A pathologic or atypical passage that is the result of poor healing; an unintended or unwanted pathway between differing internal structures or one that connects an internal structure to the (external) surface of a body; usually named according to the body parts it connects.
An abnormal connection between two parts inside of the body.
Abnormal tube-like passage from a normal cavity or tube to a free surface or to another cavity.
An abnormal tube-like passageway.
A passage or opening which has been made unusually between two organs, often near the rectum or anus.
Fistulae, abnormal opening or channel connecting two internal organs or leading from an internal organ to the outside (e.g., urinary fistula, an abnormal channel of the urinary tract). Fistulas are due to ulceration, failure of a wound to heal, injury, tumors, or congenital defects. Surgical repair is not always possible.
Abnormal passageway between two hollow organs or leading from a hollow organ to the outside of the body. A fistula is often caused by infection or injury, as when an abscess in the rectum bursts, thereby creating an opening between the anal canal and the surface of the skin. A fistula may also develop as a complication of surgery or may be congenital (present at birth).
An abnormal communication between two hollow organs or between a hollow organ and the exterior. Many fistulas are due to infection or injury. For example, an anal fistula may develop after an abscess in the rectum has burst, creating an opening between the anal canal and the surface of the skin. Some fistulas result from malignant growths or ulceration: a carcinoma of the colon may invade and ulcerate the adjacent wall of the stomach, causing a gastrocolic fistula. Other fistulas develop as complications of surgery: after gall-bladder surgery, for example, bile may continually escape to the surface through the wound producing a biliary fistula. Fistulas may also be a form of congenital abnormality; examples include a tracheoesophageal fistula (between the windpipe and gullet) and a rectovaginal fistula (between the rectum and vagina).
An abnormal, narrow channel leading from some natural cavity such as the duct of a gland, or the interior of the bowels to the surface. Alternatively, a fistula may be a communication between two such cavities where none should exist as, for example, a direct communication between the bladder and bowel.
An abnormal tubelike passage from a normal cavity or tube to a free surface or to another cavity. It may result from a congenital failure of organs to develop properly, or from abscesses, injuries, radiation, malignancies, or inflammatory processes that erode into neighboring organs.
A fistula is an unusual tunnel that connects an internal organ to the body’s surface or links two organs together. While fistulas can occasionally be congenital (existing from birth), they are typically acquired due to tissue injury.
Types of congenital fistulas include tracheoesophageal fistulas, branchial fistulas, and thyroglossal fistulas.
Acquired fistulas can be the consequence of infection, trauma, or cancer. For instance, in the case of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition, fistulas may form between the intestine and the skin, potentially enabling the contents of the intestine to leak onto the skin through an opening, known as fecal fistulas. Urinary tract fistulas, which create a passage from the urethra or bladder to the perineum (the region between the anus and genitals), could be due to pelvic radiotherapy or complications from a difficult childbirth. Such fistulas can result in urine leakage or urinary tract infections.
Specific types of arteriovenous fistulas (connections between an artery and a vein) are intentionally created via surgery to ensure easy access to the circulatory system in individuals undergoing dialysis.
The first step in addressing a fistula is to determine its cause and treat it if feasible. While some types of fistulas may heal on their own, most require surgical intervention. In the case of fecal fistulas, a temporary colostomy might be needed to reroute feces away from the impacted area.
An unusual connection or passage between hollow organs, or between an organ and the outer skin surface.