paths they began their treatment, which is mainly based on surgery. One of the biggest treatment challenges continues to be the high rate of recurrence, which is approximately 19% in patients undergoing surgery.