A fistula is an abnormal passageway between two areas of the digestive tract. An internal fistula occurs between two areas of intestine or an area of intestine and another organ. An external fistula occurs between the intestine and the outside of the body. Both internal and external fistulas may be characterized by abdominal pain and swelling. External fistulas may discharge pus or intestinal contents. Internal fistulas can be associated with diarrhea.
The most common types of fistulas develop around the anus, colon, and small bowel. These types are
External fistulas are found during a physical examination. Internal fistulas can be seen by colonoscopy, upper and lower GI series, or CT scan.
Fistulas may be treated by surgery to remove the portion of the intestine causing the fistula, along with antibiotics to treat any associated infection.
Topics:
Information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–5120, February 2005. Downloaded December 7, 2007 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/anatomiccolon/index.htm
Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011
The most common types of fistulas develop around the anus, colon, and small bowel. These types are
ileosigmoid—occurs between the sigmoid colon and the end of the small bowel, which is also called the ileumFistulas can occur at any age. Some fistulas can even occur during the development of a baby. They are seen in infants and are more common in boys. Other fistulas develop suddenly due to diseases or after trauma, surgery, or local infection. A fistula can form when diseased or damaged tissue comes into contact with other damaged or nondamaged tissue, as seen in Crohn's disease (intestinal inflammation) and diverticulitis. Childbirth can lead to fistulas between the rectum and vagina in women.
ileocecal—occurs between the ileum and cecum
anorectal—occurs between the anal canal and the skin around the anus
anovaginal—occurs between the rectum and vagina
colovesical—occurs between the colon and bladder
cutaneous—occurs between the colon or small bowel and the outside of the body
External fistulas are found during a physical examination. Internal fistulas can be seen by colonoscopy, upper and lower GI series, or CT scan.
Fistulas may be treated by surgery to remove the portion of the intestine causing the fistula, along with antibiotics to treat any associated infection.
Topics:
A. Anatomy of the Colon
B. Anatomic Problems of the Colon
1. Malrotation and Volvulus
2. Small Bowel and Colonic Intussusception
3. Fistulas
4. Colonic Atresia
5. Sigmoid Volvulus
6. Cecal Volvulus
7. Imperforate Anus (Anal Atresia)
Information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–5120, February 2005. Downloaded December 7, 2007 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/anatomiccolon/index.htm
Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011
