Fistula Diagnosis – How Doctors Confirm It | Complete Guide
(Same format, simple language, clinic details unchanged)
Many patients mistake a fistula for piles or a simple boil.
But fistula needs accurate diagnosis because each patient’s fistula is different in depth, direction, and complexity.
Early and correct diagnosis ensures successful treatment and prevents recurrence.
🔍 Why Diagnosis Is Important?
A fistula is a tunnel under the skin.
To treat it properly, we must know:
✔ How deep it is
✔ Where it starts
✔ Where it opens
✔ Whether there are multiple tracts
✔ Whether there is an internal opening
✔ Whether sphincter muscles are involved
Correct mapping avoids recurrence and ensures safe surgery.
🩺 Symptoms That Suggest a Fistula
Before diagnosis, your doctor checks for:
✔ Pus discharge
✔ Pain & swelling
✔ Repeated boils
✔ Itching
✔ Fever (if abscess)
✔ Blood with discharge
If symptoms persist > 2 weeks → tests recommended.
🧪 How Doctors Diagnose a Fistula – Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Clinical Examination
The surgeon checks:
✔ Skin around anus
✔ Opening of fistula
✔ Signs of discharge
✔ Swelling or lumps
✔ Painful points
This gives the first clue.
2️⃣ Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
A gentle examination to understand:
✔ Position of internal opening
✔ Infection inside
✔ Path of the tract
✔ Anal sphincter condition
This step is safe and quick.
3️⃣ MRI Fistulogram (Gold Standard Test)
MRI is the most accurate test for fistula.
It shows:
✔ Exact path of tract
✔ Branches (secondary tracts)
✔ Internal & external openings
✔ Sphincter involvement
✔ Depth & extensions
✔ Any hidden abscess
MRI ensures correct treatment & lowest recurrence.
4️⃣ Ultrasound (2D/3D Endo-Anal)
Used when MRI is not possible.
Shows:
✔ Superficial fistula
✔ Position of tract
✔ Fluid collection
Not as accurate as MRI but still useful.
5️⃣ Fistulogram (X-ray Dye Test)
Rarely used today.
Less accurate compared to MRI.
6️⃣ Probing During Examination
Done gently by the surgeon to:
✔ Identify direction
✔ Confirm opening
✔ Check multiple tracts
⚠️ Only done when safe — excessive probing can increase damage.
🩻 Why MRI Is Essential Before Surgery?
MRI helps decide:
✔ Laser vs other technique
✔ Complexity
✔ Surgery duration
✔ Sphincter safety
✔ Chances of recurrence
For complex or recurrent fistulas → MRI is mandatory.
❗ Why Self-Diagnosis Is Dangerous
Patients often confuse fistula with:
❌ Piles
❌ Fissure
❌ Boil
❌ Skin infection
❌ Hemorrhoids
This leads to delay → turning a simple fistula into a complex one.
💡 Good News — Fistula Diagnosis Is Quick & Painless
✔ No major preparation
✔ No fasting
✔ No hospital stay
✔ Results in a few hours
🧑⚕️ Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali for Fistula Diagnosis?
✔ Expert in anorectal examination
✔ Extensive experience in complex fistulas
✔ MRI-based fistula mapping
✔ Advanced laser treatment
✔ Accurate diagnosis = successful surgery
✔ Low recurrence rates
✔ Personalized post-surgery follow-up
📞 Book Fistula Diagnosis & Evaluation in Thane
Early diagnosis = easier treatment
Delayed diagnosis = complex surgery
📍 Full Clinic & Hospital Details (UNCHANGED – EXACT FORMAT)
🏥 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
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🏥 Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
👨⚕️ Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
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Email: dr.ankur.bhanushali@gmail.com
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📞 +91 86910 33033
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