In medicine, a fistula (pl. fistulas or fistulae) is an abnormal connection or passageway between organs or vessels that normally do not connect. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Fistulas can develop in various parts of the body, including: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - Anorectal fistula: connecting the rectum or other anorectal area to the skin surface. This results in abnormal discharge of feces through an opening other than the anus. Also called fistula-in-ano.
- Arteriovenous fistula or A-V: between an artery and vein
- Biliary fistula: connecting the bile ducts to the skin surface, often caused by gallbladder surgery
- Cervical fistula: abnormal opening in the cervix
- Craniosinus fistula: between the intracranial space and a paranasal sinus
- Enteroenteral fistula: between two parts of the intestine
- Enterocutaneous fistula: between the intestine and the skin surface, namely from the duodenum or the jejunum or the ileum. This definition excludes the fistulas arising from the colon or the appendix.
- Enterovaginal fistula: between the intestine and the vagina
- Fecal fistula: see Anorectal
- Fistula-in-ano: see Anorectal
- Gastric fistula: from the stomach to the skin surface
- Metroperitoneal fistula: between the uterus and peritoneal cavity
- Pancreatic fistula: between the pancreas and the exterier via the abdominal wall
- Perilymph fistula: tear between the membranes betwixt the middle and inner ears
- Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula: between an artery and vein of the lungs, resulting in shunting of blood. This results in improperly oxygenated blood
- Rectovaginal: between the rectum and the vagina
- Umbilical fistula: between the umbilicus and gut
- Tracheoesophageal fistula: between the breathing and the feeding tubes
- Vesicovaginal fistula: between the bladder and the vagina
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