Fistula

What is a Fistula?

The term fistula describes an abnormal connection between two parts of the body. For example, a fistula may occur between an organ and another body part.

There are several types of fistulas:

Blind: A fistula that is only opened on one end, but is connected to two body structures.
Complete: This type of fistula has an opening outside the body, as well as inside the body.
Horseshoe: This type of fistula is between the anus and the surface of the skin, and it goes around the rectum.
Incomplete: An incomplete fistula is a tube that begins at the skin but is closed on the inside, so it does not connect with any body structures internally.

There are various possible locations of a fistula on the body. Some common fistula locations include:

Between arteries and veins
From bile ducts to the skin’s surface, due to gallbladder surgery
Between the neck and throat
From the cervix or bowel to the vagina
From the colon to the body’s surface
In the area inside the skull and nasal sinus
Between the stomach and the skin’s surface
From the navel to the gut
Between the uterus and the walls of the abdomen

It is also possible to have an anal fistula, which develops when the anus has an abnormal connection with another organ.

Another type of fistula, called a gastrointestinal fistula, is located in the digestive tract. This type of fistula may develop between one part of an intestine and another.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy

What causes a fistula?

There are several causes of a fistula. For instance, injuries and surgery are potential causes. Other fistula causes include infections and inflammation. Fistulas can develop between arteries and veins as a result of an injury, whereas inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, can cause the development of fistulas between intestinal loops. An anal fistula can sometimes be congenital, meaning that it is present from the time a person is born. It occurs when an abnormal connection develops between the anus and another organ.

How is a fistula treated?

Treatment for a fistula begins with a diagnosis. A doctor may diagnose a fistula by running blood tests, taking x-rays, or performing an endoscopy or CT scan. Fistula treatments will vary based upon the type and location of the fistula, and in some cases, a fistula may resolve on its own. Fistula treatments may involve managing infection, replenishing fluids, and correcting electrolyte imbalances. In some cases, a fistula may require surgery.

Do I have to seek treatment for a fistula?

If you think you may be suffering from a fistula, it is important to see a doctor to prevent complications. A medical professional can determine the best fistula treatment for your situation.

Common Symptoms

“I developed a fever accompanied by stomach pain.”
“I started to have diarrhea all the time, and I was suffering from rectal bleeding.”
“I felt dehydrated and started to lose weight, and my overall health just got worse.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Nicole G.

Staff was great! Very pleasant. Dr. Weber was fantastic! He listened to my questions and answered every one. I didn't feel rushed and he was very kind.

Ed L.

The peope were very professional and courteous. I would highly recommend this location

Debbie C.

This office is run professional with friendly patient care. My call out to Amy, Nick, Jorden, Nicole, and Dr. Tocco. They all treated me with gentle respectful care. During my prep stage (which is the unpleasant part) I had some questions and called the office. Sherrie answered all of my questions and helped calm an advance middle aged lady down! You guys are the best!

delshawn J.

The staff was Absolutely amazing! Everyone went above and beyond to make me comfortable.

Brad G.

From Dr. Bologna, to the staff all very knowledgeable, professional and nice people. I felt very comfortable and cared for. See ya in five years!

Bob S.

Staff was very friendly and PROFESSIONAL. Bob S

Sharon O.

All of the staff are very professional. They keep the patient informed every step of the way.

Marlene D.

Very kind, pleasant help, from sign in, and each and every assistant and nurse. And Dr Q set me at ease, thank you. I also appreciated the follow up phone call at home.

Thom S.

The entire staff was helpful and attentive to my needs. The procedure was very thorough and everyone made the experience one that remediated any fears I might have had. The smiles were contagious.

K B.

Everyone in the building works to both help and make you feel comfortable in the whole process

David S.

It was a fast and efficient experience.Everyone was very professional and helpful.

Russell B.

Efficient, compassionate, knowledgeable, and pleasant.

dennis W.

Staff was very friendly and answered every question. Felt very comfortable!

Dino P.

Dr. Donat and team are great! Professional, caring, friendly, truly the best experience.

Allison B.

Great experience for me here. Staff took care of me with straightforwardness and compassion, which I appreciate during medical visits. Slight hiccup with IV placement in one arm, but efficient at getting the other arm hooked up quickly and without issue. Great, pre- and post-care (and I can assume during, too, but I was napping, so...). 🙂 I highly recommend Center for Digestive Health.

Jane B.

Great caring staff handled professionally. I will continue care at this location with Dr Donat and his staff.

Rick H.

Great doctor and an excellent staff

Lisa L.

The staff were all friendly and professional. Procedure was quick yet they let me take as long as I needed to recover.

Richard M.

very friendly and professional they make sure you understand everything about your procedure and take time to be sure you understand the results

Jeanette Y.

The Center was an excellent experience from Roger and Brittany my nurses to the procedure room and Anesthetist, all was smooth. Very caring team and of course a fabulous physician, Dr Weber! Highly recommend this site and team!

Pamela P.

Everyone I came in contact with was courteous, helpful, and knowledgable, and I felt comfortable.

Susan P.

Staff here are great! Very friendly and willing to answer any and all questions.

Darrell P.

Staff was great they made my procedure easy . Thank You

Vincent K.

I appreciated being told at registration what the planned schedule was for my procedure. And it was pretty much on time. Also, the nurses who prepared me and discharged me were very professional and most pleasant.

Elaine M.

I was surprised I didn't have to wait very long to see the Dr because the last place I went to kept me waiting about 2 hours. Very positive experience.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6266 reviews

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Diana T.

Everyone was professional and compassionate. They addressed all of my concerns and questions

Kimberly N.

I have been here twice and both times I have had a wonderful experience. When you need to get a colonoscopy, go here!!!!

Kim H.

They’re like a fine oil machine someone to take care of all your needs make it comfortable and that’s over and done and you’re great

Anna M.

Everyone was very pleasant

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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