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 6264 reviews

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Rita R.

I had a telehealth visit with Dr. Bakken this week. She was excellent. Prior to our conversation, she reviewed my records, and it was obvious that she was fully aware of my previous visit to the ER and the results of tests administered there. She scheduled me for a necessary Endoscopy, and I am confident that I will receive quality, competent care. As a teacher, I would give her an A! Sister Rita Rinaldi, IHM

Jim P.

Dr. Nandi and his team took great care of me (as always) during my Endoscopy. Everyone took the time to make sure I fully understood the procedure and the results.

Ying Z.

Very organized great doctors and staff. Procedures carried on on time and process explained very well with phone or Text message reminders and follow ups

Robert S.

Office staff if very friendly and professional. My appointment was on time with Dr. Willie who is down to earth and take this time with you.

Roger A.

Fabulous people,OUTSTANDING !!!

Mary P.

Lisa at check in was very sweet and helpful. The nurse that took care of me and prepped me for surgery was wonderful also. Actually everybody was and my procedure was on time. Thank you!

Tony T.

I was very nervous of being sedated and with my family history it was very difficult for me. Everyone was very kind, my pre op nurse , he was amazing and so candid it made me feel better. Overall a great experience for going to a dr.

Kathy Y.

All the staff and doctor were excellent: friendly, caring, light hearted and professional. They tried to ease your mind before and after the procedure so you felt at ease. Dr. Nandi has been my doctor for all of these procedures and I would not trade doctors for anything. He is great !

Patricia G.

Courteous staff, thorough exam, listened to my concerns.

Dan B.

Very well managed procedure from start to finish. Excellent staff!

Francisco N.

The entire staff was efficient and professional without sacrificing one minute of being friendly and supportive. It is the loins of care you might hope for when facing any medical professional. I highly recommend my doctor , who is a professional , who kindly takes you through your prospective procedure as does everyone in the actual surgical center .

Becky O.

Everyone is so pleasant, efficient and competent. Everything runs so smoothly

Kyle S.

A very good experience!

Pam P.

The nurses,doctor, and the anesthesiologist treated me very well. I was very comfortable with the procedure. Thank you all very much

Debra R.

Easy check in. Everyone using masks and social distancing making everyone feel safe. Best sleep ever! Just wish nurses taking me on way to recovery weren't talking so loud. Great physician! I see why my PCP highly recommended her. She discusses pertinent information before and after the procedure. Nurses were great! Thorough question, history and answer timeframe and provided me with warmed gown and blanket. I will recommend this physician and facility to others.

Maine C.

I had my first colonoscopy at the age of 58, after 8 years of putting it off. When I arrived at the office, I was put at ease immediately, and everyone was friendly and professional. I was in and out of the office and done with my procedure in under 2 hours. Dr Nandi has been my husband's doctor for many years, and when I finally decided to have my first colonoscopy, there was no doubt that I would go to him. I highly recommend this office for any gastro procedures and doctor visits.

Claralyn U.

I had such a positive experience at the center. Everyone was kind and very professional.

Lisa O.

Always a positive professional experience. I am always out at ease when I have a procedure or an office call. One of the best doctors at Beaumont

Maryann C.

Staff was wonderful and friendly. I felt very comfortable

Rob W.

Painless & Efficient Very friendly staff!

Chuck M.

Everyone was very nice and professional. Nurses, prep team, recovery Nurses and the Dr. Highly recommend. Thank you for the great care.

Melissa K.

I have been a patient of Dr.Bakken’s for many years. She - and everyone I have encountered at the entire practice - are professional, kind, and caring. I trust them and highly recommend to friends and family.

Robert B.

Professional and everything I could have wanted. A+

Rhonda J.

Doctor willie is absolutely the best. The staff not only at the front desk but all of the nursing staff are absolutely first rate. Very caring and experienced group of caregivers. The only issue is they are so well-known they need a larger facility especially the waiting room.

Jan S.

Everyone was very nice and always explained what was being done.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6269 reviews

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Robin D.

Dr Bakken is so amazing. Everyone is always so friendly

Mark I.

The entire staff was professional , efficient and timely. From the front desk to the aid that walked me out, all were knowledgeable and friendly. The warm blanket was a great touch! Thanks for making an uncomfortable procedure as easy and pleasant as possible. Go team!

Alexandra K.

Love this office! Everyone very friendly and knowledgeable! Kept me up to date on what was going on and answered all questions I asked!!!

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!

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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