Homeopathy Treatment for Fistula-in-ano

What is Fistula-in-ano?

Fistula-in-ano is a medical term used for anal fistula. Fistula means an abnormal connection between any two parts of the body. Fistula-in-ano is an abnormal connecting tunnel between the skin and the muscular opening of the anus. The anus is the end of the digestive tract from where the solid waste is passed out from the human body. The anal fistula occurs due to an infection of the anal gland. This infection may result in an abscess.

The fistula is an abnormal opening under the skin which connects to the anus. This may get infected with bacteria and viruses. Also, there are chances of recurrent infection due to abnormal openings present under the skin near the anus. In simple words, Fistula-in-ano- is an abnormal opening present in the anus that may get infected, leading to pustular discharge and pain.

Types of Fistula-In-ano

Fistula-in-ano is a surgical condition that may get better with homeopathy on many occasions if not all.

There are several types of anal fistulas, and they are classified based on their anatomy and the path the tunnel takes. Here are some common types:

1) Intersphincteric Fistula: This type of fistula runs through the internal sphincter muscle of the anus. It's not very complicated compared to other kinds.

2) Transsphincteric Fistula: The tract of this fistula goes through both the internal and external sphincter muscles. It extends from the inside of the rectum or anal canal to the skin around the anus.

3) Suprasphincteric Fistula: This fistula extends from the rectum, over the top of the external sphincter muscle, and then down to the skin.

4) Extrasphincteric Fistula: The tract of an extrasphincteric fistula runs outside the anal sphincter muscles. It typically originates from the rectum but does not involve the sphincter muscles directly.

5) Horseshoe Fistula: This type of fistula usually extends in a curve or horseshoe shape around the anus. It can involve multiple tracts and is often more complex.

6) Rectovaginal Fistula: In this case, the fistula connects the rectum to the vagina, allowing stool to pass into the vaginal canal. It may result from complications during childbirth, inflammatory bowel disease, or other causes.

7) Enterocutaneous Fistula: This type of fistula connects the rectum or colon to the skin, forming an abnormal opening. It may be associated with conditions like Crohn's disease or diverticulitis.

Causes of Fistula-in-ano

Fistula-in-ano is commonly caused by an infection that originates in an anal gland. When the gland becomes blocked, it can lead to the development of an abscess. If the abscess does not heal properly and the infection persists, a fistula can form. Here are some common causes and risk factors for fistula-in-ano:

1)Anal Abscess: Most fistulas develop as a result of an untreated or inadequately treated anal abscess. The abscess forms when an anal gland becomes blocked, leading to infection and the collection of pus.

2) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Illnesses like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of problems in the stomach and intestines, can make it more likely for someone to get anal fistulas.

3) Infection: Infections in the anal or rectal area, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, can contribute to the formation of abscesses and subsequently fistulas.

4) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause infections in the anal area and potentially lead to the formation of fistulas.

5) Tuberculosis (TB): In rare cases, tuberculosis infection can lead to the development of anal fistulas.

6) Trauma or Injury: Injury to the anal or rectal area, such as during childbirth or from other trauma, can sometimes result in the formation of a fistula.

7) Chronic Constipation: Straining during bowel movements due to chronic constipation can contribute to the development of anal fissures, which may become infected and lead to abscesses and fistulas.

8) Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to conditions that increase the risk of anal fistulas.

9) Immunocompromised Conditions: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or certain medications that suppress the immune response, can make individuals more susceptible to infections that may lead to fistulas.

Symptoms of Fistula-In-ano

The symptoms of Fistula-in-ano are as under

• Pain in the anus
• Discomfort in the anus, especially while sitting
• Swelling of the anal area
• Redness and soreness of the anal region
• Itching near the anal area
• Unpleasant odor from the discharge 
• Pus drainage near the anal opening
• Constant oozing from the opening with pus and blood
• Blood-like discharge from the anal opening
• Pain while passing motion or after passing motions
• Urinary symptoms
• Rectal bleeding may be present
• Fever with chills
• Fatigue and weakness

Homeopathy Treatment for Fistula-In-ano

Fistula-in-ano is a surgical condition. Some cases of Fistula-in-ano may respond to homeopathy, and surgery may be avoided. However, some severe and complex cases with multiple or large openings might need surgical corrections. Homeopathy must be explored in early and mild cases of Fistula-in-ano.

Homeopathy is best suited in cases of recurrent anal abscesses which may be difficult to heal. It is also best suited in cases of post-surgical cases Fistula-in-ano, which allows the tract and abnormal opening to heal completely by reducing the pain and swelling. Homeopathy helps to reduce the pus discharge, and blood discharged from Fistula-in-ano. Homeopathy is a great mode of treatment for Fistula-in-ano. It helps prevent the recurrence of the problem with the healing of the abnormal tract in Fistula-in-ano.

It is advisable to take action early, especially in cases of a recurrent anal abscess, to prevent further complications in cases of Fistula-In-ano. Homeopathy works in cases of Fistula-in-ano in the following way-

Providing relief from pain, itching, swelling, and inflammation of the anal region

• It aims to control the pus discharge
• It helps in preventing the recurrent infection
• It helps in healing the anal region
• It helps in regularizing bowel movements and pain during motions

Homeopathy Remedies for Fistula-In-ano

Some of the commonly indicated homeopathic drugs are listed here. The medicine has to be chosen by individual case evaluation by qualified homeopathic physicians. These should not be used for self-medication. Some of the best homeopathic remedies for Fistula-in-ano are as follows-

Hepar sulphuricum

Hepar sulph is especially suited in cases of extreme pain and swelling which may occur with pus discharge. It best works in cases of inflammatory conditions which may be red and swollen. There is marked tenderness of the anal region. Hepar sulph is especially suited in cases of Fistula-In-ano to relieve discomfort aggravated by sitting. This also helps in reducing the burning sensation and itchiness of the anus. It helps control the drainage of pus and blood discharge from the anal region. Hepar sulph is best suited for cases of Fistula-In-ano with fever and chills.

Silicea (Silica)

Silicea is one of the top homeopathic remedies for fistula in ano. It is especially suited in cases with non-stop discharge of pus or blood. The discharge may be continuous and recurrent flow which does not allow the tract to heal. The discharge may be white pus-like or brownish, or blood-stained. It is also suited for peri-anal swelling with inflammation and redness of the affected area. It is also suited in cases of pain during or after bowel movements. It is the best remedy to take care of associated constipation which may help smooth motions without pain and discomfort, allowing the tract to heal.

Myristica sebifera

Myristica sebifera offers excellent support in recurrent anal abscesses and in treating many suppurative conditions that are difficult to heal. This remedy is one of the best homeopathic solutions in treating chronic abscess or fistula in ano case which may recur again due to infections. It also takes care of your immunity levels so that you are not prone to recurrent infections. It helps reduce pain, inflammation, redness, and soreness of the anal region. It also helps heal the fistula in ano by reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of infection.

Paeonia Officinalis

This remedy is especially suited in cases of burning and throbbing pain in fistula- in- ano. It helps in relieving shooting pain near the anus. It also helps in providing relief from itching near the anus, thus reducing the discomfort. This remedy is suggested when there is persistent drainage of the pus and blood discharge from the fistula in ano. It also helps reduce soreness, redness, and associated discomfort in the affected area.

• Other medicines include: Nitric acid, Sulphur, Calcaria carbonicum, Phosphorus, Mercurius solubus. Fistula treatment in homeopathy involves a holistic approach, considering the individual's overall health, symptoms, and the specific characteristics of the fistula.
• Related diseases: Fissure-in-ano, Piles