Fistula

Lore & Background

The term 'fistula' was first used in the 14th century and derives from the Latin word for 'tube' or 'pipe.' In anatomy, a fistula is an abnormal connection joining two epithelialized surfaces, such as blood vessels, intestines, or other hollow organs. This connection often leads to an abnormal flow of fluid from one space to another. Fistulas can be classified by their location, such as anal fistulas connecting the anal canal to the perianal skin, or vesicovaginal fistulas between the bladder and the vagina. They may also be described by their structure, including blind fistulas with only one open end, complete fistulas with both internal and external openings, or incomplete fistulas with an external skin opening that does not connect to any internal organ.

Reader's Guide

Fistulas are significant in medicine because they represent a disruption of normal anatomy that can cause serious complications, such as uncontrolled leakage of urine or feces. Globally, between 50,000 and 100,000 women are affected each year by fistulas related to childbirth, most commonly vaginal fistulas between the bowel or bladder and the vaginal canal. Treatment varies depending on the type, cause, and severity, often involving surgical intervention combined with antibiotic therapy. In some cases, a fistula is temporarily covered using fibrin glue or a plug, or a catheter may be required to drain it. The condition can result from infections, inflammatory diseases like Crohn's disease, trauma, or surgical complications. In botany, the term is used in its adjectival form in binomial names to refer to species with hollow or tubular structures, such as Monarda fistulosa, which has tubular flowers.

Did You Know?

• An anal fistula connects the anal canal to the perianal skin.
• In botany, the term is used in binomial names like Monarda fistulosa, which has tubular flowers.