Anal fistula is a common anorectal disease in clinical practice. Anal fistulas are divided into low - level anal fistulas and high - level anal fistulas based on the deep part of the external anal sphincter. A low - level anal fistula refers to an anal fistula where the fistula, duct, or wound cavity is located below the deep layer of the external anal sphincter.

This disease can occur in all age groups and both genders, but it is more common in young and middle - aged people, with men being more affected than women. In recent years, the incidence rate among children has been increasing year by year.

Low - level anal fistulas are mainly characterized by pain, purulent discharge, perianal moisture, and itching.

The treatment of anal fistulas is divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment.- For conservative treatment, traditional Chinese medicine external washing is generally used. During the acute attack period, oral antibiotics can be taken to control symptoms.- Surgical treatment is the fundamental means for treating anal fistulas. The purpose of surgical treatment is to open the fistula to ensure smooth drainage and allow the wound to gradually heal. The key to a successful operation lies in correctly finding the internal opening and then incising or excising it.

There are fewer complications after surgery for low - level anal fistulas, and the surgical cure rate is high. If the internal opening is accurately located during the operation, the recurrence rate is relatively low.

Developing good defecation habits, taking sitz baths after defecation every day, keeping the anus clean, avoiding prolonged squatting or standing, avoiding excessive consumption of spicy and irritating foods, and preventing diarrhea are of great significance in preventing the formation of anal fistulas.