Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Anal fistula natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Anal fistula usually develops in 20-30 years of age and peaks around 40 years. If left untreated, patients with anal fistula may progress to develop the perianal abscess and cancer. Common complications of anal fistula include: urinary retention, bleeding, perianal abscess, fecal incontinence, carcinoma. Prognosis is excellent after surgery and recurrence rate is 7-21%.
Natural History
- The symptoms of anal fistula usually develop in the second and third decade of life and peaks around 40 years.
- If left untreated, patients with anal fistula may progress to develop the perianal abscess and cancer.
Common complications of anal fistula include:
Prognosis
References
References
- ↑ van Koperen PJ, Wind J, Bemelman WA, Bakx R, Reitsma JB, Slors JF (2008). “Long-term functional outcome and risk factors for recurrence after surgical treatment for low and high perianal fistulas of cryptoglandular origin”. Dis. Colon Rectum. 51 (10): 1475–81. doi:10.1007/s10350-008-9354-9. PMID 18626715.
- ↑ Abbas MA, Jackson CH, Haigh PI (2011). “Predictors of outcome for anal fistula surgery”. Arch Surg. 146 (9): 1011–6. doi:10.1001/archsurg.2011.197. PMID 21930996.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]