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.
Giovanni Marchegiani practices in Padova, Italy. Mr. Marchegiani is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. His top areas of expertise are Gastrointestinal Fistula, Pancreatic Cancer, Macroamylasemia, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.
Ulrich Wellner practices in Luebeck, Germany. Mr. Wellner is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. His top areas of expertise are Gastrointestinal Fistula, Ampullary Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.
Giovanni Butturini practices in Peschiera Del Garda, Italy. Mr. Butturini is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistula. His top areas of expertise are Gastrointestinal Fistula, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Pancreatectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.
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: This phase III trial compares the effect of using lanreotide before surgery to surgery alone in preventing pancreatic fistulas in patients with pancreatic cancer or a pancreatic lesion that could become cancerous. Lanreotide, a type of somatostatin analog similar to somatostatin (a hormone made by the body), and is used to treat certain types of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and ca...
Summary: Curative management of locally resectable invasive adenocarcinomas located in the cephalic region of the pancreas (pancreas, duodenum and ampulla of Vater) requires a pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a major surgery that often leads to major complications including approximately 20% of relevant clinical postoperative pancreatic fistula. Postoper...
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.