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Fistulas
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lungs Breathing

Fistulas

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts inside the body, such as organs or blood vessels, which may require medical intervention depending on the severity.

Overview

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.

Causes & Risk Factors

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 & Management

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Living with a fistula often requires dietary modifications to reduce stool volume and frequency, which can help minimize drainage and irritation. A low-fiber, low-residue diet is often recommended to make stools more formed and easier to manage. You should avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and increase bowel movements. It is also important to maintain strict hygiene around the affected area to prevent skin breakdown and secondary infections. Many patients find that using barrier creams and absorbent pads helps manage the physical discomfort and social anxiety associated with drainage.
Small fistulas, particularly those that are not under tension and have a clean, healthy tract, may close spontaneously with conservative management such as bowel rest, nutritional support, and antibiotics. However, surgery is typically required if the fistula is large, has been present for more than four to six weeks, or is caused by an underlying condition like Crohn's disease or cancer that prevents healing. The decision also depends on the location; for example, anal fistulas often require surgical drainage to prevent abscess formation, while some intestinal fistulas may be managed with stents or endoscopic clips if they are accessible.
In the weeks following surgery, watch for signs of infection that do not respond to standard care, such as persistent fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss. Specific to fistulas, you may notice unusual drainage from the surgical site that has a foul odor or contains pus. If the fistula connects to the bowel, you might see stool or gas passing through the vagina or rectum, or notice urine in the stool. These symptoms often appear gradually and may be mistaken for a simple wound infection, so any persistent drainage or unusual discharge after abdominal or pelvic surgery warrants immediate medical evaluation.
n abscess is a collection of pus that forms in a pocket of tissue, usually due to an infection, while a fistula is an abnormal tunnel or connection between two organs or surfaces. They are closely related; in fact, an untreated abscess can erode through tissue and create a fistula as it seeks a path to drain. Conversely, a fistula can become blocked, leading to the accumulation of fluid and the formation of a new abscess. This cycle of abscess and fistula is common in conditions like Crohn's disease and perianal infections, and both conditions often require drainage and antibiotics to resolve, with surgery sometimes needed to close the fistula tract.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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