{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Glossary","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary","author_name":"Glossary","author_url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/author\/adminglossary\/","title":"Anal fistula - Definition of Anal fistula","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"fhc2zYWpDC\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/anal-fistula\/\">Anal fistula<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/anal-fistula\/embed\/#?secret=fhc2zYWpDC\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"&#8220;Anal fistula&#8221; &#8212; Glossary\" data-secret=\"fhc2zYWpDC\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n<\/script>\n","description":"Fistula which develops between the rectum and the outside of the body after an abscess near the anus.Formation of an abnormal channel between the anal canal and the skin surrounding the anus. The continual discharge of watery pus from the fistula can irritate the skin and result in itching, discomfort, and pain. Most anal fistulas are caused by abscesses (pus-filled sacs) that spread from inside of the anus to the outer surface of the skin. Sometimes, a fistula may result from Crohn disease, colitis, or colon cancer. The doctor will perform tests, such as X rays and a sigmoidoscopy.An anal fistula refers to an abnormal passageway that connects the inner lining of the anal canal to the surrounding skin near the anus.An anal fistula can serve as an indication of underlying conditions such as Crohn's disease, colitis, or colon and rectal cancer. However, in most instances, it arises from the formation of an abscess within the anal wall, the cause of which is often unknown. The abscess then releases pus, which can flow through the anus and onto the surrounding skin.The surgical treatment for an anal fistula involves the surgical opening of the abnormal channel and removal of its lining. This procedure is conducted under general anesthesia. Following the surgery, the wound is left to heal naturally."}