When dealing with persistent pain, discharge, or swelling near the anal region, many patients feel confused and uncomfortable seeking help. One of the most common but often misunderstood causes behind such symptoms is a condition known as intersphincteric fistula — a type of anal fistula that forms a tunnel between the muscles around the anus. At Kaizen Fistula Care, under the expert guidance of Dr. Samrat Jankar, our goal is to bring clarity, comfort, and effective treatment to those suffering from fistula-related issues. This blog is designed to help you understand what an intersphincteric fistula is, why it forms, and how it can be treated successfully.
What Is an Intersphincteric Fistula?
Intersphincteric fistulas develop when an infection in the anal gland leads to the formation of a tunnel that runs between the internal and external sphincter muscles and opens close to the anal opening. This type of fistula is:
- The most common variant of fistula-in-ano
- Superficial and involves minimal muscle
- Easier to treat than transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistulas.
Why Does It Occur?
In most cases, the issue starts with a blocked anal gland, which leads to infection and abscess formation. When an abscess fails to resolve completely, it can result in the development of a persistent fistula tract.
Common Causes:
- Recurrent perianal abscess
- Inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease
- Local trauma or post-surgical infection
- Poorly controlled diabetes or immunity disorders
Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore:
An intersphincteric fistula may present with the following signs:
- Pus or fluid leakage near the anus
- Discomfort while sitting or after bowel movements
- Mild swelling or skin irritation
- A small external opening that doesn’t heal
- Recurrent anal abscess formation
Ignoring these symptoms may lead to further complications, including complex fistula formation or recurrent infections.
How It's Diagnosed at Kaizen Fistula Care:
Proper diagnosis is key to long-term healing. At Kaizen, we follow a multi-modal approach:
Evaluation Methods:
- Clinical examination by a colorectal specialist
- MRI pelvis (fistulogram) to map the fistula path
- Endoanal ultrasound (when needed)
- Examination under anaesthesia (EUA) for surgical planning
Treatment Options for Intersphincteric Fistula:
At Kaizen Fistula Care, we focus on minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques to ensure a balance between healing and continence.
- Fistulotomy: A simple and effective method where the tract is laid open and allowed to heal from the base.
- High success rate
- Minimal risk of incontinence
- Recovery within 4 to 6 weeks
- LIFT Procedure (Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract)
- Preserves the sphincter muscles
- Ideal for patients with recurrent or high intersphincteric fistulas
- Seton Placement: Used in selected cases where gradual healing or drainage is needed before definitive treatment.
All procedures at Kaizen are performed with personalized care, considering patient comfort, lifestyle, and clinical needs.
Recovery & Healing Timeline:
Most patients:
- Resume daily activities within a few days
- Experience complete healing in 4–6 weeks
- Report significant relief in pain and discharge after surgery
We ensure comprehensive follow-up, dietary guidance, and hygiene tips to avoid recurrence.
Why Choose Dr. Samrat Jankar & Kaizen Fistula Care?
- Board-certified colorectal surgeon with specialized expertise
- Use of advanced diagnostic imaging
- Precision-focused, sphincter-sparing techniques
- Individualized treatment considering your social and financial needs
- High patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes
If you’re searching for the best fistula doctor in Pune, Kaizen Fistula Care offers both experience and empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Not usually. While symptoms may subside temporarily, the tract remains active and often leads to recurrence unless treated surgically.
Fistulotomy is the gold standard, though LIFT may be considered for higher or recurrent cases. Your doctor will choose based on your individual case.
No. Since this type of fistula only involves the internal sphincter, procedures are sphincter-sparing, and continence is preserved.
Most patients resume light activities within 3 to 5 days, and full recovery takes a few weeks.
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