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 6249 reviews

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Yvonne Q.

Dr. Weber and all his staff were very professional and caring.

candace

Everyone was very sweet,nice and understanding. I really can't think of anything I was disappointed in my morning I spent there during my procedure. THANK YOU DOCTOR AND STAFF

Steve C.

The staff was extremely professional, knowledgeable and patient during my entire visit. They did an awesome job reassuring me and answering all my questions.

Pamela R.

They are professional but a family atmosphere. Very caring, explain things thoroughly and makes one comfortable. Dr Quallick is a wonderful doctor and professionally knowledgeable with his patients. We live 2 hours away from Troy and drive the distance for their care!

Traci A.

Everything about my visit for my colonoscopy was great! The entire team was fantastic! Love Dr. Donat! Was in and out no issues at all! Thank you to the entire team who cared for me on Wednesday!

Sandra G.

Wonderful, friendly and professional staff, made me feel very comfortable. Highly recommend them!

Madhavan D.

Clear instructions, frequent reminders and professional and friendly service

Frank S.

Colonoscopy prep information, guidance, supplies and follow up texts during prep time were a nice touch. Very efficient visit for the procedure. Was out 1 hour and 5 minutes past my appt.

K T.

Everyone was very kind, professional and caring. Dr. Bologna is the best! Very clean facility. I highly recommend.

Kevin

Very knowledgeable and professional and willing to take as much time with you as needed.

Tom F.

Dr. Sante Bologna, this guy is professional and personable, anesthesiologist, comforting, Informative front desk, staff, professional, and friendly to make me feel welcome and comfortable , I don't think I I was in the waiting room five minutes Before the young and energetic staff asked me to go with them. This is the place to be if this is a place you've got to go lol

cindy M.

The staff were very friendly and kind. Private bathroom needed in waiting area.

George K.

I had a procedure this morning with Dr. Nandi at the Surgical Centers of Michigan located on Investment Drive. Dr. Nandi as always was the most professional and caring doctor that I have encountered. But, what impressed me was the staff in the office. The TEAM (receptionist, the nurse who checked me and made me ready for the procedure, Anesthesiologist and nurse in the procedure room, the recovery room nurse, the PA who called me later in the day to check-up on me) showed me such care and compassion. It made me feel as if I was the most important patient that they would encounter. It is obvious that these professionals love what they are doing. They love helping others. That made all the difference to me. Thank you.

Joann K.

excellent experience with PA Noelle. very thorough andd good advice.

Lori M.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

James W.

Office was packed with patients at 7:30 am. I was 10 minutes early. Patients were called and moving. My appointment was smooth the whole time from start to finish. Extremely efficient office. I saw 6 different people and all 6 were friendly, smiling, competent, and kept me comfortable and at ease. Pre-office procedures and calls were 100% the best. I love this office!

LiAnne E.

I've been in desperate search for a new GI for quite some time now after not experiencing much with my last one. I got in to see Dr. Khan a week after calling due to a cancellation, while other places were booked out months ahead. The Macomb office was clean and her medical assistant Margaret is so sweet, empathetic, and easy to talk to. Dr. Khan was very honest, efficient, and clear in explaining every option. So far, since my first appointment, I've already done three different tests and am super impressed with the very active follow-up and helping me hopefully (finally) resolve my ongoing stomach issues!! I have already recommended them to all my other friends who also experience similar GI related issues.

Jay 1.

Ruth had an endoscopy done recently. All was professional, efficient, with summary by Dr Nandi before leaving. Always have a good experience at this office.d

Kay B.

I had a colonosopy that gave the doctor a diagnosis and treatment plan. I am happy with the result.

Anna M.

The staff and doctors are courteous and caring from check in to the time of check out. I have recommended the Romeo Plank office to my family and friends.

Michael W.

The staff, from doctor to receptionist were very personable, professional and caring for my needs. It isn't my first interaction and I expect follow up interactions to be likewise. Thanks and praise to all.

F S.

The staff kept checking to make sure I was comfortable. After the procedure Dr. Quallick took the time to thoroughly explain what he had done. Great experience once again.

Tracey V.

Caring Staff, clean facility, organized and efficient all around. Dr. Bakken was soft spoken, caring and very thorough.

Judith P.

Everyone was most friendly. helpful, and knowledgeable.

Gino L.

Excellent facility and staff. They are on top of the patients needs and concerns. A little overkill on the pre test/op communications and early communication. 2 weeks would be plenty of notice and 2 times during those 2 weeks. Dr Bologna is excellent and thorough in his work. Definitely recommend this medical office!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6254 reviews

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David

Very friendly made me feel comfortable and told me what they were doing step by step. Highly recommend.

Terri S.

Very nice facility with friendly, efficient staff.

Karen M.

As much as no one looks forward to a colonoscopy, my experiences with the center and your wonderful staff makes such a huge difference!! Kind, caring and especially getting the 2nd warm blanket!!

Elizabeth S.

Every person on staff I interacted with was great. They were knowledgeable, friendly and kind. Made entire endo process much easier for me.

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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