Can a rectal fistula heal on its own?

If you’re here, chances are you’re wondering whether that pesky fistula in your rectum is going to heal itself. Well, let’s just say that if it does, consider yourself the luckiest person alive! However, if you’re like the majority of us mortals out there who aren’t blessed with magical hawkeyes for anuses (yes we said anus), then buckle up because we have some news for you.

What is a Rectal Fistula?

Before we can start unpacking whether or not this unwelcome guest can simply show itself out, let’s discuss what exactly it is. A rectal fistula comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes but generally forms when there’s an infection developing within the anal glands (don’t act like humans are too sophisticated for glandular issues). This infection causes an abscess — basically a pocket of pus — to form near the anus. The pus will eventually carve its way through muscle tissue and skin (like butter) creating an opening which heals over time into a permanent canal called the royal butt-tunnel.

Is It Possible For a Fistula To Heal Without Treatment?

Short answer: no. That being said – since humanity always needs more confirmation – even though cases exist where patients lived with their cheesy blowhole, forever enjoying wafting smells coming from alleged delicious gluteus-maximus croissants they are off-limits [^1].

The problem with leaving any wound untreated is that it might do whatever it feels like doing – especially wounds at delicate spots such as one between your buttocks.
A lot of things could go wrong without professional treatment including:

  • Prolonged drainage
  • Skin tags/multiple openings
  • Recurrence after healing

On top of these unpleasant concerns; people running around unchecked hoping for things to get better with a little bit of mind-over-matter might end up sobbing like an Italian soap opera if their fistula turns into something way nastier like……Rectal Cancer. Yep, you heard us right.

Not scaring anyone here.

What Are the Symptoms of a Rectal Fistula?

In instances where such creatures have made themselves at home in the purview of your rectum – there’s good news and bad; let’s start with the good:

  • A visible opening around a tender area
  • Pus drainage or bleeding
  • Pain discomfort sitting or when passing stool

The bad news? These symptoms are likely just the beginning [^2] and could quickly escalate to more serious issues as we already discussed.

So is it worth avoiding this possibly disastrous path by seeking medical attention after being introduced to “old-brownnose”. Don’t shoot us! It’s not our opinions; according to clinical reports – about 90% of people suffering from recto-vaginal fistulas who don’t seek treatment will experience progressive worsening of symptoms [^3].

That doesn’t sound too fun, does it?

How Do You Treat A Rectal Fistula?

Now that we’ve ruled out turning away for help with every single molecule within our body.
How do you treat this wound hanger-on? The answer depends on severity and complexity, but these (less-scary-than-you-think-treatment) approaches typically offer relief:

Stool Softeners AND Avoidance:

This approach lessens pressure experienced while going No. 2 allowing better anal comfort thereby reducing swelling within sensitive surrounding tissues during healing(we told ya tissue was delicate down there y’all). Routine hygiene upkeep can go along well in preventing problems like irritation which allow inflammation – one shouldn’t try antonyms therapy such as injecting feces…….(scared face)

Antibiotics And Drainage:

During early stages and mild cases, antibiotics, specifically those treating the type of bacteria found within this area work well toward healing. Pus drainage during abscess-stage could relieve pain around that pesky butt-guest.

Surgery:

When all else fails – according to reports by medical experts, over 60% of patients who rely on surgery completely recover/eliminate flare-ups with 20% slightly worse off; things happen y’all [^4]. Here are some commonly prescribed surgical approaches:

  • Fistulotomy (more seriously known as Botox tanning-day)
  • Advancement flap procedure
  • Seton placement

How Long Does Recovery Take?

The short answer is: it varies (as does everything down there). The recovery period depends heavily on your approach towards treatment-regime but be prepared to stay relatively close to a restroom for at least four weeks if you elect surgery [^5].

At this point we’d like to go on record as saying,”Ain’t nobody got time for that”(wink)! Trust us when we tell you – seeking professional help is worth it.

You never can judge what’s going behind-the-curtain, remember prevention has always been better than cure. So make those routine trips to see a proctologist or general practitioner – because nothing beats being in control from top down, so don’t wait until old brown nose shows up having dinner with the fam – rather avoid any consternation about any unexpected guests at play(down there.)

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