Fistula Treatment & Surgery

Fistula Treatment & Surgery in MRC Nagar, Chennai

What is Fistula?

A fistula is a passageway that connects two vessels or organs of the body that are not usually connected. The common location of placement of the fistula is around the anus. However, it can be developed in other parts such as the intestine and skin, between rectum and vagina, or other parts of the body.

What are the Types of Fistula?

Some of the types of fistula are as follows:

• Anal fistula - It is the connection between the perianal canal and epithelialized surface. An anal fistula occurs between the skin opening around the anus and anal canal.
• Urinary tract fistula - It refers to abnormal openings within the urinary tract and other organs.
• Other Types - The other types of fistula are as follows:
  • Enteroenteral fistula - It occurs in two parts of the intestine.
  • Colocutaneous fistula - It occurs between the small intestine and skin.

What are the Symptoms of Fistula?

Depending on the types of fistulas, some of the common symptoms of fistula are as follows:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fluid drainage from the vagina
• Feces into vagina
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) frequently
• Constant urine leakage from the vagina
• Irritation in external female genital organs

What Causes Fistula?

Fistulas are generally caused by surgery and injury and may also occur after an infection that may lead to inflammation. Inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are some of the conditions that may cause a fistula. Some of the other causes of fistula are trauma, radiation, cancer, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted disease, and diverticulitis.

When to See a Doctor

If you witness any of the fistula symptoms, you should immediately contact your healthcare professional to plan a further line of treatment.

Request an Appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the Risk Factors Associated with Fistula?

Some of the factors that lead to a rise in the need for doing fistula are -

• Cardiac catheterization
• Certain medications
• High body mass index
• High blood pressure
• Old age
• Genetic conditions
• Congenital conditions
• Certain medications

What are the Complications of Fistula?

Fistula can cause complications. Some of the serious medical complications of fistula are as follows:

• Blood clots - Fistula can cause blood clots. For instance, arteriovenous fistula in legs can cause blood clots to form vein thrombosis; depending on the location of the fistula, it may lead to stroke.
• Bleeding - Fistulas can sometimes also lead to bleeding.
• Leg pain - Fistula in the leg can lead to severe leg pain.
• Heart failure - It is one of the severe fistula complications; the heart pumps harder to increase the blood flow. Thus, increased load on the heart can lead to heart failure.

How Can We Prevent Fistula?

Some steps in your regular activities can help you prevent fistula. A few of them are as follows:

• Avoid strain during bowel movement
• Exercise regularly
• Consume fiber-rich diet

How is Fistula Treated?

Fistula is treated by healthcare professionals such as urogynecologists, colorectal surgeons, and gynecologists. The medical professional would decide the treatment plan depending on the size, condition, and location. A severe fistula may require surgery. Some of the treatment options for fistula are as follows:

• Non-Invasive Treatment - Some of the non-invasive options for the treatment of fistula are as follows:
  • Fibrin glue a medicinal adhesive to seal fistulas
  • Plug a collagen matrix to fill the fistula
  • Catheters are used to manage fistulas

• Surgical Treatment - Some of the surgical treatment options are as follows:
  • Laparoscopic surgery a minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of fistula
  • Transabdominal surgery is accessed through abdominal wall incision

• Pharmaceutical Treatment - Antibiotics and other medications are used for the treatment of infection of the fistula

Conclusion

Fistulas usually occur due to injury or infection. It is a connection between two body parts or organs that are not connected. An injury can lead to the formation of fistulas between veins and arteries. Every patient has different symptoms depending on the body part connected to the fistula. Fatigue, skin irritation, pain during bowel movement, bleeding from the rectum, and others are common symptoms. Surgical and medications are the two options for the treatment of infections caused due to fistula.