Anal fistula
An anal fistula is a small channel that forms between the inside of the bottom (anus) and the skin nearby, usually after an infection. It is typically treated with an operation. Read more about anal fistula →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the general surgery wait (not specific to anal fistula), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
general surgery waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust | Tameside | 3 weeks |
| The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust | Harlow | 4 weeks |
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust | Kirklees | 6 weeks |
| The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust | Kensington and Chelsea | 6 weeks |
| Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Milton Keynes | 6 weeks |
| County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust | Darlington | 6 weeks |
| Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust | North Tyneside | 6 weeks |
About anal fistula
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus. It usually follows an infection that left a small channel behind after the pus drained. It can cause skin irritation, a constant or on-off discharge, and discomfort around the bottom.
How it is treated
Anal fistulas are usually treated with an operation, as they rarely heal on their own. The main options are a fistulotomy, which opens the tunnel so it heals flat, and a seton, a thread passed through the fistula that helps it drain and heal gradually, often used when the fistula passes through more of the muscle. Most people do not need to stay in hospital overnight.
After treatment
Recovery depends on the type of operation. A simple fistulotomy often heals over a few weeks; a seton may stay in place for a time and need more than one procedure. The aim is to clear the fistula while protecting the muscles that control the bowel.
Sources: NHS: Anal fistula. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.