ANAL FISTULA TREATMENT BY AYURVEDIC MEDICINES | AVOID SURGERY

WHAT IS A FISTULA?

A Fistula is a small tunnel with two openings on either sides. Medically speaking, it is an abnormal connection between two organs inside the body.

ANAL FISTULA – DEFINITION

This is an abnormal connection between the perineal region around the anus and the anal mucosa. It is accompanied by purulence and inflammation of the fistula tract. It may be of different shapes and its depth may also vary, the deeper the internal opening of the fistula the more difficult it is to treat it.

The fistula may at times lead to draining of pus due to infection etc. which causes discomfort in patients. The lining of the fistula tract comprises of granulation tissues.

ORIGIN

Anal fistula usually develops from the rupture of a perianal abscess which develops due to the infection of the anal glands lining the anal canal. The causative bacteria involving this infection usually are Streptococci and E.coli.

ANAL FISTULA AS EXPLAINED IN AYURVEDA

In Ayurveda anal fistula is also known as “BHAGANDARA’. It is a chronic inflammatory condition which occurs due to the imbalance in the three body energies namely, The Vata, the Pitta and the Kapha.

According to Sushruta samhita, Fistula – in – ano or Bhagandara has been grouped under the following six types:-

• Sataponaka – Fistula having predominant vitiation of vata dosha
• Ustragreeva- Fistula having vitiation of the Pitta body energy.
• Parisravi – Fistula having vitiation of the Kapha body energy
• Sambukavarta – Fistula having vitiation of all the three doshas (body energies)
• Unmargi – Fistula that may develop due to external factors.

The last two of the above mentioned types are very difficult to cure by ordinary medical or surgical treatment.

TREATMENT OF ANAL FISTULA IN AYURVEDA

In case of anal fistula, both medical and surgical methods of treatment are prevalent according to Ayurveda. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on a lot of factors but the surgical methods are usually not recommended precisely because of the invasiveness and the pain involved.

INCURABLE FISTULA

Fistulas which are accompanied by a purulent discharge mixed with fecal matter are considered as the ones that cannot be treated according to ancient Ayurveda scholars. All other types have been treated successfully by various Ayurvedic medicines.

MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR FISTULA IN ANO

It includes the treatment of fistula-in-ano through the use of herbal medicines.

PLANET AYURVEDA’S FISTULA CARE PACK

Planet Ayurveda has put together an effective blend of herbs that are very effective and best suited to treat anal fistula in a non-invasive way. The following combination of herbs is used.

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TRIPHALA GUGGUL

It is the combination of the resinous extracts obtained from the Commiphora mukul tree (Guggul) and Triphala i.e. Amalaki (Emblica officianalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Vibhitaki (Terminali bellerica). Guggul is one of the best natural anti – inflammatory herbs as per Ayurveda. It is a very effective medicine for suppressing the inflammation present in the fistula tract. The three herbal extracts present in Triphala are also very effective in the treatment of the vitiated doshas (body energies) that lead to the development of the fistula. Together they work as an anti – inflammatory, anti – microbial and pain relieving agent in the treatment of all kinds of fistulas.

CURCUMIN CAPSULES

Curcumin is the active principle of the Curcuma Longa herb which is well known for its anti – microbial and anti – inflammatory properties. It also has remarkable properties for healing wounds and infections and all kinds of skin disorders. Its healing prowess can be attributed to the fact that it is used nowadays for treating many kinds of tumors and cancerous growths in the body. Planet Ayurveda’s Curcumin capsules are very effective for the same reason in treating anal fistulas of all types.

NIRGUNDI OIL

Nirgundi, also known as Vitex negundo is a very beneficial analgesic agent. The leaves of the plant are used to prepare the oils which are very popularly used in panchakarma procedures. The oil also has anti –biotic properties for which it is used for external application in patients of piles, fistulas and anal fissures. In addition to this it also has anti – inflammatory properties which are very useful for treating arthritis and musculo – skeletal pains like sciatica, spondylitis etc.

VARA CHURNA

Vara also known as Triphala is a powder combination of three herbs known as Amalaki, Haritaki and Vibhitaka which are very beneficial for detoxifying and cleansing the body by removing the fecal matter present in the intestines. Patients of ano – rectal diseases have an upset digestive system as a common feature. Indigestion is not only a causative agent but also an aggravating factor for the patients of fistula in ano. So, Vara churna helps them by removing all the piled up fecal matter from the rectum and anal canal allowing the healing and cure of anal fistula to take place.

AVOID SURGERY IN CASE OF FISTULA IN ANO

Ksharasutra surgery is a very popular para – surgical option in the treatment of anal fistulas in Ayurveda. It involves the ligation of the tract by a medicated thread having alkaline preparations painted over it in several layers.

The other option is fistulotomy in which the whole of the tract is cut open and bandaged to allow healing to take place.

These procedures should be avoided plainly because of the following reasons:-

• 1. The surgical procedures are often invasive and traumatic for the patient due to the pain involved in the procedure in spite of the use of anesthesia.
• 2. General discomfort due to the presence of the thread in ksharasutra or an open wound in case of fistulotomy.
• 3. Complications can also occur in the form of excessive bleeding due to a wrong incision or other iatrogenic causes.
• 4. Ksharasutra is in itself a very sharp and piercing thread material which causes burning and discomfort in patients during the treatment process.
• 5. The chances of recurrence of the anal – fistula are no less in surgical patients when compared to the patients managed on medical therapy.
• 6. Improper ligations and erroneous surgery may lead to fibrosed tracts which may lead to a damaged anal sphincter causing lasting damage to the anal canal.

For the above reasons, it’s better to avoid surgical intervention in patients of anal fistula as far as possible. Ayurvedic herbal treatments are very effective in controlling this condition and the complications associated with it.

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