Ayurvedic Treatment Of Fistula In Ano
The lifestyle we follow has a great impact on our health. With advancement in machineries and technology, mechanical burden for running life has been reduced in great amount. This has led to more and more sedentary mode of living. Competitive world has bounded us in a very hectic schedule of works such that we rarely think and care about own health.
These changes in our lifestyle has led to the epidemic of lifestyle related non-communicable diseases. Amongst the growing health problem, ano-rectal diseases are now being seen too often. And treatment of fistula in ano tops the chart amongst the ano-rectal diseases.
What is Fistula in ano?
In technical terms, it is a track lined by inflammatory tissues which connects the superficial skin layer around anus to anal canal or even rectum deeply. The infection of anal glands which normally secrete mucus to lubricate anal region, initiates the fistula in ano.
Infection produces cell debris which blocks the draining duct and hence abscess is formed. The infection progresses further building the track alongside and manifesting itself as the condition of fistula in ano.
Sign and Symptoms of fistula in ano
- Pus discharge from the track
- Perianal skin irritation
- Difficulty while sitting
- Throbbing pain in the buttocks
- Presence of external opening/s in the perianal skin
- Pain during defecation
Ayurvedic approach or treatment of fistula in ano
Condition alike fistula in ano has been termed as Bhagandara in Ayurveda. The etiological factors causing Bhagandara has been attributed to
- Unhealthy food habits
- Trauma
- Infection
- Sedentary mode of lifestyle
- Obesity
Bhagandara is recognized as a condition in which patient experiences severe splitting and tearing pain in perianal and pelvis region.
Management of fistula in ano
Surgical procedures of excision of track, incision and drainage of track, placing of seton wire are the usual practice for management of fistula in ano in mainstream medicine.
Ayurveda has a unique approach in the treatment of fistula in ano. Ksharsutra intervention is the choice of treatment from ayurvedic point of view. Ksharsutra is a medicated thread prepared by soaking and drying a thread in alkaline medium prepared from various kind of herbs. Thus prepared thread acquires alkaline properties.
Intervention like incision and drainage of abscess in the condition of fistula in ano does not seem to be sufficient. Since the source of infection persist even after the drainage of abscess, some other intervention that could mitigate this source would be helpful.
As Ksharsutra is alkaline in nature and the progress of infection is highly reduced in an alkaline environment, use of Ksharsutra becomes effective.
How is Ksharsutra applied for treatment of fistula?
Normally a trained Ayurveda physician finds the track route with per rectal examination and through radiograph investigation usually fistulogram. Complete blood and serological tests of the patient is done. If all the test reports are okay, ksharsutra is inserted into the track with the help of ductile metal probe and then tied externally.
Depending upon the length of the track, healing duration varies. Alternate day dressing and thread change on weekly basis are continued until the track is healed properly. Other supplementary treatment such as medication, diet and lifestyle counselling are also advised by the physician.
Why Ksharsutra?
Ksharsutra in general cuts, cleanse and heals the fistular tract for the treatment of fistula. Repeated tightening of the ksharsutra generates pressure necrosis of the inflammatory tissue lining the track and thus removing the track slowly. Presence of ksharsutra in the track ensures the proper drainage of cell debris and reduces the progress of infection. Anti-inflammatory constituents driven from herbs to the ksharsutra enhances the healing the track.
Other than these:
- Minimal trauma and no tissue loss as compare to surgical excision.
- Can be performed under local anesthesia
- Patient remains fully ambulatory and can perform his/her daily activities
- Cost effective method
- Less days of hospital stay
- Recurrence rate is very low
- Fine scar is formed as compared to ugly scar formation in other surgical operation
Treatment of fistula in ano with the application of ksharsutra has a high success and low recurrence rate. Ksharsutra procedures are profoundly available in many clinics in Nepal. Please consult only with authorized and trained physician before treating fistula in ano.