New Techniques in Management of Fistula-in-Ano

Abstract

The meaning of the word fistula comes directly from its Latin counterpart which means “pipe”, In medical terminology, a fistula translates to an abnormal connection between a set of organs or vessels that donot normally connect e.g. the connection between the distal alimentary tract and the integument. For years, it has been accepted that the abnormal communication of the lower gastrointestinal system with the perianal region is due to a cryptoglandular infection.It is believed that the anal crypts become blocked by inspissated debris or stool. As a result, an infection develops at the anal glands, which extends in a path of least resistance, forming an abscess in the intersphincteric space leading to the development of a fistula in about one third of patients. In clinical routine, classification according to