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 6256 reviews

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Christine A.

From the moment I entered into the office everyone was great. They took great care of me. made sure I was feeling good after my procedure answered all my questions. I would definitely recommend them.

Kelly M.

Everyone I encountered was very nice, thorough, and understanding.

Julie R.

Very efficient and the staff are all so nice and friendly

Stacy C.

Great Staff, always on time and efficient! Makes you feel comfortable every step of the way!

Robert R.

Every person I came in contact with had a smile, was very pleasant and professional.

성낙준

This facility is very up-to-date and the professionalism of the staff is very high. They are very kind to patients and care them as their family. I will recommend this center to my acquaintances.

Debbie M.

Dr Donat is Amazing. Very well educated and knowledgeable about digestive issues and difficult cases. The staff is great. The only concern is that during a procedure under anesthesia the nurse made me keep my face mask on through the procedure. In my opinion the nurse needs a clear visual of the patients face, mouth, and nose for proper monitoring. That’s basic first aid 101.

Laurie Alward D.

Everyone involved in my care was very nice and very efficient. I felt like I would be very well taken care of.

Anne G.

I was so impressed with my visit for my procedure. From the moment I arrived all the staff I encountered were so friendly! They really put me at ease during a time that I was very nervous and didn’t know what to expect. From start to finish, everything was just great. Without a doubt I would encourage anyone to make an appointment!

Fred S.

Doctor Weber and nursing staff are superb. Dr. Weber's knowledge and credentials are impressive. My only regret is that I didn't go to him for my previous procedures.

The Carpet P.

Top of the line care with true professionals. Highly recommended.

Darcy L.

I had a tela health appointment with Dr B. I was happy that his office gather all the test results from my primary Dr. previous to the appointment My conversation with Dr B went well. And we were able to schedule my upcoming procedure. The staff is wonderful to work with.

Veronica

Very pleased with my medical visit. Very professional and friendly.

Artt C.

The whole staff was polite and professional in handling this procedure

Kingman Y.

Staff was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable.

Peggy M.

Very professional & caring staff. The prep for my procedure was a lot less harsh & easier on my system than when I do to do this before. Instructions were very detailed & easy to follow. Over all a very good experience. I would definitely recommend Troy Gastroenterology.

Carlo Z.

Dr. John Weber is the best .

Michelle B.

Dr. Weber was very personable and professional. The entire process, from appointment setting to recovery, was very well orchestrated and the entire staff was incredibly kind. I'd recommend Dr. Weber and this office to anyone.

Marie R.

It was quick and very professional. All the staff was very nice and caring. I would recommend this office to family and friends. Keep up the great work.

Mary P.

The staff were so nice and kind. And Dr. Quallich was was nice too. Thank you.

Barb B.

The office was very professional and on time. Dr Donat is a very knowledgeable communicator and explained everything in detail. Would highly recommend!

Gail P.

The staff of the CDH/Troy is competent, caring and efficient. Dr. Wille is an excellent physician, thorough and empathetic.

Jason H.

Very positive experience from check in throughout the procedure.

Stephanie B.

Wonderful experience. Efficient and friendly staff.

Robert G.

Dr. Q. And staff handle a tough job and make it comfortable for the patients.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Richard M.

Everything went smoothly, in and out in a flash !

Don S.

Dr. Willie and his staff were great and thorough throughout my whole procedure, highly recommend

Michael C.

Dr. Weber and his team are true professionals with attention to detail and excellent bedside manner. I highly recommend this group for digestive health needs.

Thomas R.

I was in and out for a biopsy of the pancreas in 1 hour, 15 minute wait time, 15 minute procedure, 30 minute recovery. Very professional !!

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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