Whats is a fistula?

A fistula is an abnormal connection via a tunnel-like hole between two organs or vessels. Fistulas can occur in various parts of the body.

What is fistula and what causes it?

Fistulas form when inflammation causes sores, or ulcers, to form on the inside wall of the intestine or nearby organs. Those ulcers can extend through the entire thickness of the bowel wall, creating a tunnel to drain the pus from the infected area. An abcess, or a collection of pus, can also cause a fistula to form.

How many types of fistula are there?

Anovaginal fistula: between the anal canal and vagina. Colovaginal fistula: between the vagina and colon. Colocutaneous fistula: between the colon and the epidermis. Enteroenteral fistula: between two different parts of the small intestine.

How do you get a fistula?

One way a fistula may form is from an abscess—a pocket of pus in the body. The abscess may be constantly filling with body fluids such as stool or urine, which prevents healing. Eventually, it breaks through to the skin, another body cavity, or an organ, creating a fistula.

What are fistulas used for?

Generally, a fistula is described by its location in the body. For example, an arteriovenous (AV) fistula connects an artery and a vein. These are also a good example of a surgically created fistula intended for prolonged medical treatment, such as dialysis in patients with end-stage kidney failure.

What are fistulas definition?

Definition of fistula : an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions — see cassia fistula

What is a medical fistula?

In medicine, a fistula (pl. fistulas or fistulae) is an abnormal connection or passageway between two epithelium-lined organs or vessels that normally do not connect. It is generally a disease condition, but a fistula may be surgically created for therapeutic reasons. Fistulas can develop in various parts of the body.