SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF ANTARMUKHIBHAGANDARA (LOW ANAL FISTULA ASSOCIATED WITH PERIANAL ABSCESS) BY INCISION AND DRAINAGE FOLLOWED BY KSHARASUTRA THERAPY: A CASE REPORT WITH SEQUENTIAL WOUND HEALING DOCUMENTATION

Introduction: The acute manifestation of a cryptoglandular infection spurred on by obstruction of the anal glands is perianal abscesses. They frequently develop fistula-in-ano, a chronic inflammatory condition marked by insufficient communication between the anorectal lumen and the perianal skin, if left untreated. This illness is linked to Bhagandara in Ayurvedic literature, and Acharya Sushruta categorised it as one of the Ashtamahagada (eight dreadful diseases) because of its high recurrence rate and difficult treatment. Even if standard surgical procedures are successful, there is a considerable risk of postoperative discomfort, delayed wound healing, and sphincter injury leading to faecal incontinence.