Anal fistula (anal): causes, symptoms, home treatment and traditional. Fistula, causes and treatment of fistula What is a switch in medicine

A fistula is a canal formed in tissues or organs as a result of ulcerative processes. Fistulas are of two origins. Some appear as a result of operations, the purpose of which was to remove the contents of a certain organ, while others - as a result of pathological processes occurring in the body.

Learning about what a fistula is and what are its causes, you need to familiarize yourself with the following positions:

if a person is faced with chronic periodontitis, fistulas can begin from the roots of the tooth, passing through the gum and jaw;
if an inflammatory process has taken place in the body, then usually its consequences heal for a long time. And if the inflammation has not yet been completely eliminated, rotting may begin in the depths of the tissues. As a result, a purulent fistula is formed;
often the problem arises when postoperative sutures suppuration;
with gunshot wounds, in the case when it was impossible to remove the bullet or splinter, suppuration may appear nearby, which eventually becomes the cause of the fistula.

Symptoms

Different fistulas have their own symptoms that distinguish one type of problem from another. Signs of a fistula in the rectum are:

a small opening near the anus, through which pus usually flows. In this regard, patients have a need to wear a pad, as well as taking a shower several times a day;
pain near the anus. As a rule, they are aching in nature. The strongest are at the moments of bowel movements. They subside only after a certain time after that.

When we talk about bronchial fistulas, then by symptomatology we usually mean specific endobronchitis, which gives out the appearance of fistulas. In the event that you have a fistula that struck the gums, the symptoms are as follows:

toothache that starts to get worse when touched;
the presence of purulent discharge that comes from the fistula canal;
mobile teeth.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnostic activities usually do not pose any particular difficulties. Complaints from patients, medical history, type of fistula, and the amount of pus that are released from it are taken into account.

According to doctors, the qualitative clarification of the diagnosis is facilitated by research procedures that allow to identify the level of hydrochloric acid. Such a diagnosis perfectly determines the presence or, on the contrary, the absence of fistulas in the stomach.

When we talk about urinary fistulas, they are betrayed by the characteristic presence of uric acid salts.

Curative and preventive measures

Usually, fistulas are subject to surgery. Many of them are purulent, which were formed as a result of the operation, are eliminated by removing the ligatures. In this case, a clamp comes to the rescue, stopping the blood.

In addition to eliminating the focus of inflammation, you also need to get rid of the epithelial cover of the fistula. If the fistulas are congenital, then their doctors are removed exclusively with the help of surgical intervention, carrying out this procedure during the first days of the patient's life. Otherwise, the baby may simply die in the first days after birth. At the same time, according to experts, the purulent canals of the fistulas practically do not close on their own.

Lipoid fistulas are considered especially problematic in terms of treatment, since operations aimed at getting rid of them are radical in nature. This is the suturing of the opening of the penis after the mobilization of its walls.

Prevention of those fistulas that are acquired rather than congenital should include preventing infections. It is necessary to strictly follow the rules of asepsis during the solution of the problem by surgery.

As for congenital fistulas, no preventive measures will help here, because the ailment appears in the first three months of pregnancy.

If you know that you have encountered a fistula or have such suspicions, contact your doctor in time for help.

How is a postoperative fistula treated? We will introduce you to the most effective methods of treating ligature fistulas, and also tell you why they appear.

Any, even the simplest, surgical intervention in the human body, as a rule, requires a lot of time to heal wounds. Absolutely all operations end with suture, which should contribute to a faster and better recovery of the patient.

But sometimes it is in the place where the open wound was sutured that a strong inflammatory process begins, which is characterized by reddening of the skin and the formation of pus. All this indicates that the person has begun a rather serious complication that requires immediate and high-quality treatment.

If you do not start fighting the fistula as quickly as possible, then it is likely that the patient may need another surgical intervention.

What is a fistula after surgery, what does it look like?

A fistula formed in the middle of the seam

Fistula is a hollow channel inside the human body that connects human organs with the external environment. Also, the fistula can connect the internal cavity with a benign or malignant formation. As a rule, this tube is lined with epithelium and is a channel through which pus that has formed inside the body after surgery is released.

Outwardly, it looks like an ordinary deep wound, around which the skin is inflamed. A fistula can appear on almost any part of the body, and not necessarily in the place where the incision was. There are times when the inflammatory process occurs for a long time inside the body and a person learns that something is wrong with him only when a characteristic hole appears on his body, secreting purulent masses

But not only pus can be released from the fistula, if the problem has not been fought for a long time, and it has struck the internal organs, then feces, urine and bile can be released from the formed canal

Fistula in the coccyx area

In addition, doctors distinguish between several more types of postoperative fistulas:

Full. Has two outputs at once, which contributes to a faster removal of the inflammatory process and healing
Incomplete. Has only one outlet, which is usually located inside the abdominal cavity. This contributes to the intensive reproduction of pathogenic microflora and intensification of inflammatory processes.
Lip-shaped. In this case, the fistula grows together with dermatological integuments and muscle tissue. It can only be removed surgically.
Granulating. This type of fistula is characterized by the formation of granulation tissue, hyperemia and rather severe edema.
Tubular. Fully formed duct that secretes pus, mucus, and feces

Ligature fistula of the postoperative scar after childbirth, cesarean, appendicitis: signs, causes

Ligature fistula

Ligature- These are special medical threads that doctors use to suture tissue damaged during surgery layer-by-layer. Usually, before using them, an open wound is thoroughly treated with disinfectants and only after that they proceed to suture

But sometimes such actions are not enough, and along with the thread, pathogenic bacteria enter the body, provoking severe suppuration and the formation of a ligature postoperative fistula. As a rule, it is opened after a few days and, together with the pus, the material that was used to sew up the wound comes out of it.

Most often, silk threads provoke such a problem, so recently doctors have begun to use material that dissolves itself after a minimal time period and does not require removal of stitches and additional processing.

The main reason for the development of a postoperative fistula is infection

The main reasons for the appearance of a fistula after surgery:

Orgasm perceives the material that was used to sew up the wound as a foreign body and begins to reject it
The wound itself becomes infected, as well as the ligature
Untimely and poor-quality processing of the postoperative suture
The patient is too old
Excess weight
Reduced immunity

Signs of a fistula:

A seal appears around the incision in the skin, which, when pressed, begins to hurt noticeably. In some cases, pronounced tubercles appear, which secrete an infiltrate

Redness will be clearly visible near the infected scar. Moreover, it will look brightest during the imposition of the ligature.

The temperature can rise very sharply. And since the inflammatory process will intensify in the body all the time, it will not go astray to normal values.

Strong suppuration appears, which, if improperly treated, turns into a rather large oozing

The fistulous opening may tighten for a while and then become inflamed with renewed vigor.

The consequences that cause fistulas

Postoperative fistula can trigger the development of sepsis

By itself, the postoperative fistula does not pose a threat to life. But if the patient lets everything go by chance, then the pathogenic bacteria that are inside the fistulous opening will begin to infect healthy organs and tissues, and this will provoke the appearance of rather serious diseases.

In addition, the body can refuse to respond correctly to treatment therapy, which in turn can also cause quite serious complications.

The most common complications in the treatment of a fistula after surgery are:

Abscess... Purulent masses fill the entire internal cavity of the fistulous opening
Phlegmon. In this case, pus, in addition to tissues, also begins to affect adipose tissue.
Sepsis. There is an opening of the fistulous opening inside the human body. At the same time, pus enters the patient's internal organs.
Fever,provoked by a purulent mass. Temperature readings can rise to maximum levels. In this case, a person can lose consciousness and poorly navigate in space.

Purulent fistula on the surgical suture - treatment

Treatment of a purulent fistula

As you probably already understood, a purulent fistula is not a death sentence, and with proper treatment, it almost always responds well enough to treatment. But still, in most cases, surgery is usually required for a favorable outcome.

If the doctor decides to postpone the intervention, the patient will be prescribed conservative treatment. But it should also be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist and preferably in a hospital setting. Usually, such treatment is aimed at eliminating pathogenic microflora that provokes inflammation.

If the therapy is selected correctly, then the fistulous opening will heal rather quickly and the patient will be able to return to normal life. For the treatment of the inflamed skin area, drugs are usually used that have antiseptic, antibacterial and bactericidal effects.

In addition, the patient must be prescribed antibiotics and vitamins, which help to maintain the body's defenses at a normal level. But right away I want to say that conservative treatment does not give a 100% guarantee that the fistula will not reopen. Therefore, most doctors suggest not to suffer and immediately perform an operation to remove a purulent focus.

Only surgery can help completely get rid of the fistula.

After washing the wound, drainage is usually inserted into it. In the postoperative period, drainage is washed daily and sterile dressings are changed. If after a few days the number of purulent masses does not begin to decrease, then the patient is additionally prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and vitamin E

In addition, dressings with ointments can be used, which will stimulate the healing process. In this case, for example, troxevasin ointment may be prescribed. As soon as the purulent ceases to stand out, the drainage is removed from the wound and then the patient can only monitor so that an infection does not get into it and periodically change the dressing

Folk remedies for the treatment of fistula

It is permissible to treat ligature postoperative fistulas in a trailer using folk methods. Some of the methods described below are good enough to remove inflammation and reduce the amount of pus.

But nevertheless, if you decide to get rid of the problem in this way, then before starting treatment, be sure to consult with a specialist. After all, if you have started your condition very strongly, then it is quite likely that you will only aggravate the course of the disease.

So:

Take equal parts olive oil and strong vodka and mix until smooth. Wipe the resulting mixture 3-4 times a day on the inflamed area of the skin. To enhance the therapeutic effect, you can immediately apply a cabbage leaf scalded with boiling water in advance. So you will not only kill pathogenic microflora, but also contribute to a faster discharge of pus.

To prepare the next miracle of the remedy, you will need a mummy and aloe juice. The mummy must be soaked in boiled water, and when it turns it dark brown, add aloe juice to it. In this solution, you will need to moisten a sterile bandage and apply it to the sore spot.

St. John's wort decoction for the treatment of fistulas

If you need to draw out pus as quickly as possible, then use the familiar herb St. John's wort for this. In this case, it will be possible to use both the broth and the leaves. First, tear off the leaves of St. John's wort, cover them with water, and then simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes. When the broth cools a little, moisten a bandage in it and put the leaves on it in one layer. Fix this bandage on the fistula and leave it applied there for 4 hours. After this time, the bandage must be removed, the sore spot must be treated with hydrogen peroxide, and then a fresh one must be applied.

A decoction of celandine will help you fight the fistula from the inside. If you prepare a decoction from this plant and take it regularly for a month, then the substances that are in its composition will kill the infection located in the fistulous opening and help relieve inflammation. But since this broth thickens the blood very strongly, it will be better if the dosage is determined by the doctor.

You can try to get rid of the fistula with regular brown bread. Take the pulp and sprinkle it lightly with water. When the top layer softens a little, apply the bread to the sore spot and fix it with a sterile bandage. This procedure should be carried out once a day. Be sure to treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide before each znamenny bread. If you do everything correctly, then on about the third day you will see that the fistula has completely cleared of pus and began to tighten

Ointment for the treatment of postoperative fistula

Calendula ointment for fistula healing

Home-made ointments have also proven themselves quite well. They quite well eliminate the cause of the infection and contribute to a faster recovery of the dermatological integument. But in this case, it is extremely important to be very careful about the application of the ointment, as well as the preliminary treatment of the wound.

You need to protect yourself from re-infection of the fistulous opening. After all, if you apply non-sterile dressings and use a product of questionable quality, then it is unlikely that you will improve your condition.

The most popular ointments:

At home, you can also use an ointment that will have both anti-inflammatory and healing properties. To prepare it, you will need pine resin, natural honey, butter, aloe pulp and medical tar. All ingredients are mixed in equal parts and brought to homogeneity in a water bath. The resulting product must be applied to previously disinfected skin areas

Another effective remedy is considered to be an ointment made from fresh calendula flowers. They must be tightly folded in a half-liter jar and filled with melted pork fat or butter. Leave the product in a dark place to brew for 10-12 hours. Then transfer it to an earthen pot and simmer for 48 hours in the oven at 70 degrees. After the ointment has cooled, transfer it to a container with an airtight lid and store in a cool, dark place. The resulting agent can simply lubricate the fistulous opening or make medical dressings from it.

As mentioned a little above, the best way to get rid of a postoperative fistula is to complete its excision. Although this procedure is quite painful and has a fairly long recovery period, it is she who will protect you from the development of complications such as sepsis and phlegmon.

Stages of the operation:

First, the fistulous opening and all the skin around it are treated with antiseptics.
Then anesthetics are injected into the wound area
At the next stage, the wound is carefully dissected and all pus and remnants of the ligature are removed from it.
After that, everything is washed well, drainage is installed and closed with a secondary seam.
In this case, the vessels are not sutured as this can lead to the formation of another fistula.

After surgery, the affected skin area will require special care. The wound will definitely need to be treated with disinfecting solutions (for example, furacilin) and make sure that it is clean and dry all the time. If, even after surgery, excessive granulation is noticeable at the site of fistula formation, then it must be cauterized immediately.

Video: Perineal ligature fistula

Rectal fistula (medical name - fistula) is a through tubular canal that connects the cavity organs. From the inside, the fistula is lined with epithelial cells or "young" connective fibers, which form as a result of tightening and healing of various wounds and local tissue defects. About 70% of rectal fistulas form in the pararectal space and go from morgan crypts (pockets open towards the movement of feces) to the skin. Anorectal fistulas go from the anus directly to the skin.

Treatment of rectal fistulas usually involves the use of surgical methods, as well as mechanical and chemical cleaning of the cavity. Very often, patients diagnosed with purulent rectal fistulas are interested in whether the fistula can be cured without surgery. Experts agree that the treatment of pathology with medication and folk methods is ineffective and can only be used as an auxiliary component to accelerate regenerative processes and quickly restore damaged tissues. There are also methods that allow excision of the fistula without surgical (invasive) intervention, so the patient must have complete information about all the available therapy methods.

Most proctologist surgeons consider surgical treatment to be the most effective method of treating various fistulas, since during the operation the doctor can remove all damaged tissue, which significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. Excision of fistulas with a scalpel refers to invasive, highly traumatic operations that require a long recovery period, so many patients are looking for ways to treat fistulas without surgery. They will be discussed below.

Laser treatment without surgery

This is one of the safest, most effective and least traumatic methods of treating fistulous tracts, which has several advantages. Laser treatment, if indicated, can be performed even in children and adolescents, although some doctors advise against using this technique in children under 10 years of age. Exposure to laser beams does not cause discomfort and painful sensations, and after the procedure there is no need for a rehabilitation and recovery period. After excision of the fistula with a laser, no scars or scars remain on the skin, which is important if the operation is performed in the anorectal zone.

Despite the large number of advantages, laser treatment also has significant disadvantages, including:

high cost (in different clinics, the cost can vary from 20,000 to 45,000 rubles);
rather high probability of relapses and complications (about 11.2%);
side effects in the form of anal itching and burning at the site of excision of the fistula;
the inability to use with purulent fistulas.

Note! Laser excision of fistulous passages is practiced in all private clinics in large cities, therefore, problems with finding a laser proctologist surgeon usually do not arise.

Radio wave therapy

A more modern way to remove rectal fistulas is radio wave therapy. The method is suitable for the treatment of all types of fistulas, and its main advantage is that there is no need to go to the hospital. The patient can go home within 10-20 minutes after the procedure, since it does not require general anesthesia: the doctor performs all actions under local anesthesia (traditionally Lidocaine or Ultracaine is used).

Complete healing and tissue restoration after radio wave excision of the fistula occurs in 48 hours, so if the fistula was removed on Friday, the patient can go to work on Monday (the standard recovery period after surgery is at least 14 days). To determine the most suitable treatment method for themselves, the patient can use the comparative characteristics given in the table below.

Table. Comparative characteristics of various methods of treating rectal fistulas.

Options	Laser treatment	Radio wave therapy	Surgical excision with a scalpel
The need for hospitalization	Usually not required (in some cases, the doctor may recommend observation for 1 to 2 days).	Not required. The patient can leave the clinic 20 minutes after the procedure.	Requires hospitalization of the patient in a hospital 2-3 days before the scheduled operation. After excision, the patient stays in the hospital for about 2-3 weeks.
Using general anesthesia	Not required.	Not required.	Depending on the shape of the fistula and the extent of tissue damage, general pain relief may be required.
Scars and scars after surgery	The probability is less than 5%.	The probability is less than 1%.	The probability is over 92%.
Postoperative pain	None.	None.	They can be disturbed for several months, especially if the patient has a tendency to stool disorders.
Healing and recovery period	2 to 5 days.	48 hours.	Three weeks.
The likelihood of relapses and complications	About 11.2%.	Practically absent.	Complications can arise.
Price	20-45 thousand rubles.	14,000 rubles.	It is carried out free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

Important! Despite all the advantages of non-invasive methods of treating pararectal fistulas (without a scalpel), the doctor should make the final decision on the possibility of using these techniques, based on the degree and severity of the lesion and the general condition of the patient.

Treatment of rectal fistulas with alternative methods

When choosing the most appropriate method of treatment, patients should understand that only surgical therapy is an effective way to treat anorectal and pararectal fistulas. Alternative methods can be used as an aid to relieve inflammation, draw out pus and ensure the outflow of exudate. Some components effectively eliminate pain and accelerate tissue healing, but complete recovery after using even the most effective recipes is impossible. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the fistulous passages, therefore, the recipes below are recommended to be used only as an auxiliary therapy after consulting a doctor.

Honey ointment

Natural honey is one of the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs in traditional medicine. Honey and bee products (propolis, bee bread, royal jelly) contain more than 20 components that soothe the skin, relieve inflammation and stimulate tissue regeneration.

To prepare it, you must:

Mix 5 tablespoons of liquid honey with two tablespoons of melted butter (use only natural butter made from pasteurized cow's cream);
add 15 drops of fir oil to the mixture;
heat in a water bath to a boil and remove from heat;
put in the refrigerator for 8 hours.

The resulting ointment should be applied to the affected area (using a tampon) 5-6 times a day. Treatment should be continued for 3-4 weeks.

Herbal ointment with lard

Recipes based on lard are used for fistulas, accompanied by the formation of purulent exudate. The herbal mixture disinfects the skin, prevents ascending rectal infections and soothes inflamed tissues, accelerating tissue healing and repair. To prepare the ointment, you must:

in a deep bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of oak bark, chamomile and water pepper herbs;
add 300 ml of water and put on low heat for 20 minutes;
cool the broth and strain, then add 4 tablespoons of melted lard to it;
mix everything and put in the refrigerator for solidification.

If the finished ointment is very liquid, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of butter to it, previously chopped with a fine grater, and then put the product back in the refrigerator. The ointment must be applied to a cotton swab and applied to the inflamed area. The tampon should be changed every 3-4 hours. A good healing effect can be achieved after 2-3 weeks of daily use.

Lotions with aloe juice and plantain

The juice squeezed from the leaves of aloe has a pronounced bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Such lotions draw out pus from the wound, ensure its disinfection and reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome. Plantain has a stimulating and regenerating effect, which is why herbalists advise adding this ingredient to traditional aloe treatments.

To squeeze the juice from the leaves of aloe, they must be thoroughly rinsed with cold water, crumpled in your hands and cut along the side line, then squeeze the pulp out of them. Plantain can be used as an infusion: pour 10 g of dried plantain root with a glass of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. All components must be mixed and refrigerated for 1 hour.

A mixture of aloe juice and plantain infusion in the form of lotions is used: a cotton swab must be abundantly moistened with a product and applied to the end of the fistulous course. It is necessary to change the lotions every 4 hours. The duration of use is 2 weeks.

Lotions with calendula

This is the easiest way to treat fistulas at home. For him, you only need an alcoholic tincture of calendula (you can buy it at a pharmacy for 30-50 rubles) and cotton pads or tampons. The tampon must be abundantly moistened with tincture and applied to the fistula for 20-30 minutes. You need to make 5-6 lotions per day. The duration of treatment depends on the tolerance of the components and the existing dynamics. The recommended course of therapy is 7-10 days.

Note! It is necessary to make lotions with alcohol tinctures after hygienic washing. At the beginning of treatment, the patient may feel a strong burning sensation caused by the effect of ethanol on inflamed tissues. If these sensations do not disappear within 30 minutes after removing the tampon, the skin should be rinsed abundantly with running cool water and lubricated with a soothing ointment, for example, "Bepanten".

Olive oil and vodka ointment

This ointment helps to quickly relieve inflammation and has a positive effect on the condition of damaged tissues, stimulating their regeneration. In order for the ointment to be of a thick consistency, it is necessary to purchase any fatty base in advance (glycerin, badger or goose fat, etc.). Mix 5 tablespoons of oil (it is better to use premium oil) with 50 ml of vodka and add 3 teaspoons of glycerin. If animal fat is used for cooking, the required thickness can be achieved using two tablespoons of fat.

All components should be thoroughly mixed and refrigerated for several hours. You need to apply the ointment up to 4-5 times a day; after use, you do not need to rinse it off. Significant improvements are usually observed already on the seventh day of treatment, but in order to achieve a stable result, it is recommended to use the remedy for at least two weeks.

Rectal fistula is an unpleasant, painful pathology that can lead to serious complications if not treated on time. The only effective method of treating rectal fistulas today is excision, which can be performed without surgery and the use of a scalpel. Home methods can be used as adjunctive therapy, but they cannot replace full-fledged treatment.

Video - Excision of the fistula of the rectum

Etiology:

When various inflammatory processes occur in the body, developing into suppuration, a fistula develops. What is a fistula is the formation of a passageway for the removal of a purulent or mixed mass from organs and tissues to the surface.

The surface in this case may not necessarily be the skin. Often, such channels are formed on the path of one hollow organ to another, connecting them, and also its advance can go in the direction of the bone. Thus, fistulas can be conditionally divided into external and internal.

External means the formation and advancement of the flow channel from the focus of the inflammatory process, it can be formed both in the tissues and in the cavity of the organ, to the skin for the withdrawal of fluid to the outside, of a different nature of the content and quantity.

Internal fistulas interconnect the inflamed organ or tissue with another hollow organ and do not have an outlet to the surface, that is, they do not interact with the external environment, and the fluid is withdrawn from the focus of inflammation into the hollow organ.

Types of fistulas are qualified according to different principles, which are based on the relationship with the external environment, the reasons for their occurrence, their biological structure, as well as the separated substance from the fistulous passage.

The relationship of the fistula to the external environment:

External - the formed purulent abscess in the tissues or cavity of the organ finds its way out by the formation of a fistulous passage and opening it on the surface of the body;

Internal - a purulent abscess formed in the tissues or cavity of the organ breaks into another hollow organ.

Fistula causes:

Congenital - arising as an anomaly as a result of malformations of the intrauterine development of the embryo;

Acquired - formed on the basis of the pathology of various diseases, as well as complications after surgery, mechanical damage or rejection of a foreign body by the body;

Artificial - created surgically to maintain the vital functions of the body with its natural incapacity.

The structure of the fistula is divided into:

Epithelialized - the walls of the fistulous opening consist of an epithelial cover;

Granulating (tubular) - the walls of the fistulous tract consist of granulating tissues;

Lubiform - the lumen of a hollow organ with access to the surface of the mucous membrane, which fuses with the skin and is covered with epithelium.

According to the composition of the discharge from the fistula:

purulent fistula;

uric;

intestinal (fecal);

gastric;
bronchial fistula.

The types of fistulas, diagnostic methods and methods of treatment directly depend on the disease that entailed such a complication and requiring mandatory surgical intervention.

The course of the clinical manifestations of the fistula:

With external fistulas, depending on the damage to the body, a funnel-shaped depression of various diameters is observed with the release of fluid, saliva, food particles or air outlet. With the formation of a fistula associated with the digestive organs, on the surface of the epidermis, in the area of the fistula exit, the development of dermatological and infectious diseases caused by skin irritation with digestive juice is observed.

Symptoms for an internal fistula depend on the organs that are connected to each other. If such organs are the large intestine and the stomach, then the patient, in addition to pain in the stomach, complains of belching and vomiting with the smell of feces, indigestion with particles of undigested food, etc.

Diagnosis of a fistula in our time is not problematic. With external fistulas, a probe is used to determine the depth of the fistulous canal, as well as the introduction of a special medical dye into it, which shows the direction and bends of the canal on the way to the organ. Which organ is affected can be recognized by the fluid secreted from the fistula. Internal fistulas are determined by laboratory and ultrasound examinations.

Tooth fistula (dental fistula)

Untimely or poor-quality dental treatment can lead to such a complication as a tooth fistula, which, subsequently, can also take a severe form and cause serious illnesses.

A dental fistula is a kind of drainage canal for draining accumulated fluids from the site of an inflammatory formation. For the body, such disposal is considered salutary, since stagnant purulent masses are partially absorbed through the tissue and can lead to general poisoning of the body, but the benefits of fistulas are one-sided and the appearance of a fistula should be perceived as a health problem.

Reasons for education

The cause of fistula formation is usually a dental disease such as periodontitis or chronic caries. In the inflamed area of the gums, pathogenic bacteria accumulate, which, with active vital activity, adversely affect healthy tissues, which leads to the death of these tissues. With this course of the disease, an ulcer begins to form, at the bottom of which voids appear, as a result of the death of cells that begin to fill the granular tissue.

With the progressiveness of granulating periodontitis, the destruction of soft tissues around the diseased tooth and the penetration of granulating tissues under the periosteum of the alveolar process of the jaw occurs, thus creating a favorable environment in the tooth for the development of bacteria and abundant accumulation of pus in this area. With the active growth of granulations, they destroy the surrounding tissues and, at the level of the apex of the tooth, in the mucous membrane, a defect is formed in the form of a fistulous passage.

Granulations are benign connective tissue that grows rapidly and interferes with the natural healing process. Thus, at the site of the abscess, where the infection progresses successfully, purulent fluid begins to accumulate, which seeks a way out to the surface of the inflammation. At this pressure, granular tissues multiply intensively and begin to form a channel for removing fluid from the focus of infection - a fistulous canal.

The course of the fistulous canal can be not only towards the oral mucosa. Often there are cases when granulations destroy soft tissues and make a move towards the maxillary sinuses, as well as to the outer surface of the cheek - the epidermis, which is a complication of fistula formation.

Complications of neglected fistula

When a fistula forms on the gum, blood-purulent fluid oozes through the fistulous tract as a product of the extensive development of the infection, and if the fistula is not treated in time, then for a long period the body will be poisoned by the liquid pushed out, which means it will be in a constant state of intoxication.

The formation of a dental fistula, which connects the focus of infection and the maxillary sinus, when opened, will drain purulent fluid and provoke the formation of a disease such as sinusitis.

With the formation of a fistulous canal in the soft tissues leading to the surface of the cheek, a small opening forms on the face, from which purulent masses ooze, which presents aesthetic and cosmetic problems. Since granular fistulas can have channel branching, there may be several such holes.

How to recognize a dental fistula

Any dentist can diagnose a fistula, but you can find out about its first manifestations on your own. With pressure on the tooth, painful sensations appear, the diseased tooth is mobile and easily loosened, the appearance of a small growth in the form of a pimple and inflammation of the gums in this area, as well as periodic purulent discharge from the fistula.

Self-treatment of a fistula does not always bring the desired results, since its complete cure is, first of all, getting rid of the immediate cause of its occurrence. Sometimes such causes can no longer be treated and surgical intervention is necessary to completely remove them.

Since a fistula of a tooth (dental fistula) at the initial stage is not a serious problem, it is necessary to visit a dentist immediately if you suspect a fistula and not let it take a neglected form. Timely treatment of the fistula will save the tooth and avoid the above complications.

Fistula on the gum

Fistulas on the gums are nothing more than a complication arising from the inflammatory process in the gums. When an infection affects the bone or soft tissues of the gums, a channel begins to form from the focus of the inflammatory process to remove accumulated pus or bloody-purulent fluid to the surface, that is, a fistula is formed.

The appearance of a fistula clearly indicates that an abscess has formed in a certain area of the gums, in which pathogenic bacteria are actively multiplying, and therefore it becomes necessary to consult a dentist, find out the cause of the fistula and begin to eliminate it.

The reasons for the formation of such a fistula can be:

Inappropriate treatment of tooth decay

Tooth filling requires thorough cleaning of the "hollow" from the bacteria present there, and if such cleaning was not carried out efficiently, then after filling the tooth, they continue to actively multiply and cause an accumulation of pus.

Tooth cyst formation

Leaving the formation of a cyst on the surface of the gums without significant attention, and often such a process is painless and does not provide any particular inconvenience, we risk the fact that at the time of an exacerbation of a chronic disease, a decrease in immunity activity and other reasons, a fistulous canal begins to form from an abscess.

Not completely cured periodontitis or its acquisition of a chronic form

When periodontitis acquires a granulating form, the bone and soft tissues of the gums are destroyed by the growth of granulation tissues, which gradually destroy the nearby healthy cells. The result is a defect in the oral mucosa, in the form of a fistula.

Difficulty erupting a wisdom tooth

With a prolonged process of growth of a wisdom tooth, the gum in this place becomes inflamed and swollen. In an enlarged state, it is constantly traumatized by the opposite tooth from the outside and, trying to germinate, by the tooth from the inside of the gum. Thus, an accumulation of pus and the formation of a fistulous canal can occur in the inflamed area.

The occurrence of fistulas is not always due only to these reasons. Its appearance can be provoked by such additional factors as: weakening of the immune system after previous illnesses, overwork, overheating or hypothermia.

Fistulas on the gums can carry out their course both in the direction of the oral mucosa and outward, on the skin. In the first case, the infection, secreted in the form of pus, enters the body through the esophagus, and internal infection occurs. With an external fistulous course, the aesthetic side is affected and a problem arises in the form of external wounds on the face, neck or cheekbones, from which purulent masses ooze. Timely fistula treatment allows you to avoid many health problems and maintain your appearance.

Or a fistula (from the Latin fistula - tube) - a pathological canal that connects the focus of the disease (abscess, tumor) with the surface or any cavity of the body. Liquid discharge from the affected organ or tissue (urine, pus, intestinal, gastric contents or bile) constantly passes through them, so self-healing often becomes very difficult.

Fistulas can be congenital, acquired and artificial. Congenital are formed in connection with developmental defects. These include median and lateral fistulas of the neck, navel fistulas. Acquired fistulas result from purulent diseases - osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, or trauma to organs and tissues. Sometimes fistulas are artificially created for therapeutic purposes.

Types of fistulas

By their location, fistulas can be internal or external, single or multiple

Depending on the location of the fistula there are purulent, urinary, gastric, salivary, biliary, in the small and large intestines.

Purulent the fistula is located on the surface and is intended for the outflow of purulent discharge from the focus of the inflammatory process. In rare cases, the inflammation goes away on its own, then the suppuration stops and the fistula heals, but then opens again.

Uric A fistula occurs in the ureters, bladder and urethra due to trauma, sometimes it is created artificially.

Gastric a fistula on the stomach is created specially artificially for enteral feeding.

on the small intestine occurs due to complications after surgery or injury, with proper treatment, such a fistula heals quite quickly.

on the large intestine occurs as a result of injury, or it is created artificially, can heal on its own. When the feces pass through the fistula, the skin is injured, so it is imperative to use special ointments.

Gall The fistula occurs as a result of complications after surgery, this fistula has bad consequences, so they must be treated immediately.

Salivary A fistula occurs due to inflammatory processes in the cheeks, ear or neck area, in which case saliva is released.

Causes

Inflammation of a different nature (with the presence of a cavity with an infection), trauma with damage to the organ wall, chronic periodontitis, suppuration of the seams.

Symptoms

Weakness, fever, aching pains (can be very strong), discharge of pus with an unpleasant odor, itching, redness, swelling in the fistula area.

Treatment with folk remedies

- Make candles from potatoes and when they dry out a little, they must be held in the menovasin. And after the enema, insert them into the anus. Repeat the procedure every other day. A week later, potato candles should be processed in an infusion of celandine and also put every other day. So alternate: a week with a candle with menovazin, a week with celandine (fistula in the large intestine).

— Tear off 12 leaves from the bottom of a 2-3 year old aloe flower, rinse well in boiled water, finely chop and pour into a liter jar. Pour fresh honey over the aloe so that it completely covers it, close it and put in a dark place for 8 days, shake well every day. Strain and take the infusion 1 hour spoon 3 times a day before meals. (Ligature fistula).

- Take mummy once a day on an empty stomach for 25-28 days (course of treatment). Dilute the mummy in 2-3 tablespoons of boiled water, or better in milk. If the disease is neglected, repeat the course after 10 days. The required amount of mummy intake per day depends on the person's weight: up to 70 kg. - 0.2g, 80kg - 0.3g, 90kg - 0.3-0.4g, over 90kg - 0.4-0.5g. And for a better result, simultaneously with taking the mummy inside, apply the mummy and externally - rub the affected areas. To do this, dissolve 3 g of mummy in 100 ml of boiled water.

— Miracle ointment... Pour 1 glass of lean (sunflower) or olive oil into an enamel bowl, lower the natural wax (church candles will not work) the size of a matchbox. Put on low heat to melt the wax. Take half of the yolk from a hard-boiled egg, grind and send in small parts to the boiling mixture. The oil immediately begins to foam, so you need to be careful, quickly remove the pan from the heat - let it stir on the sidelines, but at the same time you must constantly stir. Put on the stove and send another piece of yolk to the brew, and so on, until the whole half of the yolk ends. Then strain the mixture through a nylon cloth. Store the ointment in the refrigerator, warm it up a little before use. (Purulent otitis media, all abscesses, fibroma, ulcer, gangrene, burns).

— All take 50g. Mix rosin, natural wax and honey, unsalted lard (melted lard), household soap and lean oil (sunflower). Grind and boil all components. When the mass cools down a little, add chopped onions, aloe and garlic. Put on the stove, let it boil and insist, wrapped, for 2 hours. Strain and lubricate sore spots, before use, heat the ointment in a water bath. (Gangrene, abscesses, boils, fistulas, bough udders).

— Take 1 liter of vegetable oil, 30ml of fresh juice from one whole stem and 100ml of refined kerosene. Mix all components thoroughly and leave in a cool dark place for 7 days, shaking occasionally. Soak a sterile napkin with the resulting mixture and apply to the sore spot. Change the bandage 2 times a day for 2 weeks. Shake the mixture constantly before each use. (Gangrene, purulent wounds, ulcers, boils, fistulas, bough udders).

- Bring 2 liters to a boil, toss the peeled 2 medium-sized onions and 4 cloves of garlic into the milk. Boil for 2 minutes, cool slightly, and sit on it, wrapping a blanket around it. Sit while the milk is hot. Such procedures should be carried out daily until recovery. You can use the same milk every time.

- Take equal amounts of beeswax, lamb fat, spruce resin, honey and finely chopped garlic. Mix all the ingredients, put in a frying pan and, stirring constantly, melt over low heat. Apply a sterile gauze cloth soaked in this mixture to the surface of the boil, abscess, fistula or purulent wound. Such « plaster "quickly hardens, draws out pus well, cleanses and disinfects wounds.

- Take 5 handfuls of sifted ash in 7 liters of water, boil for half an hour, stand and strain. Take a bath of warm lye for 20-30 minutes, you can simply rinse the wound with this solution. Small thread-like worms - the culprits of the disease - should come out into the water. Depending on the severity of the disease, this needs to be done several times, but sometimes 2-3 times are enough for the wound to be cleansed, healed and the fistula no longer appears.

- Take 100g each - spruce resin, inner lard and beeswax. Stir, boil and cool. Apply a bandage with the resulting ointment to the treated wound. (Ulcers, burns, fistulas).

— Grate the floor of a piece of laundry soap and mince 4 onions. Melt 50g of unsalted butter over low heat in a saucepan, add onion to it and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then add 300 g of interior lard, grated soap and stir constantly over low heat until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Put 2 church candles or 50 g of pure wax and simmer for another 5 minutes over low heat. Strain and put the mass in a clean, sterilized container and store in the refrigerator. The ointment can be warmed up before use. (Fistulas, purulent wounds).