Can a fissure lead to an abcess or fistula? That is my new biggest fear.

I had asked this on the forum a few weeks ago. People who responded said NO. But my doctor says yes it is possible.

Hi, It is possible. An infection can start anywhere. An absess is an infection that can turn into a fistula. I have a friend who got one from a botox injection. It's not that common but it can happen. Suzy

My CRS says no.

Anal fissures vs anal fistulas
These two conditions are often confused. A fissure is a tear or crack in the anal lining. A fistula is a totally different problem but often occurs in the same anal area. A fistula is more like a tunnel between the rectum and other body parts - such as between the rectum and the vagina.

Yes - it can happen !!!
I had surgery 1 week ago today for AF! After the op the surgeon cane round to tell me I'd also developed a fistula from getting an abscess by my fissure!

What do they do to fix a fistula?
It sounds more scary than a fissure!
My fissure feels alot better since I started miralax.
I hope I don't get a fistula!
What are my odds of getting fistula?
I've had fissure for a few months.

IHey guys
Yes it can
I had bottox for fissure 'i was in so much pain
Getting worse ,I went back to crs said I had an abscess which led to a fistula '
Bottox Sept 10 2012
Abscess operation with Seton drain Oct 4 2012
Fistulotomy op 11 Dec 2012
Hope and pray this is over for me now
Still get an ache and some pains throbbing
But these can take a long while to go

Yikes! Sorry you went through all that.
I can't wait to talk to crs next month!
Does fistula hurt?
I was wondering, because I think my fissure feels like its healing with the miralax, but could I still possibly have a fistula and not know it?

Is it possible for fissures to lead to abscess and then fistula? Probably
Do they usually? Probably not
One problem is proving causation. Just because someone has a fissure and then gets an abscess, it doesn't mean the fissure led to the abscess, but it doesn't rule that possibility out either.
Just like causation can't be determined to say that if you have hemorrhoids it will lead to abscess and potentially fistula.
Every case is individual and needs to be evaluated individually.