What causes peri-anal fistula?

Hi @rehanm, welcome. Allow me to bring @arieon69 and @darlia into this discussion as they may have some tips about preventing anal fistula.
Tips for prevention that I've read include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Consuming a fibre-rich diet
- Maintain dryness in the anal region
- Avoid straining while stool passing
- Regular exercises

Rehanm, have you had surgery to treat an anal fistula? Do you have a digestive condition that makes you prone to fistula?

Hi Colleen
Yes, I had 5 surgeries related to Anal Fistula abscess drainage w/seton. It all got started with annal fissure that led into Anal Fistula. All of my surgical procedures were done between 2015-2017 in Arkansas except my last procedure was done here at Mayo. I had a mild Crohn’s disease on my lower ilium till my recent colonoscopy two weeks ago shows no active Crohn’s and all of biopsy were negative.
My last anal fistula procedure was done at Mayo in 2017 and I was put on weekly Humira by the Mayo GI doctor since then I had no symptoms of anal fistula till two weeks ago my symptoms came back. I will be heading back to Mayo first week of December to see my GI and Colo Rectal doctors.
I am searching for an answers about the regrowth of Fistula specially no sign of active Crohn’s.
Thanks
Rehan

Rehan, I will be most interested to hear what you learn after your GI visit at Mayo at the beginning of December. Hopefully you'll learn some tips that can help others here with a similar issue.
Safe travels.

Mine is an embarrassing issue. I had surgery 37 years ago for an anal fistula. At the time I was 33. No major side effects. As I’ve aged I’ve developed fecal urgency. Gastroenterologist told me I had a keyhole deformity which affects muscles in the rectum and can result in urgency. This has affected my day to day living as I have to be sure I have emptied my bowels prior to leaving home in the morning. That doesn’t always work. If I’m caught away from a bathroom at the wrong time I’m in trouble. I have been told to take Imodium if I’m out and about. This makes it difficult to travel and play golf…. Especially in the early morning when this mist affects me. I would very much like to hear from others who are suffering with this issue.