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Anorectal

7 Important Things You Must Know About Anal Fistula

7 Important Things You Must Know About Anal Fistula

Fistula-in-ano generally cause discomfort due to pus or watery discharges and sometimes pain. This is a condition where a nodular swelling appears in the area surrounding the anal opening. Intermittent pus discharge is noticed from this nodular swelling. Instead of a nodular swelling; there might be simply an opening in this region. An anal abscess is one of the most common causes of this condition. 

Seven important things you should know about the Anal Fistula:

  1. It is curable through Ayurveda only: Till date many treatment options are tried to cure Fistula which include Fistula Surgery/ Glu technique/ cutting seton/ Colostomy/ Fistula plug/ VAAFT and many more. But all of these treatment methods have a pretty high recurrence rate of about 20-25 %. However with Ksharsutra treatment for Fistula; chances of recurrence are negligible. Other complications generally seen in surgery like bleeding, incontinence (inability to hold stool); are not seen with Ksharsutra Treatment. Clinical trials conducted by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR); at AIIMS New Delhi and PGI Chandigarh in 1992 have proved that Ksharsutra treatment is more convenient and more effective than Surgery in the patients of Fistula.
  2. There are symptoms you can look out for: Some of the symptoms that indicate Fistula include appearance of a nodular swelling in area surrounding stool pass area. Intermittent pus discharge is also observed from this swelling. Usually pain subsides and opening closes after the discharges; and the patient feels relief. But after a certain interval of time again pus accumulates; swelling re-appears with some amount of pain which is again relieved after the discharge. This cycle is repeated at varying interval in the patient of Fistula.
  3. Medication can only provide temporary relief: Antibiotics and painkillers might give temporary relief from the symptoms. But after some time there will be again pus formation and associated swelling & pain in area surrounding stool pass opening. 
  4. Anal Fistula can recur after surgical treatment: As discussed above all the treatment options tried by modern medicine (including most recent treatment VAAFT) have high incidence of recurrence (about 20-25%) Whereas there are negligible chances of recurrence after Ksharsutra Treatment for Fistula.
  5. Anal Fistula treated by Graded Ksharsutra does not recur: Ayurvedic treatment for Fistula is known as Ksharsutra therapy. This involves the use of medicated thread being ligated in Fistula Tract. The medicines present in this thread act as a strong debriding agent and induce healing of the Fistula tract. In a few weekly sittings of Ksharsutra change; Fistula gets healed completely and it does not recur. Patient can maintain his normal routine life during the treatment period.
  6. Sitz bath can be beneficial: This involves sitting in a tub filled with warm water so that the affected site is submerged. An antiseptic and astringent agent like Triphala decoction may be added to the water if needed. A sitz bath soothes the skin and provides relief from pain. This also helps keep the area clean and thus reduces chances of infection.
  7. Oily and spicy foods should be avoided: When dealing with Fistula, you should try and take a diet that keeps your stool soft and regular. Hence use of oily and spicy foods should be reduced. Eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of water. Alcohol should also be avoided. 

Ksharsutra vs Surgery in Fistula Patients-

  • Ksharsutra is done under Local Anesthesia. Hence complications of General Anesthesia are avoided. Surgical procedures are done under GA with all impending complications of General Anesthesia.
  • Ksharsutra being a parasurgical procedure hence no bleeding/ cutting of tissue is involved. Surgery involves cutting/ bleeding.
  • No hospitalization or bed rest is required in Ksharsutra Treatment. In Surgery hospitalization is must.
  • In Ksharsutra; patient can continue his normal daily routine.
  • Complications like incontinence (inability to hold stool) and recurrence are seen after surgery.
  • Ksharsutra is a safe procedure and these complications are not seen.
  • Ksharsutra Treatment is more economical as compared to VAAFT surgery. VAAFT Surgery is comparatively too expensive.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult with us & get answers to your questions!

Read about: Painful Piles – Why You Should Not Ignore Them?

Categories
Anorectal

Piles – Say No To Surgery

Piles – Say No To Surgery

Say No to Surgery and opt for Specialized Ayurvedic Treatment.

Piles are the tortuous veins which bulge out into the anal canal. There are so many factors responsible for this engorgement of the anal veins. The most common cause is chronic constipation. In such conditions patients have to strain for defecation which puts pressure on the veins leading to congestion and engorgement. When these veins get ruptured by passing hard stools or due to straining it initiates characteristic painless bleeding. Bleeding may be in the form of fresh blood drops or spurts of fresh blood. At this stage, bleeding is the only symptom that patients complain of. This is known as the 1st-degree Hemorrhoids. 

When these congested rectal veins increase in size, the pile mass may protrude out during defecation. After passing stool, the pile mass reduces by itself and sometimes patients have to reduce the pile mass manually. This stage is labelled as 2nd-degree piles. When these pile masses further increase in size they may protrude out during walking or sitting etc this is known as third-degree piles. 

Type of Piles

Piles also known as hemorrhoids, are dilated, engorged veins carrying blood in the anal canal. In simpler words, these are dilated blood veins that are located near the areas of the anus. Piles are mainly of two types in nature namely:

  • Internal Hemorrhoids
  • External Hemorrhoids

The internal ones are more common in occurrence in the human body than the external ones. Most often, these appear around two centimetres above the opening of the anal canal.

As the name suggests, the external piles occur on the outside area of the anus.

Whereas the internal piles are present inside the anal canal. Here are different stages of internal piles.

  • 1st stage- The patient complains of painless bleeding during defecation.
  • 2nd stage- There is painless bleeding along with mass protruding out per rectum during defecation which gets reduced by itself or manual reduction is necessary.
  • 3rd stage- Pile mass could not be reduced back or if reduced by force; these come out even on coughing, walking or sitting
    Some classify piles differently as when the manual reduction is required; it is the 3rd stage while when pile mass is not reducible; it is the 4th stage of internal piles.

Some classify piles differently as when the manual reduction is required; it is the 3rd stage while when pile mass is not reducible; it is the 4th stage of internal piles. 

Symptoms of Piles:

Following are the symptoms are commonly seen in patients of Piles:

  • Blood drops with the passage of stool.Blood spurts may also be noticed while passing stools.
  • Moreover, there are instances when there is unbearable itchiness around the anus speciality in ext. piles.
  • A soft mass or lump may be noticed coming out through anus during passing stools which are reduced spontaneously and if it is large in size then it may be manually inserted back into the anus.
  • Acute cases when the pile masses get infected or inflamed there may be symptoms of acute pain

Treatment of piles without surgery:

Yes; It is possible to treat piles without having to undergo the knife of a doctor. Ayurveda is well known for treatment of piles without surgery. 

  • In the first stage of piles, Kshar Karma therapy (application some kshar or medicine on the pile mass that causes shrinking of the mass) is performed which leads to arrest of the bleeding and regression of the pile mass. No surgery is required.
  • In the second and third stage of piles, the pile mass is ligated by the Ksharsutra as an OPD procedure. After ligation pile mass shed off on some days. Usually, no hospitalization or bed rest is required and patients can go home after the treatment.

It is not advisable to ignore the problem as it will only aggravate with time. Earlier is always better to treat pile. Even at first stage; it is very important to see the doctor because the blood loss during passing stools may lead to anaemia.

Home Remedies for Piles:

Manage piles naturally by incorporating home remedies like high-fiber foods, increased fluid intake, and regular exercise. Keep pile mass in check for better comfort!

  • Piles are the resultant of putting too much strain while defecation or sitting too long for defecation. So these should be avoided.
  • Avoid fast foods, spicy and too much oily foods.
  • Increase consumption of fibrous foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits and salads;
  • Increase intake of fluids and buttermilk etc.
  • You should exercise regularly.
  • If the pile mass protrudes out during defecation these should be reduced and it is better to keep them inside.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult with us & get answers to your questions!

Read about: Fissure – More Effective Non-Surgical Treatment!

Categories
Anorectal

Fissure – More Effective Non-Surgical Treatment!

Fissure – More Effective Non-Surgical Treatment!

If you observe a small tear/crack or ulcer in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus in yourself or your child, then it might be a fissure. Fissures are characterized by needle pricking sensation, burning sensation and sometimes extreme pain during defecation. An fissure is a medico-surgical disorder prevalent among teenagers which can also affect people of any age. But there is no need for concern as the same can be treated using Ayurveda. 

Symptoms of Fissure:

Patients suffering from fissure may experience a sharp itching or burning sensation in the anorectal region after passing stool. This may be accompanied with visible cracks in the skin around the rectal area, spasms and a sentinel pile. Sentinel pile is a tag of skin that develops if the problem of Fissure persists for a longer duration of time. In a few cases, patients may notice some amount of bleeding. 

Causes of Fissure:

There are several factors that can cause fissure. However, constipation is the most common medical condition that may lead to the development of fissure. Constipation results in hardening and formation of large stools, which strain the rectal muscle. Other causes include persistent diarrhea, Crohn’s disease and childbirth. In rare cases, fissures can also be caused due to cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis, and herpes.

Ayurveda in the Treatment of Fissure:

Ayurveda is a well known ancient Indian medical system which also deals with the different surgical disorders including fissure using specialized surgical and para surgical treatment modalities. Surgical specialist of Ayurveda focuses on debridement of the fissures by Kshar Karma and using medicines to improve blood circulation in the affected areas, alleviate pain, prevent infection, treat constipation and relieve spasm. In the acute condition, ayurvedic treatment involves Kshar Karma – application of specialized medicines in affected areas; applying herbal ayurvedic oil in the rectal area and herbal medicines to relieve constipation. Sitz bath with lukewarm Triphala kwath is also advised. This is a simple procedure which involves filling up a plastic tub of appropriate diameter with lukewarm Triphala kwath. The patient should sit in such a way that his/her buttocks remain submerged in the warm medicated water.

In case the condition becomes chronic and sentinel tag forms, surgical intervention is necessary. This Ayurvedic surgical procedure is called Ksharsutra ligation. It involves ligation of sentinel tags with Ksharsutra. The specialized medicated thread is tied at the root of sentinel tag, which obstructs the blood supply to sentinel piles and causes necrosis resulting in falling of the tag within 5-10 days. Ksharsutra is also least invasive compared to conventional surgery.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult with us & get answers to your questions!

Read about: Complete Treatment for Piles (Hemorrhoids) Without Surgery

Categories
Anorectal

Painful Piles – Why You Should Not Ignore Them?

Painful Piles – Why You Should Not Ignore Them?

Piles can be really painful and embarrassing but fairly common at the same time. it should not be taken as a social stigma as with awareness and proper treatment, the condition can be managed and treated well. If overlooked then it may lead to many complications which are difficult to manage.

In Ayurveda, a complete cure to hemorrhoids is possible, so seeking medical attention can be of great help to relieve you from this condition. Piles, also known as Hemorrhoids is a condition in which veins at the lower end of rectum get inflamed and enlarged. When pressure on the rectum and anus increases, it causes added pressure to these veins, resulting in formation of hemorrhoids. They may burst and cause rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are most commonly found in middle-aged and old people while also in people who suffer from regular constipation.

Type of Piles

Hemorrhoids are of two kinds, internal and external based on their location. Internal hemorrhoids are located in the inner lining of the anal tract. These veins within the rectum are concealed and cannot be felt so they are painless but when ruptured can lead to bleeding. External hemorrhoids are located on the outer surface of the rectum and can be seen, felt and when inflamed become painful. These are the more troubling types of piles. 

Causes and Symptoms of Piles

Piles are caused mostly by constipation, but other causes may include untreated gastric conditions such as dysentery, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetic constitution and weight of increasing uterus during pregnancy. If you are experiencing bleeding in anal region during defecation without any pain; you are suffering from 1st stage of Piles. If the problem is not treated at this stage; Pile masses start progressing. In starting, Pile mass comes out during passing stool and goes inside by itself (2nd stage). Later on these pile masses need to be reduced manually. If still Piles is not treated; Pile mass comes out again even after manual reduction while coughing, sneezing etc. (3rd stage). While piles may be an embarrassing issue to talk about, it should not be ignored either. It can be easily dealt with in simple ways, and in most cases, all it takes is some lifestyle changes to get rid of the problem. 

However, if left untreated, it could lead to severe complications. Some of them have been listed below. 

  1. Bleeding: In patients who have chronic bleeding, it could lead to chronic blood loss. Patients can develop anemia because of this regular bleeding. 
  2. Mass protruding out from anal opening: If Piles are not treated at 1st stage; it can lead to development of pile mass which protrudes out from anal opening while passing stool and go inside. In later stages; this pile mass comes out even on sneezing and coughing. At this stage they are prone to get infected as most of the time Piles are outside the anal opening. 
  3. Hygiene issues: The itching and discharges can lead to the patient having poor hygiene around the anal area. This further can lead to complications like infections. The area around the anus also becomes difficult to clean if the masses are more in number and size. 
  4. Surgical correction may be attempted in severe cases, but this also can lead to complications in some people. These include: 
    • Excessive bleeding which does not stop after the surgery. 
    • Postsurgical infection 
    • Anal fistula, which is a connection between the area of piles and the anal canal. 
    • Damage to sphincter muscles leads to fecal incontinence, which is a loss of control over passing stool.

Ayurveda Treatment of Piles

Ayurveda has various approaches to the treatment of piles. Piles can be treated by diet, lifestyle, herbal supplements, Ayurvedic medication, and exercise. Ensuring good digestive health helps with piles if constipation is the cause of it. 

  • Vegetables such as onion, bitter gourd, radish, and turnip are high on roughage and are a must to add to your diet as well. 
  • Other than the diet you need to introduce specific lifestyle changes such as a colon cleanse every once in a while, and regular exercise. 
  • Increase water intake, up to 8 glasses per day. 
  • Keep away from processed foods 
  • Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables 
  • Do not sit for more than an hour in one position 
  • Stick to stool timings and develop good stool habits 
  • Do not suppress the urge to pass stools for too long and for too often 

So, follow the instructions of your Ayurveda doctor to embark on the road to cure. 

If these measurements are not successful; kshar karma or Ksharsutra ligation of Pile mass is necessary. In the ligation procedure; Ksharsutra – medicated thread is legated at the root of Pile mass. 

Medicine released from Ksharsutra blocks the blood supply to pile mass and Pile mass sheds off in 7 – 10 days. Ksharsutra ligation is a para surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. No hospitalization or bed rest is necessary in Ksharsutra Treatment for Piles. Daily routine activities along with office work can be done during Ksharsutra Treatment. So Piles can be treated completely in all its stages with Ayurvedic treatment. However, this procedure is to be performed only by a surgical specialist of Ayurveda. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult with us & get answers to your questions!

Read about: Piles – Say No To Surgery

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