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Fistulas

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts inside of the body. Fistulas can happen because of injury, infection or inflammation. They may develop between different organs such as between the esophagus and the windpipe, or the bowel and the vagina. They can also develop between two blood vessels such as between an artery and a vein, or between two arteries.

Fistula on Wikipedia

In medicine, a '''fistula''' (pl. fistulas or fistulae) is an abnormal connection or passageway between organs or vessels that normally do not connect.

Location of fistulas

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 *'''Perilymph fistula''': tear between the membranes between 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 fistula''': 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

Types of fistulas

Various types of fistulas include: *'''Blind''': with only one open end *'''Complete''': with both external ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

Autumn's Story - Markets video documenting a mother's story of the experiences of a child born with Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Esophageal Atresia.

Cassia fistula - image

Laboratories Meditech Rousset - Manufacturer of dialysers, hemodialysis blood lines, fistula needles, catheters, and powder concentrates according to international norms and the European Directive MDD/42/93/CEE.

Club Spin - Offers support for those with Vestibular Disorders like Menieres Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Hydrops, Perilymph Fistula and others that cause vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and loss of balance.

Management of Bhagander - Fistula in Ano with Kshar-sutra and Partial Fistulectomy. - Diagnosis, radiological investigations and newer treatment modalities.

A Problem Shared - The TOFS Support Group was founded in 1982 in response to the needs of children born with Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula and associated conditions.

EA/TEF Family Support Connection - Formed by and for families of children born with EA/TEF (Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula) and the medical professionals who treat them.

NYTimes.com - Alone and Ashamed - Obstetric fistulas are quite common in Africa. Here is a description of the problem, its prevalence, and what some people are doing about it.

Fistula Hospital - Hospital in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia which serves and treats women afflicted with obstetric fistulas. History of the institution and its founders, description of the facilities, fundraising efforts, and future plans.

MaterCare International (MCI) - Obstetric Fistula - Describes the problem, its effects, and a project to build a hospital in Africa to treat this and other birth-related problems and injuries.

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