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
1. Anal fistulas / Perianal fistulas, Abnormal connection between the epithelialized surface of the skin around anal and perianal skin.
2. Anorectal fistula occurs between the anus and the skin around the anal opening.
3. Rectovaginal or anovaginal fistulas occur when a hole develops between the rectums or anuses and vaginas.
4. Colovaginal fistula occurs between the colon and the vagina.
An abnormal opening within a urinary tract organ or an abnormal connection between a urinary tract organ and another organ – vesicouterine fistula occurs between the bladder and the uterus.
The vesicovaginal fistula is where a hole develops between the bladder and the vagina, while a urethrovaginal fistula occurs between the urethra and the vagina.
Other types include
Enteroenteral fistula occurs between the small intestine and skin or the colon and skin respectively. If these are left untreated, fistula can lead to leakage of gas and /or feces into the vagina
- Fluid drainage from the vagina
- Nausea
- Vomitings
- Abdominal pain
Fistula Treatment
To treat fistula, patients seek expert advice from gynecologists, urogynaecologists, or colorectal surgeons following the diagnosis of fistula. The medical professionals will decide the best plan of treatment based on location, size, and condition control. One treatment path may simply be controlling symptoms with a catheter. If it is a more severe fistula, it may require surgery.
Non-invasive treatment
Fibrin glue – A specific medical adhesive used to seal fistulas
Plug- this is usually a collagen matrix used to fill the fistula
Catheters- are used to drain fistulas, they are usually employed on small fistulas to manage infections.
Surgical Treatment for Fistula
Transabdominal surgery – here, the fistula is accessed through an abdominal wall incision.
Laparoscopic surgery – this is a minimally invasive surgery that involves a tiny incision and the use of a camera and small tools to repair the fistula.
Pharmaceutical therapy – Antibiotics or other medication may also be used to treat any infection associated with fistula. Yet, there is no pharmaceutical solution to eliminate fistula at this time. While fistula poses a serious threat to your body, high treatment success should encourage everyone dealing with fistula to seek immediate help.
Fistula treatment at Vitality’s Laser Piles Clinic is fast and almost painless in contrast to some of the commonly observed painful surgical treatments. We recommend booking an appointment so that you could talk to one of our expert doctors about the fistula treatment.
Schedule an appointment today. Call us: 910 850 3674, Email: support@laserpiles.com
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