Living with Anal fistula
An abnormal tunnel from the anus or rectum to the skin around the anus, which can cause pain and itching.
Understanding Anal fistula
A fistula is an abnormal tunnel in the body. Other types include internal fistulas, between two internal organs, and colonic fistulas, from the colon to the skin or another organ. Women may have rectovaginal fistulas, between the anus or rectum and the vagina. It can happen at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Pain around the anus
- Itching
- Skin infection (cellulitis)
- A fistula opening near the anus
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: anal fistula (disease); anorectal fistula; fistula in ano; fistula of anus; fistula-in-ano
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Anal fistula.
Explore research for Anal fistula
Explore actively recruiting Anal fistula studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Anal fistula with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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