top of page
  • fistulacure144

What is a fistula and what are its causes and types?

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 in other places. The most common location for a fistula is around the anus.


Types of fistulas include:

  • Blind (open on one end only, but connects to two structures)

  • Complete (has openings both outside and inside the body)

  • Horseshoe (connects the anus to the surface of the skin after going around the rectum)

  • Incomplete (a tube from the skin that is closed on the inside and does not connect to any internal structure)

The leading causes of an anal fistula are clogged anal glands and anal abscesses. Other, much less common, conditions that can cause an anal fistula include:

  • Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory disease of the intestine)

  • Radiation (treatment for cancer)

  • Trauma

  • Sexually transmitted diseases

  • Tuberculosis

  • Diverticulitis (a disease in which small pouches form in the large intestine and become inflamed)

  • Cancer


2 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page