Re: Fistula - Amy

[Guest guest]

Anal Abscess and Fistula

An abscess is a localized pocket of pus caused by infection from bacteria.

It can occur in any part of the body. When bacteria seep into the underlying

tissues in the anal canal, an abscess may develop. Certain conditions, such as

Crohn's disease (chronic inflammatory bowel disease), can increase the risk

of abscess in and around the anal canal. Patients with conditions that reduce

the body's immunity, such as cancer or AIDS, are also more likely to develop

anal abscesses.

An abscess causes tenderness, swelling, and pain. These symptoms clear when

the abscess is drained. The patient may also complain of fever, chills, and

general weakness or fatigue.

A fistula is a tiny channel or tract that develops in the presence of

inflammation and infection. It may or may not be associated with an abscess,

but

like abscesses, certain illnesses such as Crohn's disease can cause fistulas to

develop. The channel usually runs from the rectum to an opening in the skin

around the anus. However, sometimes the fistula opening develops elsewhere.

For example, in women with Crohn's disease or obstetric injuries, the fistula

could open into the vagina or bladder.

Since fistulas are infected channels, there is usually some drainage. Often

a draining fistula is not painful, but it can irritate the skin around it. An

abscess and fistula often occur together. If the opening of the fistula

seals over before the fistula is cured, an abscess may develop behind it.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an abscess is usually made on examination of the area. If it is

near the anus, there is always pain, and often redness and swelling. The

physician will look for an opening in the skin (a sign that a fistula has

developed), and try to determine the depth and direction of the channel or

tract of

the fistula. However, signs of fistula and abscess may not be present on the

skin's surface around the anus. In this case, the physician uses an

instrument called an anoscope to see inside the anal canal and lower rectum.

Whenever the physician finds an abscess, and especially a fistula, further

tests are needed to be sure Crohn's disease is not present. Blood tests,

x-rays, and a colonoscopy (a lighted, flexible scope exam of the bowel or

colon)

are often required.

Treatment for Anal Abscess

An abscess must be surgically opened to promote drainage and relieve

pressure. This is often done in the physician's office under local anesthesia.

However, patients with a large or deep abscess, or those who have other

conditions, such as diabetes, may be admitted to the hospital for the

procedure.

Antibiotics cannot take the place of draining an abscess. Antibiotics are

carried by the bloodstream but do not reach the pus within the abscess.

However, they are usually prescribed along with surgical drainage, especially

if the

patient has other serious diseases, such as diabetes or those associated

with reduced immunity.

Treatment for Anal Fistula

Treatment of anal fistula often varies, depending on whether Crohn's disease

is present. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the bowel,

including the small and large intestine. As noted, the physician will often do

tests

to see if this disease is present. If it is, then prolonged treatment with a

variety of medications, including antibiotics, is usually undertaken. Often

these medications will cure the infection and heal the fistula.

If Crohn's disease is not present, it still may be worthwhile to try a

course of antibiotics. If these do not work, surgery is usually very effective.

The surgeon opens the fistula channel so that healing occurs from the inside

out. Most of the time, fistula surgery is done on an outpatient basis or with a

short hospital stay. Following surgery, there may be mild to moderate

discomfort for a few days, but patients usually have a short recovery period.

Summary

Bleeding, pain, or drainage from the anus can occur with several illnesses,

so a physician should always be consulted. Often the diagnosis is anal

fissure, abscess, or fistula. These are problems that are usually easy to

diagnose

and correct. A variety of treatments, including surgery, are available to

correct these conditions. Working together with the physician usually assures a

good outcome.

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[Guest guest]

So sorry to hear of Amy's latest. Hopefully the doctor can get it under

control and get it fixed up so Amy will feel better. Praying hard for

her. And Praying for you who cares for her so much. Ingrid

> Hi guys

>

> Well I am here to report bad news again. I came in this morning and

> noticed a very strong odour present in the room. Amy's incision is

> leaking stool............things are not good. They think she has " a

> fistula " . Does anyone know much about this??

>

> Peta

[Guest guest]

So sorry to hear of Amy's latest. Hopefully the doctor can get it under

control and get it fixed up so Amy will feel better. Praying hard for

her. And Praying for you who cares for her so much. Ingrid

> Hi guys

>

> Well I am here to report bad news again. I came in this morning and

> noticed a very strong odour present in the room. Amy's incision is

> leaking stool............things are not good. They think she has " a

> fistula " . Does anyone know much about this??

>

> Peta

[Guest guest]

So sorry to hear of Amy's latest. Hopefully the doctor can get it under

control and get it fixed up so Amy will feel better. Praying hard for

her. And Praying for you who cares for her so much. Ingrid

> Hi guys

>

> Well I am here to report bad news again. I came in this morning and

> noticed a very strong odour present in the room. Amy's incision is

> leaking stool............things are not good. They think she has " a

> fistula " . Does anyone know much about this??

>

> Peta

[Guest guest]

Hi

Thank you for your concern. We live in Canada so Amy is in Mt Sinai

hospital in Toronto. The problem is, is that Amy does not want to

know answers to the many questions we have (and are the same ones

that you have). So we don't get many answers. They are doing a CT

tomorrow to see what could be the cause of this fistula. Amy's

surgeron was on holidays for 1 week but returned yesterday so

hopefully we will have more answers.

Sincerely,

Peta

I will write when I know something tomorrow!

> > Hi guys

> >

> > Well I am here to report bad news again. I came in this morning

and

> > noticed a very strong odour present in the room. Amy's incision

is

> > leaking stool............things are not good. They think she

has " a

> > fistula " . Does anyone know much about this??

> >

> > Peta

>

>

>

>

>

>