When to See a Fistula Specialist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

An anal fistula is not an emergency in most cases – but it is a condition that will not resolve on its own and will worsen without treatment. The earlier you see a specialist, the simpler and more predictable the treatment. Our anal fistula treatment in Dubai explains the full clinical pathway and what to expect from a specialist assessment.

Seek Specialist Assessment If:

• You have persistent or intermittent discharge from a small opening near your anus
• You have had a perianal abscess drained surgically or spontaneously and discharge has continued
• You have recurrent painful swellings near the anus that ‘come and
• Your symptoms have been present for more than 4 weeks without improvement
• You have been told you need MRI or surgery but want a second opinion
• You have had fistula surgery and symptoms have returned
• You have a known diagnosis of Crohn’s disease with perianal symptoms

Persistent symptoms such as discharge or swelling should prompt specialist evaluation. Knowing the signs is crucial. See anal fistula symptoms.

Seek Urgent Assessment If:

• Severe perianal pain with swelling and fever – this may be an abscess requiring urgent drainage. Abscesses require urgent care. See fistula vs abscess.
• Rapidly increasing perianal swelling – Fournier’s gangrene (perianal necrotizing fasciitis) is rare but life-threatening

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

I will take a full history, examine you carefully, review any previous investigations, and recommend the appropriate next step whether that is an MRI, an examination under anesthesia, or proceeding directly to treatment.

You will receive a clear explanation of what you have, what treatment options are available, and what each option involves. You will not be pressured into surgery.

Need expert treatment for hemorrhoids, anal fissure, or anal fistula? Book a consultation with Dr. Antonio Privitera in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Book Your Appointment →

📱 WhatsApp: +971 55 318 8469
📞 Phone: +971 55 318 8469

AUTHOR AUTHORITY BLOCK
Fellowship-trained at Mayo Clinic (USA) and the Royal College of Surgeons (UK). Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Certified in General Surgery by the Italian Medical Council.

About the Author

Professor Dr. Antonio Privitera, MD, PhD, FRCS

Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon | Proctologist

FRCS (England)

FASCRS

MD

PhD

70+ Publications

Mayo Clinic Fellowship

Dr. Privitera is the only surgeon in the world with both a Mayo Clinic (Rochester, USA) and University of London Colorectal Surgery Fellowship. He completed an advanced laparoscopic and robotic fellowship in Seoul, South Korea.

He previously served as Lead Colorectal Surgeon at Tawam Hospital–Johns Hopkins Abu Dhabi and Associate Professor at UAE University.

He is a Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (FASCRS), Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS), and author of over 70 peer-reviewed publications. He also served as General Secretary of the Emirates Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (2021–2024).

He practices across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Learn more about Dr. Antonio →