🩹 What Are Fistulae?

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body surfaces - often between the bowel and the skin (enterocutaneous fistula) or between the anal canal and surrounding tissue (anal fistula). Fistulae can cause persistent drainage, discomfort, infection, and a significant impact on daily life.

Our clinic provides specialist, nurse‑led care for patients living with complex fistulae, offering safe management strategies that support healing, reduce infection risk, and improve comfort, dignity, and confidence.

Risk Factors for Fistulae

🔴Enterocutaneous Fistulae - Main Risk Factors

• Abdominal surgery (especially repeated operations)

• Anastomotic leaks

• Intra‑abdominal infection or abscess

• Crohn’s disease

• Radiation therapy

• Abdominal trauma

• Poor wound healing, malnutrition, low albumin

• High‑dose steroids or immunosuppressants

• Mesh or sutures causing chronic irritation

🔴Anal Fistulae – Main Risk Factors

• Perianal abscess

• Crohn’s disease

• Chronic infection or inflammation

• Previous anorectal surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Trauma to the anal canal

• Immunosuppression (steroids, biologics, chemotherapy)

🛡️ Why Does Specialist Fistula Management Matter?

Fistulae are complex, unpredictable, and often emotionally challenging. They require precise wound management, specialist knowledge of drainage systems, and ongoing support.

Our clinic focuses on:

• Safe, effective fistula management

• Reducing infection risk

• Supporting wound healing

• Managing fistula pouches and drainage systems

• Providing seton care for anal fistulae

• Helping patients maintain comfort and confidence

Our goal is to help you feel supported, confident, and informed. Fistula management requires careful monitoring to ensure improved quality of life and prevent complications.

🛡️ Who Is Suitable for the Specialist Fistula Clinic?

✔️ Enterocutaneous Fistulae

Including:

• Low‑output and high‑output fistulae

• Complex abdominal tracts

• Fistulae related to Crohn’s disease, surgery, or infection

✔️ Anal Fistulae

Including:

• Simple and complex tracts

• High fistulae

• Horseshoe fistulae

• Long‑term seton management

✔️ Patients Using Fistula Pouches or Drainage Systems

We support:

• Pouch selection and secure fitting

• Leak prevention

• Skin protection

• Odour and moisture control

Our specialist nurses will always ensure safe triage and escalation when needed.

🛡️ What We Offer?

1️⃣ Specialist Assessment

A detailed review of:

• Fistula type and location

• Output volume

• Surrounding skin condition

• Infection risk

• Current management strategies

This allows us to tailor a safe, effective plan.

2️⃣ Seton Support & Management

For anal fistulae, setons help drain infection and prevent abscess formation. We provide:

• Seton Care Education

• Hygiene guidance

• Comfort strategies

• Monitoring for complications

3️⃣ Woundbed Irrigation & Cleansing

Gentle, controlled irrigation helps:

• Reduce infection risk

• Remove debris

• Support granulation

• Improve comfort

We teach safe techniques and provide ongoing support.

4️⃣ Fistula Pouch & Drainage System Management

We help patients choose and manage:

• Fistula pouches

• High‑output drainage bags

• Skin barriers

• Adhesive accessories

• Odour‑control products

Our goal is secure wear, minimal leakage, and maximum comfort.

5️⃣ Skin Protection & Infection Prevention

We provide guidance on:

• Protecting fragile skin

• Managing moisture and irritation

• Identifying early signs of infection

• Using skin barriers, accessories, and dressings

🛡️ Why Choose Our Fistula Clinic?

• Specialist nurses with advanced fistula‑care expertise

• Experience managing complex tracts and high‑output fistulae

• Skilled in seton care, wound irrigation, and fistula pouch management

• Clear referral pathways when surgical input is required

• Enhanced comfort, confidence, and quality of life

• Compassionate, patient‑centred care