Knowing Perianal Fistula, a Disease Suffered by Nadiem Makarim

Nadiem Makarim underwent a follow-up trial at the Corruption Court, Jakarta, Monday, May 11 (ANTARA)

YOGYAKARTA - Perianal fistula, also called anal fistula, has recently become a public discussion after it was known that the former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, had undergone surgery several times due to the disease. Nadiem also had a trial with cross-infusion attached to his hand.

Reported from the Cleveland Clinic, the following will discuss what perianal fistula is, symptoms, to its risk factors. So be sure to read to the end so that you can recognize this disease so that it is not too late to get medical treatment.

What is Perianal Fistula?

A perianal fistula is an abnormal channel formed between the inside of the anus and the surrounding skin. This condition usually occurs due to an infection in the anal glands that develops into an abscess or a pocket of pus. When the abscess ruptures or drains, a small channel is formed that connects the inside and outside of the anus.

A perianal fistula usually appears at the top of the anus, where the anal glands are located. When these glands are infected, fluid from the infection can form a fistula channel. This infection is called a perianal abscess.

This condition is more common in men than women. About half of people who have anal gland infections will develop a fistula. That's why early treatment of infections in the anal area is very important to prevent further complications.

Symptoms of Perianal Fistula

Here are some of the common symptoms experienced by people with perianal fistulas:

Pain in the anus, usually feels painful and throbbing. This pain can feel heavier when you defecate, cough, or sit. The buttocks can also feel painful if touched. Swelling and redness (inflammation) inside or around the anus. This is a sign of active infection under the skin (cellulitis). Fluid coming out of around the anus. This fluid can be pus, feces, or blood (bleeding from the anus). Sometimes this fluid can smell.

Less common symptoms:

Pain when urinating. It is difficult to hold a bowel movement. Causes of Perianal Fistula

The most common cause of perianal fistula is a perianal abscess, which usually forms due to an infection in the anal gland. An abscess is a pocket containing pus that appears at the site of the infection. This pus must be removed to prevent the occurrence of perianal fistula.

Sometimes, doctors deliberately make a channel to remove pus from the abscess. However, often the wound does not heal perfectly, leaving a fistula.

Causes of an anal fistula that are rare include:

Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the anus. Tuberculosis that attacks the anal area. Traumatic injuries or previous surgery in the anus. Radiation therapy for cancer in the pelvic area. Actinomycosis, a rare bacterial infection that causes abscesses, sometimes occurs in the area around the anus. Hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes abscesses in the sweat glands, sometimes also occurs around the anus. Risk Factors for Perianal Fistula

The following conditions may increase a person's risk of developing a perianal fistula:

Male gender. Having or having had perianal abscess (boil around the anus) before. Having inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease). Having had surgery or radiation therapy in the area around the anus. Having a weak immune system (immunocompromised) or prone to infection. Having a chronic sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Those are some things you need to know about perianal fistula. By knowing the symptoms, causes and risk factors, you can be more aware of this condition. Don't hesitate to consult a medical professional if you experience suspicious symptoms. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications.

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