A fistula is a medical condition that many people often overlook, assuming it will heal on its own. However, leaving a fistula untreated can lead to serious complications, discomfort, and infections. Understanding what a fistula is, why it occurs, and the risks of delaying treatment is essential for timely medical intervention, by Dr Amita Jain, who is a leading general and laparoscopic surgeon and one of the most experienced and specialist surgeons for fistula treatment in Delhi and India.
What is a Fistula?
A fistula is an abnormal connection or tunnel that forms between two organs or tissues that are not normally connected. In the context of rectal health, it usually develops between the rectum and the skin near the rectal area. Fistulas often result from chronic inflammation, infection, or after surgical procedures in the rectal region. The condition can cause persistent discharge, irritation, and recurrent infections if not managed properly.
Why Does Fistula Happen?
Fistulas usually develop due to an underlying infection or inflammation that creates a pathway between the rectum and surrounding tissue. Some common causes include:
- Chronic infections in the rectal glands
- Untreated abscesses or boils in the rectal region
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease
- Previous surgeries or trauma near the rectal area
Essentially, the body tries to drain pus or infection, creating a tunnel that becomes a fistula.
What are the Risks of Not Treating a Fistula on Time?
If a fistula is left untreated, several complications can arise:
- Persistent Infection
The ongoing tunnel allows bacteria to remain active, causing repeated infections. Over time, this can lead to fever, swelling, and severe discomfort. - Chronic Discharge and Irritation
An untreated fistula can produce continuous discharge, which irritates the surrounding skin and can cause soreness, itching, or rashes. - Spread of Infection
The infection may extend to nearby tissues or organs, increasing the risk of serious health problems that may require more extensive treatment. - Formation of Multiple Fistulas
Sometimes, untreated fistulas can lead to additional tunnels forming, making the condition more complicated and difficult to treat surgically. - Impact on Daily Life
The persistent symptoms of a fistula—pain, discomfort, and discharge—can affect a person’s daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Prompt treatment of fistula is crucial to avoid complications and ensure proper healing. Ignoring the condition can lead to chronic infection, tissue damage, and more complex medical procedures in the future. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as discharge, swelling, or persistent irritation in the rectal area should seek medical advice immediately. Early intervention often results in simpler treatment, faster recovery, and a much better outcome.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced senior surgeons who has conducted more than 1,00,000 successful surgeries, and has covered a wide spectrum of general and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Amita Jain is refered as the pioneer surgeon in the fields of Gallbladder stone removal surgery, appendix removal surgery, hernia repair surgery, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgery, fistula surgery and fissure surgeries.
With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital, Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi) and Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi).