An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the skin near the anus and the inside of the anus or rectum. While many people tend to ignore early symptoms or ignore them as minor problems, an untreated anal fistula can lead to severe complications, affecting both physical health and quality of life.

Here’s what can happen if an anal fistula is left untreated:

• Increased Risk of Infection: An anal fistula is usually the result of an abscess that did not heal properly. Left untreated, the infection can spread and worsen, leading to recurrent abscesses, which can be extremely painful and need more complex treatments.
• Chronic Discomfort and Pain: An untreated anal fistula can cause persistent pain, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness in the rectal area. This discomfort often intensifies during bowel movements, sitting for long periods, or physical activity.
• Abscess Formation: If the fistula remains untreated, the infection may spread deeper into the surrounding tissues, leading to the formation of more abscesses. This can create a vicious cycle of infection, abscess formation, and drainage, further complicating the condition. In some cases, abscesses may become large and require emergency intervention to drain them. Continuous abscesses can not only cause significant discomfort but may also improve the risk of systemic infections.
• Fistula Enlargement and Complications: As the fistula remains untreated, it can grow larger, leading to more severe symptoms such as drainage of pus or blood, increased swelling, and inflammation. The longer the fistula remains untreated, the more difficult it becomes to treat effectively.
• Fecal Incontinence: One of the most concerning long-term complications of an untreated anal fistula is the risk of fecal incontinence. The fistula can damage the muscles that control bowel movements, making it more difficult to control defecation and leading to unintentional leakage of stool.
• Risk of Sepsis: If the infection from the fistula spreads into the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can lead to organ failure and even death if not treated promptly.
• Formation of Multiple Fistulas (Complex Fistula): In some cases, untreated anal fistulas can lead to the formation of more than one fistula, creating a complex fistula network that may require more extensive surgical intervention to treat effectively.
• Recurrence of Symptoms After Treatment: An untreated fistula may lead to a higher chance of recurrence even after treatment. The longer the fistula persists, the greater the likelihood that it will return post-surgery.
• Impact on Overall Health: If a fistula becomes infected and is left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the pelvic area. In rare cases, untreated fistulas can result in systemic infections, which can affect the overall health and lead to more severe complications.