Important: An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the anal canal (usually at the site of a previous abscess) to the skin around the anus. It causes recurrent abscesses, pus discharge, pain, and sometimes incontinence if untreated. There is no reliable non-surgical cure — antibiotics or seton-only management are temporary. Surgery is the only definitive treatment (healing rate 90–98% with proper technique). This is general information — see a colorectal surgeon urgently. Sources: ASCRS 2023, ESCP 2024 guidelines, recent RCTs.