Fistulas
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts inside of the body. Fistulas may develop between different organs, such as between the esophagus and the windpipe or the bowel and the vagina. They can also develop between two blood vessels, such as between an artery and a vein or between two arteries.
Some people are born with a fistula. Other common causes of fistulas include:
- Complications from surgery
- Injury
- Infection
- Diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
Treatment depends on the cause of the fistula, where it is, and how bad it is. Some fistulas will close on their own. In some cases, you may need antibiotics and/or surgery.
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Enterography · Radiological Society of North America
- Embolization of Brain Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations/Fistulas · Radiological Society of North America
- Endoscopic Fistula Closure in the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract · Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Fistulogram/Sinogram · Radiological Society of North America
- Intracranial Vascular Treatments · Radiological Society of North America
- Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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