Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is a chronic, pathological tract between the perianal skin and the rectum or anal canal. It usually forms after a perianal or anorectal abscess ruptures or is incised and drained. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition falls under the category of “gang lou” (anal fistula).
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
|Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
An open sore is present around the anus, with a cord-like tract extending into the anal canal that can be felt on palpation. Poor appetite, unsatisfactory bowel movements, scanty dark-yellow urine, and a heavy, sluggish feeling in the body; a red tongue with a yellow, greasy coating; and a wiry or slippery, rapid pulse.
In Plain Language:
- There is an open sore around the anus.
- On pressing, a cord-like tract can be felt leading into the anus.
- Poor appetite.
- Difficulty passing stool, with a persistent feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.
- Urine may be scanty and yellow.
- A feeling of heaviness and sluggishness in the body.
- The tongue looks red.
- The tongue coating is yellow and greasy.
- The pulse may feel wiry or slippery and rapid.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Clear heat and drain dampness
In Plain Language:
- Reduce internal heat and ease heat-related discomfort, such as feeling hot, dry mouth, and restlessness.
- Promote the elimination of dampness and reduce symptoms such as a sticky, heavy feeling, swelling, or increased discharge.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Pus drains from a perianal fistula opening; the discharge is thin and watery. A cord-like tract extending into the anal canal can be felt on palpation. Itching skin, fatigue, and lack of energy; a pale tongue with a thin coating; and a soft, soggy pulse.
In Plain Language:
- Pus drains from an opening around the anus.
- The pus is relatively thin and watery.
- On pressing, a cord-like tract can be felt leading into the anus.
- The skin is itchy.
- Feeling tired and lacking energy.
- The tongue looks pale.
- The tongue coating is thin.
- The pulse feels soft or weak.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Support healthy qi and dispel pathogenic factors; warm and nourish qi and blood
In Plain Language:
- Strengthen the body’s healthy qi and resistance, and dispel harmful factors from the body.
- Gently replenish qi and blood to address symptoms such as feeling cold, fatigue, and a poor complexion.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
The perianal fistula opening is recessed, with thin, clear discharge. A cord-like tract extending into the anal canal can be felt on palpation. The tongue is red and lacks moisture, with a scanty or absent coating; the pulse is thin, rapid, and weak.
In Plain Language:
- The opening around the anus is recessed.
- The discharge is clear and very thin.
- On pressing, a cord-like tract can be felt leading into the anus.
- The tongue looks red and has very little moisture.
- There is very little tongue coating, or almost none.
- The pulse feels thin and rapid, but weak.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Nourish yin and clear heat
In Plain Language:
- Replenish the body’s fluids and yin to address dryness-related discomfort such as dry mouth and throat, night sweats, and restlessness.
- Help settle internal heat and deficiency heat, easing symptoms such as hot palms and soles, hot flashes, and insomnia with vivid dreams.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.
References
- Shi Huanzhi, Wang Lipu. Epidemiological analysis of anorectal diseases[J]. Chinese Journal of Coloproctology, 2000, 20(3): 10-12.
- Li Yueqing. TCM Surgery[M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2010.