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How Do I Treat a Fistula with Pus?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The primary treatment for a fistula with pus is antibiotic medication and, often, surgery. Most fistula surgeries are uneventful, and they heal quickly. Some patients may not realize they have a fistula until additional issues, such as abscesses, develop. Most fistulas occur due to a previous abscess, although they may not appear until many months later. By this time, patients may not realize what is going on with their bodies until a medical professional checks them.

A fistula is a tunnel, or passage, beneath the skin. It usually runs from one gland to another within the anal or rectal cavity. Most fistulas are formed when someone has an abscess on or around the anus. An abscess is a skin infection which usually leads to a large pimple-like skin eruption. Eventually, the area will open up and drain pus. Abscesses are often very painful until this drainage occurs. Sometimes a fistula can also occur higher up in the intestines, in the urinary tract, or around the genitals.

A fistula is an oppening beneath the skin often running between the glands of the rectal cavity.
A fistula is an oppening beneath the skin often running between the glands of the rectal cavity.

Sometimes after an abscess drains, the area beneath it remains open and creates a tunnel underneath the skin. This tunnel connects glands, pores, and other open areas of tissue. Bacteria can travel easily within this tunnel, and additional abscesses may occur. The passage, or fistula, may drain pus continuously, or it may be closed off after awhile and recurrent abscesses might result.

If the fistula with pus is suspected in the urinary tract, x-rays may be performed to secure a diagnosis.
If the fistula with pus is suspected in the urinary tract, x-rays may be performed to secure a diagnosis.

Fistulas are officially diagnosed through diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy. If the fistula with pus is suspected in the urinary tract or vagina, x-rays may be performed to secure a diagnosis. If there is no active infection, medication may be given as a first line of defense for a fistula. Antibiotics are the most common, as they can help kill any infectious bacteria found in the urinary, reproductive, or digestive tracts.

Sometimes a fistula can occur higher up in the intestines.
Sometimes a fistula can occur higher up in the intestines.

Treatment of for a fistula with pus is usually surgery. The area of skin where the tunnel is located will be cut out and fully removed. This is usually around the rectum or lower anus. Smaller fistulas can often be taken care of as an outpatient procedure, although some larger ones are removed in the hospital. Recovery time is generally short, and patients can be get back to their normal routines within a matter of days in most cases.

Patients with a fistula may experience fever and chills.
Patients with a fistula may experience fever and chills.

It can be hard to recognize a fistula with pus for what it is. Sometimes a fistula will not become apparently until weeks, or even months, after the initial infection. Patients may notice pain around the rectum or in the anus, and they may experience chills, fever, and discomfort. Having bowel movements may also be uncomfortable, and pus often drains out of the rectum. These symptoms can be worrisome, and patients are urged to see a doctor if they notice anything out of the ordinary.

Most fistulas are formed when a person has an abscess on or around the anus.
Most fistulas are formed when a person has an abscess on or around the anus.

Sometimes a fistula with pus will occur at the same time as additional abscesses. Once a skin infection takes hold, it can be difficult to get rid of it entirely. This is especially true if the first abscess was not properly or entirely drained. Those with severe or recurrent abscesses may require continued treatment. Surgery to remove both the abscess and the fistula may be needed.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

I used to have a fistula that was getting re-infected periodically. Around that time, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and started getting treatment for it. The fistula reduced in size and the antibiotics became more effective after that. So it's a good idea to treat underlying conditions too.

literally45

@SarahGen-- Has she had an x-ray? She might need to go ahead with surgery and let the doctor look for the fistula in the process. That's what happened to me and they ended up finding two!

Unfortunately, fistula surgery is painful too. I was in a lot of pain and I had multiple surgeries. An opening was left with a string for each fistula after my initial surgery to let the pus drain. I had to go back to have those removed and to get stitched after a few months.

It all turned out well though. I'm two years post operation and I'm completely fine now. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to treat infected fistulas because they only show symptoms when things have gotten quite bad.

SarahGen

My sister probably has a fistula. That's what her doctor suspects because she has all the symptoms -- pain and pus from the anal area. But they haven't been able to find the fistula yet. She has had a few diagnostic tests and was put on oral antibiotics which helped for a little bit. But her symptoms are back now and she's back at the doctor's office. I hope they find the fistulas and remove them soon. The poor thing is suffering.

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    • A fistula is an oppening beneath the skin often running between the glands of the rectal cavity.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      A fistula is an oppening beneath the skin often running between the glands of the rectal cavity.
    • If the fistula with pus is suspected in the urinary tract, x-rays may be performed to secure a diagnosis.
      By: joshya
      If the fistula with pus is suspected in the urinary tract, x-rays may be performed to secure a diagnosis.
    • Sometimes a fistula can occur higher up in the intestines.
      By: AlienCat
      Sometimes a fistula can occur higher up in the intestines.
    • Patients with a fistula may experience fever and chills.
      By: Serhiy Kobyakov
      Patients with a fistula may experience fever and chills.
    • Most fistulas are formed when a person has an abscess on or around the anus.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Most fistulas are formed when a person has an abscess on or around the anus.
    • Patients with a fistula may notice pain around the rectum or in the anus.
      By: kocakayaali
      Patients with a fistula may notice pain around the rectum or in the anus.
    • A fistula can occur around the genitals.
      By: isyste
      A fistula can occur around the genitals.
    • Ibuprofen may be used to reduce fever associated with a fistula.
      By: denebola_h
      Ibuprofen may be used to reduce fever associated with a fistula.
    • Doctors perform a colonoscopy to look at the inner lining of the large intestine, and sometimes find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, inflammation and other abnormalities.
      By: 7activestudio
      Doctors perform a colonoscopy to look at the inner lining of the large intestine, and sometimes find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, inflammation and other abnormalities.