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Anal fistula in Murcia: questions answered by Dr. Cutillas
In short
- What it is: a small abnormal tunnel between the inside of the anal canal and the skin around the anus, usually after an abscess.
- Treatment: surgical in most cases, always aiming to preserve the function of the sphincter.
- Recovery: 2 to 4 weeks for simple fistulas; longer for complex ones.
- Who: Dr. José Cutillas Abellán, digestive surgeon and specialist in coloproctology, who sees patients in English, Spanish and French.
- Where: Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, 30007 Murcia, Spain.
- Appointments: message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47.
What is an anal fistula?
At Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city, anal fistulas are treated on an individual basis by Dr. Cutillas Abellán, a specialist in coloproctology. An anal fistula is a small abnormal tunnel that connects the inside of the anal canal with the skin around the anus. It usually forms after an anorectal abscess that has not healed properly. The fistula tract persists because the inside is still infected and cannot close naturally.
What are the symptoms of an anal fistula?
The most common symptoms are a constant or intermittent discharge of pus or fluid from an opening near the anus, pain in the area (especially when passing stools or sitting), swelling and redness around the anus, and repeated abscesses. Sometimes the external opening can be seen with the naked eye.
Can an anal fistula be cured without surgery?
An anal fistula rarely heals by itself. The definitive treatment is surgical in most cases. However, the type of surgery depends on how complex the fistula tract is and how it relates to the sphincter. The aim is always to remove the fistula while preserving the function of the sphincter as much as possible, to avoid continence problems.
What types of surgery are there for anal fistula?
The most widely used techniques are fistulotomy (opening the tract), setons (a thread that gradually closes the fistula), mucosal advancement flaps, and techniques with fibrin glue or collagen plugs for complex fistulas. Dr. Cutillas chooses the most suitable technique according to the characteristics of each fistula and each patient.
How long does recovery take after anal fistula surgery in Murcia?
Recovery depends on how complex the fistula is and the technique used. For simple fistulas, recovery can take 2 to 4 weeks. For complex fistulas, it can take longer and need more than one operation. It is essential to follow Dr. Cutillas’s instructions after surgery to ensure the best possible healing.
How do I book an appointment with Dr. Cutillas for an anal fistula?
Dr. José Cutillas Abellán is a specialist in digestive surgery and coloproctology in Murcia, with extensive experience in the treatment of complex anal fistulas. He sees patients in English, Spanish and French. For a private consultation, message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47 (please write rather than call), or visit us at Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, 30007 Murcia, Spain.
More information in English
- Digestive surgery in Murcia with Dr. Cutillas
- Questions and answers about Dr. Cutillas
- Haemorrhoid treatment without surgery
- Inguinal hernia: questions and answers
Anal fistula treatment in Murcia for patients from Alicante, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa
Many of Dr. Cutillas’s English-speaking patients live in Murcia city, the golf resorts near the airport (Corvera, Altaona, Sucina), the Mar Menor (Los Alcázares, San Javier, La Manga), Cartagena, Camposol and Mazarrón, and the Costa Blanca: Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Alicante.
Ananda Centro Médico Estético is in Murcia city, about 25 minutes by car from Región de Murcia International Airport (Corvera), around 45 minutes from Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, and about an hour from Alicante. If you are coming over from the UK for a few days, it is easy to fit your appointment into your stay.
Would you like an assessment with Dr. Cutillas?
Write to us in English and we will arrange your appointment.
