Gastrointestinal FistulaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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.
Fistula treatment focuses on treating the underlying cause of the fistula and any associated infection.
Treatments may include:
- Antibiotics
- Immune suppressing medicines if the fistula is a result of Crohn disease
- Nutrition through a vein while the fistula heals (in some cases)
- Surgery to remove the fistula and part of the intestines, if the fistula is not healing
Some fistulas close on their own after a few weeks to months.
Giovanni Marchegiani practices practicing medicine in Padova, Italy. Mr. Marchegiani is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gastrointestinal Fistula, Pancreatic Cancer, Macroamylasemia, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.
Ulrich Wellner practices practicing medicine in Luebeck, Germany. Mr. Wellner is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gastrointestinal Fistula, Ampullary Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.
Giovanni Butturini practices practicing medicine in Peschiera Del Garda, Italy. Mr. Butturini is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gastrointestinal Fistula, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Pancreatectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.
The outlook depends on the cause of the fistula, 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: Cryptoglandular anal fistulas can cause pain, discharge, recurrent infection, and a prolonged treatment course. In current practice, patients with a single-tract mid-high or high cryptoglandular anal fistula often first undergo placement of a loose seton before definitive sphincter-preserving surgery. Although this staged approach is widely used, high-quality evidence showing that preoperative set...
Summary: This is a single-center, prospective, single-arm feasibility study evaluating whether adult patients with periampullary neoplasms who are at high risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy can be recruited and consented to undergo total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation as an alternative surgical approach. Feasibility will be assessed by annual accrual rate...
Published Date: April 27, 2026
Published By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. 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.
Nassar AK, Barera D, Perrone K, Pugh C. Gastric, duodenal, and small intestinal fistulas. In: Ahmad SA, Pryor AD, eds. Shackelford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 77.
Wadhwani N, Gunnells D. Abdominal abscesses and gastrointestinal fistulas. In: Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 29.