Symptoms and signs
- Repeated discharge of pus or fluid near the anus
- A painful lump or swelling that comes and goes
- Skin irritation around the opening
- Pain when sitting or passing stool
- Fever with a painful swelling, in the early abscess stage
See a doctor urgently if
- A painful, swollen area near the anus with fever needs prompt medical care, as it may be an abscess
- Spreading redness, severe pain or feeling very unwell should be seen urgently
If you have a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. Do not wait for an enquiry reply.
Causes and risk factors
- A previous anal abscess
- Some bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease
- Infections and injury
- Previous surgery or radiation in the area
- In many cases no clear cause is found
How a doctor assesses it
A doctor examines the area and may feel for the tunnel. An MRI scan or an ultrasound is often advised to show its path and how close it lies to the muscles, since this decides the type of surgery. Examination under anaesthesia may be needed.
Who may need it
Fistulas rarely heal without surgery. The surgeon decides on the method after examining you and reviewing scans, balancing a complete treatment with protection of bowel control.
Treatment options
Treating an abscess first
A painful abscess usually needs draining, which is done by a surgeon.
Fistulotomy
The tunnel is opened and left to heal from the inside out. It suits simpler fistulas.
Seton placement
A thin thread keeps the tunnel drained while the tissue heals, often used for deeper fistulas.
Other procedures
Methods such as flaps, plugs, glue or laser-based techniques may be used for selected fistulas to protect muscle. Suitability depends on your anatomy.
What the procedure involves
Fistula surgery is done under anaesthesia chosen by the team. The surgeon finds the tunnel, treats it with the chosen technique and manages the wound so it heals from the inside.
Some fistulas need more than one stage. Your surgeon explains the plan, dressings and follow-up.
Recovery
- Wound care and dressings as advised
- Pain control with medicines your doctor advises
- Soft stools and enough fibre and water
- Follow-up visits check healing
- Healing can take weeks
Everyone heals differently. Follow your own surgeon's instructions.
Risks
- Bleeding or infection
- The fistula coming back
- Problems with bowel control, which are more likely with deeper fistulas
- Slow wound healing
- The need for more than one operation
- Risks linked to anaesthesia
Your surgeon will explain which risks matter most for you. No result can be guaranteed.
Cost and payment
The cost of anal fistula treatment depends on your case and cannot be fixed without a medical assessment. These are the main things that change it:
- The type and depth of the fistula
- The technique used and whether more than one stage is needed
- Scans such as MRI
- The hospital or day-care centre and the room type
- The surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees
- Tests and scans before surgery
- Medicines, dressings and follow-up visits
- Whether you pay in cash, use EMI or claim insurance
Our team explains your options for cash, EMI and insurance, helps you compare packages and handles insurance paperwork. Try the EMI calculator to plan your payments. Insurance cover depends on your policy and insurer, and approval cannot be promised.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- What type of fistula do I have?
- Which operation do you suggest and why?
- What is the risk to bowel control?
- Will I need more than one operation?
- Who will perform my procedure, and how often have they done it?
- What are the risks for me and how are complications handled?
- What is the full cost, in writing, and what does it include?
Check that any doctor is registered, for example on the National Medical Commission register or with the state medical council.
Our step-by-step support
From your first call to your follow-up visits, our team stays with you:
- Our team connects with you. We call you, listen to your concern and understand the exact problem.
- We find the right hospital and doctor. Based on your treatment, we help you shortlist a suitable doctor and hospital.
- Package, cash, EMI or insurance. We explain the package and help you choose between cash, EMI and insurance.
- Doctor consultation arranged. We book your consultation with the doctor and share what to bring.
- Surgery is planned. If surgery is advised, we help plan the date and the steps before it.
- Cab booked for you. We arrange a cab for your hospital visit.
- Papers checked before treatment. We check your documents and reports so nothing is missed on the day.
- Insurance filing handled. We help fill in and follow up your insurance paperwork.
- Care from admission to discharge. We stay in touch through admission, surgery and discharge.
- Free follow-ups and diet plans. After surgery, you get free follow-up consultations and diet plans.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fistula heal on its own?
It rarely does. Medicines may control symptoms, but a surgeon's assessment is usually needed.
Why is an MRI needed?
It shows how the tunnel runs and how close it is to the muscles, which helps plan safe surgery.
Can the fistula come back?
Yes. Recurrence is possible, especially with complex fistulas. Your surgeon will explain the chance for your case.
Will bowel control be affected?
Surgeons try to protect it, but there is a risk, particularly with deeper fistulas. Discuss this in detail.
Can you help with insurance and EMI?
Yes. Our team explains cash, EMI and insurance options and helps with the paperwork. Insurance cover depends on your policy and insurer, and approval cannot be promised.
How do I book a free consultation?
Call or WhatsApp +91 96255 29133, or fill in the form on this page. Our team will contact you the way you choose.
Related guides
Piles (haemorrhoids) treatment
Piles are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus.
Read the guidePilonidal sinus treatment
A pilonidal sinus is a small channel or pit in the skin near the top of the buttock crease, often with hair inside.
Read the guidePlease note: This page is general information, not medical advice. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. A qualified doctor must assess you before any treatment.