Many people tend to ignore their health for various reasons. Work, family, and daily routines often take priority over personal well-being. However, neglecting certain medical conditions can be dangerous. One such condition is fistula. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and worsen the overall prognosis.
India’s leading laparoscopic surgeon and fistula specialist doctor Dr Amita Jain talks about the consequences of not treating a fistula on time.
What is a Fistula?
A fistula is an abnormal connection that forms between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel, and another structure. This condition typically arises due to injury or surgery, but it can also develop as a result of infection or inflammation.
What are the Consequences of Untreated Fistula?
According to fistula surgeon Dr Jain, some of the consequences of an untreated fistula could be:
Abscess Formation
When fistulas are left untreated, they often lead to the formation of abscesses, which are pockets filled with pus. Initially causing extreme pain, swelling, and fever, these abscesses demand prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
Failure to drain them and address the underlying fistula can result in recurring abscesses or the development of chronic conditions. Moreover, delaying treatment increases the risk of abscesses spreading to surrounding tissues, aggravating the situation and potentially leading to more severe injuries.
Recurrent Infections
Untreated fistulas cause recurrent infections. Initially caused by an abnormal tunnel between the canal and the skin near the rectum, these infections trigger pain, swelling, and pus discharge. Without treatment, they worsen over time, leading to abscess formation and compromising the immune system.
The inflamed area becomes red, swollen, and tender, fostering further infections. This cycle not only perpetuates discomfort but also heightens vulnerability to additional health complications.
Sepsis
When left untreated, these fistulas can cause sepsis, a condition where the infection spreads throughout the body. Symptoms of sepsis include high fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and shortness of breath.
Timely treatment of fistulas is crucial to prevent the risk of sepsis, as systemic infections demand urgent medical intervention to avert life-threatening consequences.
Fistula Expansion
Untreated fistulas can lead to the extension of the fistula tract, resulting in the formation of new channels and openings in the skin. These complex fistulas pose greater challenges for repair. Without intervention, they can progressively worsen, increasing the risk of complications.
Consequently, delayed treatment may limit options and make resolving the condition more difficult in the future.
Cancer
Untreated fistulas, lingering for years, present a rare yet significant risk of cancer due to chronic inflammation and erosion. This persistent irritation encourages precancerous changes, heightening the likelihood of cancerous cell development.
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, highlighting the importance of timely intervention in managing this potential complication.
Stenosis
Untreated fistulas can lead to chronic inflammation, ultimately resulting in a condition known as stenosis. This refers to the narrowing of the canal due to the formation of scar tissue. As a consequence, individuals may experience difficulties in passing stool.
Fecal Incontinence
Untreated fistulas can even damage the sphincter muscles, that are crucial for bowel control. This damage leads to fecal incontinence, where individuals struggle to manage bowel movements, experiencing involuntary leakage of feces or gas.
Miscellaneous Complications
Other complications that may arise due to untreated fistulas are:
Fistula-related skin tags, fistula retraction, rectal-vaginal or rectal-vesical fistulas (abnormal connections between the rectum and vagina or bladder) besides stenosis.
Now that the consequences of untreated fistulas are clear—ranging from abscess formation to sepsis, cancer, and fecal incontinence—it’s evident that timely intervention is crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal health outcomes.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi