I Have A Low Intersphinctric Anal Fistula That I Have

Posted on Sat, 19 Jan 2019

Question: i have a low intersphinctric anal fistula that i have had for many years. I went to a colorectal surgeon for an exam about 2 months ago. shortly after, i began to have discomfort and a feeling of a need to have a bowel movement when not necessary. i dont go back for surgery until next month. is this normal? is there anything i can do help this feeling to subside?

ps i have a normal bowel movement everyday, always in the morning. this unusual feeling comes 2-3 times a day later in the day.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
possible stretching of internal anal canal wall, infection or else.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my answer.

* The anal fistula can present with sensation of need to pass bowel movement from
various issues as internal stretching of anal canal wall, infection or other issues.

Kindly provide me further details so that I can answer your query completely.

1. Apart from such sensation, is there any actual pain, burning after defecation ?
2. Any unusual discharge noticed from the anal part ?

Awaiting for your response.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (12 hours later)

there is pain / pressure as it relates to the fistula occassionally.

there is no pain as it relates to the sensation to have a bowel movement.

i have a normal bowel movement shortly after waking up every day. then for the last 4-6 weeks i have had these other sensations that make me feel like i need to have a bowel movement / pass gas. relaxing my muscles on the toilet or passing stool alleviates the feeling for many hours, but generally comes back. very infrequently do i have days without the feeling.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the relevant details.

* As per my surgical experience, the current issue faced by you is most likely in relation
with internal structures stretching from the possible fibrosis via fistula tract.

* My suggestions till the next follow up to the consultant are

- Perform regular sitz bath ( sitting in a tub filled with lukewarm water for 5 minutes
each 2 times a day and particularly after bowel movement ), which will help
tremendously over period of time.
- Keep a check over diet to avoid spices till possible.
- Have regular smooth bowel evacuations.
- Consume high fiber diet and drink more liquids.
- Rest be assured not to worry for such symptoms unless there is associated fever or
unusual discharge from anus.

Hope this information will be useful for your query.
Do feel free for further discussion ahead.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (3 hours later)

thank you. any idea why this would start now? i have had this condition for many years, and it just started one day out of nowhere.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI reveals all details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome for follow up.

* In majority of the cases, internal structural changes of the anatomy are responsible for
such issues.

* Practically, an MRI of the part will reveal all the factors precisely.

Wish you fine health and recovery.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (41 minutes later)

thanks, and yes, there is some burning as well.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (37 hours later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow up.

Burning will get best relief with sitz bath on regular basis.

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad