Fistula: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. | Dubai, UAE | Westminster Ortho Med Clinic | Dubai Healthcare City
A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway that connects two organs or vessels that do not usually connect. They can develop anywhere between an intestine and the skin, between the vagina and the rectum, and other places. The most common location for a fistula is around the anus.
TYPES OF FISTULAS:
ANAL FISTULAS/PERIANAL FISTULAS.
Abnormal connection between the epithelialized surface of the anal canal and the perianal skin.
Anorectal Fistula occurs between the anal canal and the skin around the anal opening.
Rectovaginal or Anovaginal Fistula occurs when a hole develops between the rectum or anus and the vagina.
Colovaginal Fistula occurs between the colon and the vagina.
URINARY TRACT FISTULAS.
Abnormal openings within a urinary tract organ or an abnormal connection between a urinary tract organ and another organ.
Vesicouterine fistula occurs between the bladder and the uterus.
Vesicovaginal fistula is where a hole develops between the bladder and the vagina.
Urethrovaginal fistula is between the urethra and the vagina.
Enteroenteral fistula occurs between two parts of the intestine.
Enterocutaneous or Colocutaneous fistula occurs between the small intestine and the skin or the colon and the skin respectively.
Crohn’s disease and diverticular disease are well known to cause fistula formation. In addition, those who are undergoing radiation therapy are at greater risk for a variety of fistulas.
Most anal fistulas develop after an anal abscess. One can develop fistula if the abscess does not heal properly after the pus has drained away.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FISTULAS?
Depending on the type of fistula, here are some of the signs and symptoms:
Patients can have different symptoms depending on which parts of the body are connected by the fistula.
Passage of undigested food
Fistula between the intestine and the bladder
Fistula between the intestine and the vagina
Passage of gas or stool through the vagina
Fistula from the intestine to the skin
Can initially present as a painful bump or boil
Skin abscess that is open and draining fluid or stool
If you have one or more of these symptoms, be sure to promptly discuss them with a your Doctor, Dr. Majid Bassuni, at our clinic in Dubai.
FISTULA TREATMENT OPTIONS
Following the diagnosis of a fistula, the medical professional will decide the best plan of treatment based on its location, size, and condition. One treatment path may simply be controlling symptoms with a catheter. More severe fistula repair may require surgery.
What preparations will I need to make before my fistula removal surgery?
How will the surgery affect my diet and bowel movements?
If I require an ileostomy, how do I care for my ostomy pouch and keep it clean?
What supplies will I need at home?
Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with our Consultant General/Colorectal Surgeon, Dr. Majid Bassuni ,please call us or e-mail us at info@westminsterclinic.ae
National Association for Continence (nafc.org)