Are there any alternative to surgery for Anal fistula?

Anal fistula is an inflammatory tract between the skin and anal canal representing the chronic phase of ongoing perirectal sepsis.

Fistula-in-ano is prevalent all over the world and is considered second to hemorrhoids among all ano-rectal abnormalities.

Patients of anal fistula often complain a cyclical pattern of pain, drainage and swelling. The moisture causes skin irritation, excoriation and pruritis. This condition affects the quality of life significantly.

For chronic cases of anal fistula, surgery is recommended in modern medicine but the main problem in anal fistula after surgery is either incontinence or recurrences or both.

PATHOGENESIS OF ANAL FISTULA AS MENTIONED IN SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

Master Sushrut has beautifully described the pathogenesis of this disorder. He quoted in the texts that when a person is indulged in unhealthy food and eating habits, Vata dosha in the body gets aggravated and localized in the anal canal. This aggravated Vata dosha further vitiates the blood and muscles giving rise to pitika (boils) and if this condition is not treated on time, the boils suppurate and burst which results in a discharging track known as "Bhagandar".

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ANAL FISTULA MENTIONED IN CHARAK SAMHITA?

Master Charak has mentioned five types of Bhagandar. These are: Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, Tridoshaj and Kshataj.

HOW ANAL FISTULA IS MANAGED IN AYURVEDA?

In Ayurveda, the treatment of Bhagandar according to the stage has been prescribed.

1. In an un-ripen stage, one should follow the guidelines of wound management.
2. If the boil has achieved the ripening stage, oleation and fomentation of the peri anal region should be practiced.

ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY IN ANAL FISTULA?

The wisdom of Ayurveda has a lot to offer towards comprehensive healing of anal fistula.

This disorder is caused due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Yes, there are natural remedies available which work on the root cause of the problem.

The Home Remedies along with herbal remedies has made the job of dealing ano-rectal diseases easy.

There are effective home remedies complimented with good diet which gives good results in terms of healing.

SOME OF THE HOME REMEDIES FOR ANAL FISTULA ARE

1. Papaya

Papaya is very effective in treating anal fistula as it clears the bowel movements and avoids constipation. Therefore, patients of anal fistula should consume papaya regularly.

2. Sitz Bath

Soak the rectal area in a tub of warm water for 10-15 minutes regularly 2-3 times a day. It cleans the anal area, improves the blood flow and also relaxes the anal sphincter.

3. Water

Drink plenty of water to clear the channels as well as to flush out the toxins from the body. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.

4. Coconut Water

Fresh coconut water should be consumed on daily basis and is very beneficial in anal fistula.

HOW PLANET AYURVEDA HELPS IN THE TREATMENT OF ANAL FISTULA?

Planet Ayurveda offers Fistula Care Pack for the treatment of Anal Fistula. These herbal remedies are based on the principles of Ayurveda and are prepared using the best quality of herbs. Fistula Care Pack of Planet Ayurveda consists of:

1. Triphala Guggul
2. Vara Churna
3. Nirgundi Oil
4. Curcumin Capsules

Fistula Care Pack

1. Triphala Guggul

Triphala Guggul is an ancient Ayurvedic formulation that helps in the detoxification of the body and improves the metabolic functions as well. Planet Ayurveda's Triphala Guggul is an Ayurvedic herbal product prepared by purest Triphala and Guggul herbal extract. It helps in the treatment of anal fistula by preventing constipation which is considered as the main cause of anal fistula.

Ingredients Of Triphala Guggul Are:

Sr. No.	Botanical Name	Common Name
1.	Terminalia chebula	Haritaki
2.	Terminalia bellerica	Bibhitaki
3.	Emblica officinalis	Amalaki
4.	Commiphora mukul	Shuddh Guggul

DOSE: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water

2. Vara Churna

Vara Churna by Planet Ayurveda is the best combination of herbs that are meant for constipation as well as clearing the colon. It is considered as one of the best Ayurvedic rasayanas which offer a valuable solution for anal fistula as this churna works on the root cause of the disorder. It is a traditional formulation which is mild and purgative. It rectifies constipation and does not form laxative.

Ingredients Of Vara Churna Are:

Sr. No.	Herb Used	English Name	Botanical Name	Quantity
1.	Haritaki	Chebulic myrobalan	Terminalia chebula	33.33 gm
2.	Bhibhitaki	Belleric myrobalan	Terminalia bellerica	33.33 gm
3.	Amalaki	Indian gooseberry	Emblica officinalis	33.33 gm

DOSE: 2-3 grams of this powder should be taken with warm water.

3. Nirgundi Oil

Nirgundi Oil is prepared from the extract of the plant Vitex negundo which is considered as one of the best anti-inflammatory herb. This oil is analgesic, anti-biotic and an excellent muscle relaxant. It helps in the treatment of fistula by reducing inflammation and pain. It tones up the affected area by improving blood circulation.

How To Use: Apply locally on the affected area.

4. Curcumin Capsules

Planet Ayurveda's Curcumin Capsules are prepared by using the standardized extract of the herb Curcuma longa. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and analgesic properties. Therefore, these capsules provide relief in anal fistula naturally by reducing inflammation associated with fistula.

DOSE: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water.

The herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda for anal fistula contains good laxatives, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulators.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

Diet plays a major role in the management of anal fistula. Medicines are of no use if the precautions in diet are not followed properly as the doshas are aggravated due to wrong diet and cause bigger boils in the anal region.

• Include spices in small quantities such as ginger, long pepper, turmeric in the diet.
• Take water processed with ginger and coriander.
• Avoid foods which are spicy or pungent in nature.
• Excessive consumption of salty and sour foods should be avoided.
• Hard to digest, dry foods should not be taken.
• Avoid intake of excess spicy foods such as garlic, red chillies etc. as they tend to irritate the system by causing boils in the anal region.