Learn About Gastrointestinal Fistula
A gastrointestinal fistula is an abnormal opening in the stomach or intestines that allows the contents to leak to another part of the body.
- Leaks that go through to a part of the intestines are called entero-enteral fistulas.
- Leaks that go through to the skin are called enterocutaneous fistulas.
- Other organs can be involved, such as the bladder, vagina, anus, and colon.
Entero-enteral fistula; Enterocutaneous fistula; Fistula - gastrointestinal; Crohn disease - fistula
Most gastrointestinal fistulas occur after surgery. Other causes include:
- Blockage in the intestine
- Infection (such as diverticulitis)
- Crohn disease
- Radiation to the abdomen (most often given as part of cancer treatment)
- Injury, such as deep wounds from stabbing or gunshot
- Swallowing caustic substances (such as lye)
Depending on where the leak is, these fistulas may cause diarrhea, and poor absorption of nutrients. Your body may not have as much water and fluids as it needs.
- Some fistulas may not cause symptoms.
- Other fistulas cause intestinal contents to leak through an opening in the skin.
Treatments may include:
- Antibiotics
- Immune suppressing medicines if the fistula is a result of Crohn disease
- Surgery to remove the fistula and part of the intestines if the fistula is not healing
- Nutrition through a vein while the fistula heals (in some cases)
Some fistulas close on their own after a few weeks to months.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Shayan Irani, MD, specializes in pancreaticobiliary diseases, gastrointestinal oncology, Barrett's Esophagus, gastrointestinal stenting, endoscopic mucosal resection, submucosal dissection, radio frequency ablation and other advanced therapeutic and emerging techniques.Dr. Irani enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, the outdoors, traveling and Scuba diving. Dr. Irani is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. His top areas of expertise are Cholecystitis, Gastrointestinal Fistula, Gallbladder Disease, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass.
Jefferson Surgery - Honickman Center
Charles Yeo is an Oncologist and a General Surgeon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Yeo is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy. Dr. Yeo is currently accepting new patients.
Cleveland Clinic -Oncology
Scott Steele is a Colorectal Surgeon in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Steele is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Colorectal Cancer, Viral Gastroenteritis, Ileostomy, and Colostomy.
The outlook depends on the person's overall health and how bad the fistula is. People who are otherwise healthy have a very good chance of recovery.
Fistulas may result in malnutrition and dehydration, depending on their location in the intestine. They may also cause skin problems and infection.
Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Very bad diarrhea or other major change in bowel habits
- Leakage of fluid from an opening on the abdomen or near the anus, particularly if you have recently had abdominal surgery
Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two different surgery methods for treating a complex type of anal fistula. This condition is an abnormal tunnel connecting the inside of the anus to the skin nearby. The main questions the study aims to answer are: Which surgery has a lower chance of the fistula coming back (recurrence)? Which surgery has a lower chance of causing problems with bowel c...
Summary: Pancreatic fistula is one of the most serious complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. To reduce pancreatic fistula, many authors recommend different techniques in pancreatojejunostomy. The purpose of this study is to determine which is the best method in preventing pancreatic fistula by enforce pancreaticojejunostomy with tissue glue and to investigate its long term clinical outcomes.
Published Date: June 11, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
De Prisco G, Celinski S, Spak CW. Abdominal abscesses and gastrointestinal fistulas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 29.
Nussbaum MS, McFadden DW. Gastric, duodenal, and small intestinal fistulas. In: Yeo CJ, ed. Shackleford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 76.