Mastering the correct examination methods for anal fistulas plays an extremely important role in treatment. Here, experts from the Nanjing Armed Police Hospital's Proctology Center will introduce several examination methods for anal fistulas for your reference.
① Probe Examination: Insert a probe into the external opening of the fistula and extend your index finger into the anal canal. In most cases, the probe can exit at the internal opening located at the dentate line. For curved fistula channels, the probe often cannot pass smoothly. Do not apply excessive force to avoid piercing the fistula wall, which could cause new infections.
② Anal Sinus Hook Examination: Use a speculum to insert into the anus to observe the red and swollen anal sinuses; the internal opening is often located here. Repeatedly check the anal sinuses with an anal sinus hook to locate the internal opening. Avoid using violent force during the examination to prevent piercing normal anal sinuses and creating new infection openings.
③ Methylene Blue Marking: Place a piece of appropriately sized gauze inside the anus, then inject a 5% methylene blue solution into the fistula from the external opening. Then gently pull out the gauze and observe the position of the internal opening. Afterwards, use a speculum to expand the anus, and at the location near the dentate line where the coloration is most prominent, use an anal sinus hook or probe to find the internal opening.
④ Others: Examination methods such as X-ray examination and anal pressure measurement are less commonly used but can be adopted if conditions permit.
Experts from the Nanjing Armed Police Hospital's Proctology Center remind everyone that treating anal fistulas is difficult, and postoperative care is also challenging. Many patients experience recurrence due to improper postoperative care. Therefore, experts advise patients to strictly follow medical advice and regularly visit the hospital for check-ups after surgery.
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[Nanjing Armed Police Hospital Proctology Center](http://www.jsgcw.com)
Consultation Phone: 025-85500079 Consultation QQ: 997287111
Hospital Address: No. 256 Heyan Road, Nanjing (100 meters to the right of the North Gate of Hongshan Zoo)
Transportation Route: Get off at Hongshan Zoo Station on Subway Line 1; take buses 30, 8, 64, 54, 72, 77, Yuge Line, Nanzhou Line, and get off at Dongjinting Station.
[Yangzhou Armed Police Hospital Proctology Center](http://www.yzwjyy.com)
Consultation Phone: 0514-87218120 Consultation QQ: 997287111
Hospital Address: No. 8 Jiangdu South Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province
Transportation Route: Take buses 4, 19, 25, 26, 26 Evening, 66, 66 Evening, 101, 102, 201, 208, 209 in Yangzhou city area, and get off at Armed Police Hospital Station.
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