Anal Fistula Treatment
The goals of treatment for a perianal fistula are the complete closure of the fistula, the elimination of sepsis (if present), the prevention of recurrence, and continence (continued ability to control bowel movements). Combined medical and surgical treatments are used to treat perianal fistulas. Having a multidisciplinary team which includes a gastroenterologist, radiologist, and colorectal […]
Diagnosing Anal Fistulas
Diagnosing Anal fistulas rest on identifying Perianal fistulas often present as small holes or red bumps on the skin, and healthcare providers can find most external openings during a physical exam. During the exam, they will press on the skin where they suspect a fistula to determine if there is a drainage. Often the area […]
289- Types of Anal Fistulas
This publication discusses different types of anal fistulas. Healthcare providers classify anal fistulas by where they are in relation to the anal sphincter muscles. These are the muscles that control bowel movements. There are specific names based on the fistula location. These include the following: Learn more
297- Crohn’s complex perianal fistulas (CPF)
What is crohn’s complex perianal fistulas? People with Crohn’s disease may experience fistulas forming in different parts of the intestines, with another organ, such as the bladder, or through to the skin surface. However, perianal fistulas are the most common type of fistula in Crohn’s disease and can be referred to as perianal Crohn’s fistulizing […]
145- Anal Fistulas: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Perianal fistulas often present as small holes or red bumps on the skin, and healthcare providers can find most external openings during a physical exam. Symptoms of anal fistulas include: Read this publication to learn about other common symptoms and causes
288- Treatment for Anal Fistulas
The goals of treatment for Anal Fistulas The goals of treatment for a perianal fistula are the complete closure of the fistula, the elimination of sepsis (if present), the prevention of recurrence, and continence (continued ability to control bowel movements). Combined medical and surgical treatments are used to treat perianal fistulas. Having a multidisciplinary team […]
144- Anal Fistulas: A Brief Overview
What are anal fistulas? Learn more A fistula is an abnormal connection or tunnel between two organs or two tissue surfaces. An anal fistula is known medically as “fistula-in-ano” and is sometimes also referred to as perianal fistula.
409- Working With Your Healthcare Provider
Working with your healthcare provider can help make managing your condition easier A partnership between a patient and healthcare provider is essential when managing all chronic illnesses. Because the time spent with your healthcare provider is both limited and valuable, you can maximize it by following some simple guidelines before and after the visit. Learn […]
421- Personal Daily Diary for All GI Disorders
How can using a personal daily diary for symptoms help when monitoring your GI Disorder? Using a Personal Daily Symptom Diary for 2–4 weeks can help you learn more about how your body may be reacting to certain things in your life, such as diet, exercise, stress, and sleep. A Daily Diary aims to help […]
411 How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are more common than people think. Even though almost everyone has occasional bouts of GI issues, thousands of people have chronic and severe GI disorders that can make it impossible for them to work. If you have worked in the past but can’t work now because of a GI disorder that you expect to last a year or more, you can file a […]
Anal Fistulas
What is an anal fistula? A fistula is an abnormal connection or tunnel between two organs or two tissue surfaces. An anal fistula is known medically as “fistula-in-ano” and is sometimes also referred to as perianal fistula. Perianal refers to the area of the body surrounding the anus, and particularly the skin in that area. […]
116 – Doctor – Patient Communication
Functional GI disorders present a special challenge to the doctor-patient interaction for several reasons. First, functional GI disorders are characterized, in most cases, by vague symptoms of variable intensity. Many times, these symptoms involve the most intimate anatomic areas of the body. The sensitivity of these issues can complicate the task for the patient who needs to express them in terms that the physician can interpret to formulate a diagnosis. Secondly, the physician is hampered by the absence of obvious structural lesions that often lessens the likelihood of devising a specific medical intervention that is successful. In some cases, the physician’s own anxiety can be increased by the lack of a symptom complex that leads to well-understood disease entity, such as parasites or lactose intolerance. This deficiency, in turn, often leads both physician and patient to over-investigate the symptoms. So what are the ingredients that comprise successful doctor-patient communication about the functional GI disorders?