DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i03.089

Pages: 1471-1476

Fistula-in-ano is considered as one of the commonest cause for a persistent seropurulent discharge, irritating the skin in the neighbourhood and causes discomfort. This study deals with its etiology, especially in relation to previously burst opened perianal abscess or surgical drainage. The different modes of treatment and their efficacy will be dealt in detail. This is necessary to know the better treatment of choice. Fifty patients were selected who were diagnosed as fistula in ano admitted in Chigateri General Hospital and Bapuji hospital, Davangere during June 2007 to May 2009. Patient underwent definitive treatment. Data related to the objectives of the study were collected. Majority of patients belonged to the age group of 31 -60 years which accounts for 31 (62%) of patients. Male: Female ratio is 11.5:1. Most of the fistulas are low anal 37 (74%) and 34 (68%) of patients developed fistula in a previously burst opened or surgically drained perianal abscess. About 33 (66%) of external openings are posterior to the anal axis of which 26 (52%) followed the Goods all’s rule. Fistulectomy is commonly performed i.e., in about 34 (78%) of cases and the operated wound is healed in a range of 2 weeks to 8 weeks with a mean duration 4 weeks. The postoperative complications were very minimal, there was recurrence of fistula in 1 case (2%) after 30 days and it was excised again. We conclude that the previously burst opened or surgically drained perianal abscess is the main aetiological factor for fistula in ano. Even with advent of newer modalities of treatment fistulectomy is the commonest and best procedure undertaken probably to get rid of the infective pathology. The postoperative complications were very less and the newer modalities of treatment yet to be implemented.