How is an anal fistula treated?

Anal fistula, also known as fistula-in-ano, can be primarily treated with medication, surgical intervention, or traditional Chinese medicine approaches. 1. In terms of medication treatment, for newly developed anal fistulas, anti-infective therapy can be administered through oral antibiotics such as cefixime or amoxicillin capsules. Additionally, warm water sitz baths with potassium permanganate solution can be used, along with topical application of erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment to help prevent infection. 2. Surgical treatment is the main approach for managing anal fistulas and includes techniques such as incision and drainage, seton placement, and fistulectomy. The key to successful surgery lies in properly addressing the internal opening, fistulous tract, and abscess cavity to ensure adequate drainage and complete removal of diseased tissue. Simple, low-lying fistulas are typically treated with incision and drainage, whereas high-lying or complex fistulas may be better managed with seton placement. Regular wound dressing changes are necessary after surgery to promote healing. 3. Regarding traditional Chinese medicine treatments, commonly used clinical methods include debridement and drainage, removal of necrotic tissue, detoxification and tissue regeneration, and cupping to reduce cavity size, all of which are applicable to patients with anal fistulas in varying conditions. If you have any concerns, please consult a relevant physician.