Abstract:
Background: Abscesses around the lower rectum and anal canal are known as anorectal abscesses. These are crucial as they often culminate in fistula-in-ano. Anorectal abscess and fistulas are one of the most frequent results in the manifestation of simple or complex and extensive fistulous tracts. Karam (herbo-mineral preparation) therapy is a Siddha parasurgical technique commonly used to cure anal disease.
Materials and Methods: Manjalkaram is a medicated alkaline lotion preparation that acts as herbal
chemical cauterization agent to cure anal disease. A 60-year-old male patient, already treated with
allopathy, experienced a recurrence of fistula-in-ano. The patient decided to get Siddha treatment and
presented with the complaints of pain in the anal area, swelling, and discharge of pus with stool and
mild irritation. The patient was diagnosed with fistula-in-ano. Purgatives were given the previous night
to clean the bowel, and the following day, local cleaning was carried out by providing Triphala decoction
as a herbal antiseptic lotion. A probe was inserted into the fistula, and a Manjalkaram-soaked medicated
thread was inserted through the fistula and tied through an external opening to the internal opening
with help of the probe. A Manjalkaram-soaked gauze (Manjalkaraseelai) was inserted and changed once
in a week.
Result: Even though fistula-in-ano is very difficult to treat, the patient got completely healed within 2 months
with the effect of Manjalkaram application.
Conclusion: Manjalkaram application is found to be an effective, time-saving, affordable, and acceptable
treatment for fistula-in-ano.
