STUDY OF KSHARA SUTRA (MEDICATED ALKALINE THREAD) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FISTULA – IN – ANO: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Abscess around lower rectum and anal canal are known as ano –rectal abscess. These are important as they often culminate in fistula in ano.  Ano- rectal abscess and fistulas are one of the most frequent results in the manifestation of simple or complex and extensive fistulous tracts. Kshara Sutra therapy  is a Siddha, Ayurvedic  para surgical technique commonly used to cure anal disease. In this technique, specially prepared medicated alkaline thread known as  “ Kshara Sutra ’’ is used to cure the diseases.  Kshara Sutra acts as “Herbal chemical cauterization and cures the disease from the body. A female patient aged 60 year, already treated by allopathic treatment had recurrence effects of fistula in ano. The patient decided to get treatment from    Herbal Health Care Centre,   Jaffna, Sri Lanka on 10^th July 2019   with   complaints of pain in the anal area, swelling and discharge of pus with stool and mild irritation at this area.  Patient underwent through clinical examination and local and per rectal examination by probing method and diagnose as fistula- in –ano. Based on susrutha’s method, the anal region preparation was done with purgative is advised to take previous night to clean the bowel and local wash with Triphala decoction (antiseptic action). The probe is passed through the anus and if tract is opened, one plain thread is tied through external opening to internal opening with help of the probe. If tract has not perforated the mucous membrane is felt by the finger. In the condition of fistula the kshara sutra is applied and changing the medicated alkaline thread. It is done once in a week better in 7^th day. The fistula –in- ano was completely healed within 2 months with Kshara Sutra application. Eventhough the fistula- in .ano is very difficult to treat. This Kshara Sutra application   proves to be effective, time saving, affordable and acceptable treatment on fistula- in –ano. It can be managed with herbal application.

Key words :  Kshara Sutra, fistula- in –ano, Triphala decoction, Herbal Health Care Centre