Fistulas

Fistulas

What is a fistula?

A fistula, also known as a pipe ulcer, is an abnormal connection between two hollow organs in the body or between a hollow organ and the skin. These connections can occur between organs such as the bowel and the bladder, the vagina, the urethra, or between the bladder and the skin.

Symptoms due to a fistula

The symptoms of a fistula vary depending on the location and type. Some possible symptoms include:

• Pain when urinating.
• Presence of air bubbles in the urine.
• Loss of urine or stool through routes other than normal, such as through the vagina, anus, or a fistula in the skin, leading to lack of control of urine or stool.
• Irritation of the skin around the fistula opening.
• Unpleasant odour.

How a fistula occurs and treatment options

Fistulas often occur after inflammations, such as boils, and manifest as passageways or tubes under the skin. They may appear around the anus or vagina and are often associated with pus or fluid secretion. Treatments vary, but a fistula will not disappear on its own.

Treatment of fistula

First, an additional examination will determine the depth and extensiveness of the fistula formation. Depending on this, laser or surgical treatment will take place. If you take blood-thinning drugs, it is important to tell your doctor prior to treatments for a fistula.