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A member asked:
Is it okay to leave an anal fistula untreated for a year, or will it get bigger?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
No: Untreated fistulas can develop secondary openings which will make the surgery more complicated and can lead to damage to the sphincter which may cause incontinence of stool and gas. In rare cases leaving a fistula untreated may lead to development of malignant changes in the fistula.
Answered 1/22/2019
6.3k views
Unsafe: It won't get bigger, but may branch and make fixing it (surgery) much more complicated! it also might plug up and cause a very painful abscess, thus making you regret getting it taken care of promptly!
Answered 1/26/2018
4.8k views
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