Fistula Overview

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  • Summary
  • Definition
  • Information
  • References

Reviewed By

Robert A. Cowles, MD

Definition

A fistula is an abnormal connection between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of injury or surgery. It can also result from infection or inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, is an example of a disease that leads to fistulas between one loop of intestine and another. Injury can lead to fistulas between arteries and veins.


Information

Fistulas may occur in many parts of the body. Some of these are:

  • Arteriovenous (between an artery and vein)
  • Biliary (created during gallbladder surgery, connecting bile ducts to the surface of the skin)
  • Cervical (either an abnormal opening into the cervix or in the neck)

Keep reading...

Encyclopedia: Fistula

Wikipedia.orgWIKIPEDIA.ORG

In medicine, a fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between two epithelium-lined organs or vessels that normally do not connect. Fistulas can develop in various parts of the body. The following list is sorted by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. , Lacrimal fistula , Mastoid fistula , Craniosinus fistula: between the intracranial space and a paranasal sinus , Labyrinthine fistula , Perilymph fistula: tear...
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