Anal fistula

Abstract

Anal, fistula is a common cause of chronic irritation to both patients and surgeons. Treatment failure rates may be decreased by a good appreciation of normal anorectal anatomy and fistula pathoanatomy, as wlell as a wide and practical knowledge of the possible treatment regimens. The various treatment options available for acute abscesses as well as simple and complex anal fistulae are presented and discussed. Identification of the patient at risk of postoperative anal incontinence or of the dificult or high fistula may allow treatment in a specialized proctology unit.