Recommended by physicians and pharmacists for over 50 years to provide comfortable relief from occasional constipation

A fistula is a connection or tunnel between the anal gland and the buttocks, usually very close to the anal opening. An anal fistula is almost always the result of an anal abscess. There are other problems such as Crohn's disease which may be the underlying cause of the fistula.¹

An abscess produces considerable pain and swelling just adjacent to the anal opening. Fever may also be present. A fistula produces drainage from the anal canal to the opening of the fistula on the buttocks.¹

When a fistula is caused by Crohn's disease, your doctor may recommend treatment with specific prescription medications.¹

In surgical treatment, the sphincter muscle is generally cut to open the tunnel, thereby connecting the internal and external openings of the fistula. A groove is formed which then slowly heals and forms scar tissue. During the healing process, stool softeners and sitz baths are frequently recommended.¹

In Women - Rectovaginal fistulas may occur as the result of perineal injury during childbirth, as well as from other forms of trauma such as cancer or Crohn's disease. Rectovaginal fistulas cause passage of flatus and sometimes feces through the vagina.

A variety of options exist for treating rectovaginal fistulas. The approach must be tailored to the individual fistula taking into account its size, location and cause.² The fistulas resulting from radiation or inflammatory bowel disease can be particularly challenging. Still a cure is possible if a good repair with well-vascularized tissue is performed.¹