Fistula-in ano is an abnormal communication between the anal canal or rectum and perianal skin, which causes a chronic inflammatory response. The most common cause is nearly always by a previous ano-rectal abscess. This study was intended for a clinico-pathological analysis of fistula-in ano and their diagnostic and treatment modalities based on various demographic features and associated conditions. 150 patients were selected who were diagnosed as fistula-in ano admitted and underwent surgical interventions during December 2017 to June 2019. Data related to objectives of the study were collected and analysed. Patients belonging to the age group 31-50 constituted the majority (60%). There was male predominance with ratio of 2.4:1. Half (49.3%) of the cases had DM and 65.3% had perianal abscess before. Most fistula were low anal (80%). MRI Fistulogram was the most sensitive investigation. Fistulectomy was done in three-fourth (n-113, 75.3%). There was no complication in majority and most common complication observed was wound infection (15.3%). In majority (81.3%) of the cases the surgical wound healed by 4 weeks. There was statistically significant difference (p-0.001) in time taken to heal between diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Non-specific inflammation was the histopathology report in 146(97.3%) cases but Tuberculosis was seen in 2 cases.

Keywords: Fistula-in ano, Fistulotomy, Fistulectomy, Perianal abscess, MRI Fistulogram.

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Noufal TB

Resident, Department of General Surgery, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital,395, Sarojini Naidu Road, Sidhapudhur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India  – 641044