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In anatomy, a fistula (pl.: fistulas or fistulae /-l i,-l aɪ /; from Latin fistula, "tube, pipe") is an abnormal connection (i.e. tube) joining two hollow spaces (technically, two epithelialized surfaces), such as blood vessels, intestines, or other hollow organs to each other, often resulting in an abnormal flow of fluid from one space to the other.
An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal communication between the small or large bowel and the skin that allows the contents of the stomach or intestines to leak through an opening in the skin.
An external pancreatic fistula is an abnormal communication between the pancreas (actually pancreatic duct) and the exterior of the body via the abdominal wall. Loss of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic fluid via a pancreatic fistula can result in a hyperchloraemic or normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Loss of a small volume of fluid will not cause ...
Other causes are liver biopsy, abdominal trauma, and, rarely, spontaneous perforation. The formation of biloma does not occur frequently. Biliary fistulas are also caused by injury to the bile duct and can result in the formation of bile leaks. Biliary fistulas are abnormal communications between organs and the biliary tract. [3]
An aortoenteric fistula is a connection between the aorta and the intestines, stomach, or esophageus. [1] There can be significant blood loss into the intestines resulting in bloody stool and death. [1] It is usually secondary to an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
A chyle fistula occurs when defect(s) of lymphatic vessel(s) result in leakage of lymphatic fluid, typically accumulating in the thoracic (pleural) or abdominal (peritoneal) cavities, [2] leading to a chylous pleural effusion (chylothorax) or chylous ascites, respectively.
Rectovaginal fistulas are often the result of trauma during childbirth (in which case it is known as obstetric fistula), with increased risk associated with significant lacerations or interventions are used such as episiotomy or operative (forceps/vacuum extraction) deliveries [2] or in situations where there is inadequate health care, such as in some developing countries.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation commonly include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. [2] Complications include a painful inflammation of the inner lining of the abdominal wall and sepsis. Perforation may be caused by trauma, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, cancer, or infection. [2]