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 6229 reviews

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joe K.

Great staff there and see yah in 5 years!

Sweet P.

Dr. Weber, and Jessica Long, FNP, are amazing! They always take their time and provide quality care. I always know I can count on them to answer all of my questions and guide me to better GI health. Sending my sincerest thanks to them and all of the staff at The Center For Digestive Health!

Brandon S.

Dr. Willie and his staff were very kind and efficient. I had the procedure and was on my way home in under 75 minutes. The prep was as expected, and the instructions were very clear.

Nancy M.

Muy puntuales y muy profesionales gracias

kris J.

Everyone was very friendly and made me feel comfortable from the minute I arrived. Procedure was quick. I would recommend this office.

Lance K.

Friendly, helpful and efficient people. A positive experience.

David L.

Dr. Wille, his staff, and the whole CDH team are patient advocates. Always attentive to patient needs and individual circumstances. Really like the full-service approach including infusion service and multiple locations with flexible scheduling. Dr. Wille brings the the latest approaches to treatment and care. He listens to my concerns and takes the time to make me comfortable with our approach to my treatment. And by "our," it does feel like a team effort. Highly recommended...!

Ron U.

I like the professionalism and courtesy of the staff and I love my doctor who always seems to have time to discuss the issues and any of my concerns.

Adrienne S.

Very friendly and professional staff!!

Julie

DrAbadir and staff are all very professional and have patience. The office visit was quick and the staff explained what was going to happen next so you were not guessing.

Regina W.

I can't thank Dr. Weber enough !! He is saving my life!! He is very thorough and goes the extra to make sure any tests that needs to be done is taken care of!! Ordering a CT scan before we did a scope he seen some mass's and right away called me and referred me to the best Gynecologist -Oncologist surgeon to take care of what was growing on the inside of my body! I still suffer from digestive issues and he still is treating me for those issues. Thank you so much for you and your staff for having a caring heart and not treating your patient like just a routine number! Dr. Weber you are the best!!

Shannon I.

Entire staff was very friendly and professional from beginning to end of my appointment.

Barbara M.

Walking in8 the door, I was greeted with a smile and immediately gave my cards and paperwork to the receptionist. My appointment for a procedure was on time and every single person was smiling and acted like they love to be there... even at 6:30 in the morning! Each nurse and doctor clearly explained what they were doing and why. Then, my favorite Dr. Wille joked and laughed with me and I was relaxed and ready for the procedure. After, he explained what was done and results. What a great team of professionals!

Terry C.

Excellent staff and Doctor Donat. Easy, effective and timely assistance and procedures.

steven S.

Great staff!! Very professional !! Highly recommend

Jason B.

Came for an EGD (esophageal scope) and was in and out quickly and safely. The doctor, nurses, and other supporting staff were very friendly and able to answer all my questions. Dr. Donat is great at what he does.

C F.

They Make a Colonoscopy as pleasant and comfortable as can be Outstanding Doctors and staff

Kevin

Staff were incredibly friendly, personable, and made me feel very comfortable and at ease. Clean facility, too.

Monica H.

Staff and doctor were exceptional. Very professional, courteous and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.

Terry M.

Very friendly and helpful staff

Mary A.

I was treated so kindly by all the staff. Top notch care from Debbie and Denise and David. These people made a less-than-fun procedure so much more tolerable. I would recommend this facility 100%. Dr Quallich is the best. Thank you to all.

Marianne I.

Very good !

Dan V.

Very efficient, kind, caring, could not ask for a better group of people.

thomas P.

Friendly, on time,

Tena C.

Everyone was friendly, professional,efficient and kind. A very good experience

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6234 reviews

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Elaine C.

Very impressed with the staff throughout the whole procedure. The entire staff was very kind and professional, it was a positive experience.

Ceci G.

Staff very knowledgeable. Dr. Bakken always take time to talk to you and doesn't make you feel rushed.

Susan V.

The staff is friendly, conscientious and attentive which makes you feel at ease.

Martha H.

Always good care,wonderful staff and dr weber is great!

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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