The epithelial coccygeal passage is a congenital disease characterized by the appearance in the sacral region of a subcutaneous cyst containing purulent formations, which, under the influence of some factors, can transform into a fistula on the tailbone. As a rule, middle-aged men with large hair are susceptible to this pathology.
Causes of the disease
Fistula on the tailbone (see photo below) is formed as a result of inflammation, which can be triggered by the following factors:
- spinal injury;
- increased physical activity;
- a sedentary lifestyle that provokes stagnant processes in the lower parts of the spine;
- metabolic disorders resulting from a lack or excess of calcium in the body;
- infectious diseases;
- hypothermia of the body;
- pinched nerve in the vertebra.
Symptoms of the disease
- The occurrence of pain in the coccyx.
- Temperature rise.
- Redness and swelling of the tissues between the buttocks.
- Swelling over the anus.
- Purulent discharge at the site of inflammation.
- High humidity between the buttocks.
- Itching in the anus.
Diagnosis of the disease
A fistula on the tailbone has similar symptoms with various diseases of the rectum and osteomyelitis of the sacrum. Therefore, for making the correct diagnosis, sigmoidoscopy, sounding of the course and radiography of the sacrum and tailbone are prescribed.
Fistula on the tailbone treatment
Today, the main method of getting rid of this disease is surgical intervention. As a rule, it consists in excising the suppuration of the passages to healthy tissues with their subsequent sewing. The duration of the operation largely depends on the volume of diseased tissues, but on average it is 20-40 minutes. In order to avoid unpleasant and painful sensations during the intervention, epidural-sacral anesthesia is used.
After this operation, the patient is in a hospital for some time. Somewhere after 6-7 hours, a second examination of the patient is performed and the dressing is replaced. If there are no deviations, then he will be discharged home.
As a result of this operation, a wound is formed, which can reach a size of several square centimeters. Such an injury heals in an independent way only after secondary tension after approximately 1-4 months. This is a significant drawback of carrying out such an operation, since after it the patient's quality of life is significantly impaired. In addition, cases of relapse are not uncommon. But, as mentioned above, this is the only way to get rid of this pathology.
After operation
After the fistula on the tailbone has been removed, the patient needs to adhere to some recommendations:
- Do not sit down for 3-4 weeks;
- after removal of the sutures, daily hygiene procedures should include washing the interalogal folds in the shower;
- do not lift weights for a month;
- for 6 months to perform hair removal at the site of the operation;
- observation by a doctor before wound healing.