U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 41-year-old member asked:

My husband has had surgery 4 xs for an anal fistula and will need a 5th, is this common?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Eric Kaplan
Colon and Rectal Surgery 44 years experience
Not common: But not rare. Depends if the fistulas are in the exact same place and how they were treated surgically, how complex the fistulas were and whether the correct surgery was performed. Fistulas can recur if incompletely treated at the time of surgery. See a colorectal surgeon for more complex fistulas as your husband has. Also consider whether he has been tested for crohn's disease.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 41-year-old member asked:
Is it a problem if i'm on my period when I have surgery to have an anal fistula removed?
Dr. Eric Kaplan
Colon and Rectal Surgery 44 years experience
No: It should not have significant impact on your surgery, however you might feel better dealing with your surgery between cycles.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
A 27-year-old male asked:
Taking movicol 26.12.16 - to this day had anal fistula surgery 5.6.17 doctor said its ok but want to be sure i red something 2 years not sure!
Dr. Nicholas Nomicos
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Should be ok: Movicol is an OTC laxative and should be safe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 27-year-old male asked:
Fistula surgery 5.6.17 fistula healed from top to the anal hole theres a small hole left else is closed up and looking good how long to fully heal?
Dr. James Goodpaster
Dentistry 31 years experience
Check With Doctor: The surgeon (or a nurse in the office) should be able to answer this. Generally, the doctor will want to see you for follow-up after most any surgery... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 37-year-old member asked:
I had surgery on an anal fistula 7 days ago, and there's now a lot of pus. Is this ok?
Dr. Wesley Marquart
General Surgery 20 years experience
No: Pus is a sign of infection. You should see your surgeon asap.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
A male asked:
Hello I have a multiple opening Anal fistula for 3 years but I am to much afraid to do the surgery because of the pain how painful is the post surgery?
Dr. Richard Zimon
Internal Medicine 61 years experience
Truth be told: many many patients of mine have commented that the post operative fistula removal period is a good deal LESS than the ongoing pain when the fistula i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 2, 2012
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.