Fistula

How Do I Know If I Have Fistula?

Q: How does fistula look like physically?

A fistula appears as a small opening or hole on the skin near your anus. This opening may intermittently ooze pus, blood, or fluid and often feels tender to touch.

Q: Can I have a fistula without experiencing severe pain?

Yes, some fistulas cause minimal pain but still produce discharge or skin irritation. However, pain and swelling commonly indicate infection, which requires immediate medical attention from a doctor.

Q: What is the main cause of fistula disease?

Most fistulas develop from infected anal glands that create abscesses, which then tunnel to the skin. Crohn's disease, trauma, previous surgery, or poorly treated abscesses can also cause fistulas.

Q: Which doctor should I consult if I suspect I have a fistula?

You should consult a general surgeon, colorectal surgeon, or proctologist for proper diagnosis. Your family doctor can also provide an initial assessment and refer you to the appropriate specialist if needed.

Q: What is fistula disease in Hindi, and how can I explain it to my family?

A fistula (bhagandhar in Hindi) is an abnormal tunnel between the anal canal and skin near the anus. It forms after infections and causes persistent drainage, pain, and discomfort requiring medical treatment.

Oct 15, 2026

Summarize with: ChatGPT Grok Perplexity Claude

By Dr Leena Dhole

BAMS, MS (General Surgery)

Proctosurgeon, Healing Hands Clinic

Table Of Contents

What is a Fistula?
Symptoms of Fistula
When to Seek Medical Advice
How to Diagnose Fistula
Physical Examination
Medical Diagnosis for Fistula
Complications of Ignoring a Fistula
Conclusion
FAQs
References

Key Takeaways

1. Healing Hands’ plant-based post-surgery Fistula Kit offers support to reduce inflammation, discharge, and discomfort alongside surgical management.

2. A fistula is an abnormal tunnel near the anus that forms after infection, causing pain, discharge, and a small opening on the skin.

3. Key signs include pus-like discharge, throbbing pain, swelling, redness, and a tiny hole, often worse during sitting or passing stool.

4. Fistulas do not heal on their own, so early diagnosis with a physical exam, MRI, or 3D endo-anal imaging is essential.

5. Delaying treatment can lead to complications like repeated abscesses, sepsis, or complex branching tracts.

Discovering unusual discharge, persistent pain, or strange leakage around your anus or pelvic area can be deeply concerning. These symptoms might point to a condition called fistula, an abnormal tunnel that forms between organs in your body. Many people wonder how do I know if I have a fistula when they notice unusual symptoms around sensitive areas of their body. This guide explains the different types of fistulas, their symptoms, and when to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and care.

What is a Fistula?

A fistula is an abnormal tunnel or connection that forms between two organs or body parts that don't normally connect. Think of it as an unwanted pathway your body creates, usually due to infection, injury, or inflammation.

The most common types you might encounter include:

Anal fistula: A tunnel between the skin near your anus and the anal canal, often starting from an infected anal gland.
Vaginal fistula: An opening between the vagina and nearby organs like the bladder or rectum.
Arteriovenous fistula: An abnormal connection between an artery and a vein.

Are you wondering, "What is fistula in Hindi?" It's translated as bhagandhar when referring to an anal fistula, an abnormal tunnel or passage near the anus, often described as a crack or opening in the buttocks area. This condition develops when infections don't heal properly, creating persistent drainage and discomfort. Understanding how fistula look like and recognising early signs helps you seek timely medical care, preventing complications and improving healing outcomes.

Symptoms of Fistula

If you're wondering how do I know if I have a fistula, recognising the key signs can help you understand your condition better. The most common symptoms include:

Persistent pain and discomfort around your anus that feels throbbing and gets worse when you sit, move, cough, or have a bowel movement
Skin irritation and redness near the anal area
Smelly, pus-like discharge or blood coming from a small opening near your anus
Swelling and tenderness in the affected area
A visible small hole near your anus where the fistula opens

You might also notice difficulty controlling your bowel movements, though this happens rarely. The discharge often has a foul smell, which can cause embarrassment and make you reluctant to seek help.

Quick Tip: If you notice recurring swelling or discharge near your anus, don't wait. Early treatment prevents complications from worsening.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should consult a doctor if you experience ongoing pain, discharge, or swelling around your anus, especially with fever or bowel control problems. A common question, how do I know if I have a fistula, becomes clearer with professional examination, as fistulas rarely heal without proper treatment.

A physical and rectal examination is performed to check for signs of a fistula. Which doctor to consult for fistula depends on your symptoms, but starting with your family doctor is usually the right approach.

How to Diagnose Fistula?

Fistula diagnosis requires both physical examination and specialised tests to understand the exact path of the abnormal tunnel and plan the right treatment. Since this condition can lead to serious complications if left untreated, accurate diagnosis becomes crucial for effective healing.

Physical Examination

Your doctor will start with a careful physical examination of the area around your anus.

During the examination, your doctor looks for:

A small visible opening or hole near your anus
Discharge of pus or stool from the external opening
Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the affected area
Scarring or changes in skin texture
Signs of infection like pain or abscess formation

Your doctor may also perform proctoscopy, anoscopy, or digital video proctoscopy to directly visualize the anal canal and rectum. These procedures help identify the internal opening of the fistula and detect any secondary tracts.

Medical Diagnosis for Fistula

Beyond the physical exam, doctors use several specialized tests to map out how fistula look like internally and plan the best treatment approach.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides the most detailed pictures of your fistula tunnel and surrounding muscles. This scan shows doctors exactly how the abnormal pathway relates to your sphincter muscles, which is crucial for safe treatment planning.
Endoscopic Ultrasound uses sound waves to create clear images of the fistula and nearby structures.
Fistulography involves injecting contrast dye into the external opening and taking X-rays to trace the tunnel's complete path. This technique reveals any branches or complex routes the fistula might have developed.
3D Endo-anal Imaging is an advanced technique available at specialised centres like Healing Hands Clinic. This method provides a complete three-dimensional view of your anal canal and fistula course. It shows exactly where the internal opening is and how the tract runs, enabling precise surgical planning.

Complications of Ignoring a Fistula

Understanding the risks of leaving it untreated is crucial. Ignoring a fistula can lead to serious health problems that affect your daily life and overall well-being. The main complications include:

Chronic infection and repeated abscesses: The abnormal tunnel keeps allowing bacteria to move between your anal canal and skin, causing ongoing pus formation and painful swelling
Sepsis risk: Untreated infection can spread into your bloodstream, creating a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate hospital care
Complex fistula development: The original tunnel may branch out or become longer, making future treatment much more challenging and invasive
Loss of bowel control: If the fistula damages your anal sphincter muscles, you may struggle to control bowel movements, affecting your confidence and daily activities
Cancer risk: Though rare, long-standing fistulas can increase your chances of developing anal cancer, especially if you have inflammatory bowel conditions

Many people in India delay seeking help due to shame or lack of awareness about which doctor to consult for fistula. A colorectal surgeon or general surgeon can properly diagnose and treat your condition before complications develop.

Conclusion

If you notice persistent pain, unusual discharge, or a small opening near your anus, don't ignore these warning signs. Early diagnosis through physical examination and imaging helps map the fistula tract accurately. With appropriate care ranging from antibiotics to minimally invasive surgery, most patients achieve complete healing and return to normal life. Remember, early treatment prevents serious complications and gets you back to comfortable living much faster.

Healing Hands offers scientifically backed, plant-based treatments that address fistulas at their root cause. Our patented approach combines traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern clinical research to provide safe, effective relief for patients across India.