Definition: A fistula is an unnatural connection between two structures in the body. This connection may be between organs, tissues or even blood vessels. It can be caused by injury or disease, or done intentionally during surgery.
An example of a fistula caused by disease is when Crohn's disease causes a connection between loops of intestine, which normally would be close to each other, but separate.
One of the most common surgeries that creates a fistula is a procedure to make a connection between an artery and vein, which can be used as an access point for dialysis treatments. This is called an arteriovenous or AV fistula.
Pronunciation: fist-you-luh
Also Known As: fistulas, fistulo, fistuli,
Alternate Spellings: fistulae,
Common Misspellings: fistyula,
Examples:
The surgeon decided to create a fistula, this would allow the infectious material to drain completely.
