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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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6267 reviews

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BAM

Dr. Donat is the best. The clinical staff is amazing.

Greg G.

The team was kind and efficient. As good of an experience as I could ask for.

Arnold W.

Everyone was very professional and helpful. Dr Weber is great as I have been seeing him once a year for 5 years now. I highly recommend this facility.

John W S.

Everyone here is incredibly kind and caring. I had some anxiety when I was preparing for my procedure, but it was done and over with before I had time to think about it. Dr. Donat is excellent, and takes time to explain everything.

Autumn T.

I had a great experience for my first colonoscopy! Dr Nandi was great. Even the anesthesiologist was cracking me up. Very thankful that I had a good first experience.

Carrie F.

Very nice staff! My visit went smoothly and Everyone made me feel comfortable!

susan E.

Everything was just right from the start. Intake secretary was proficient, professional and friendly. Nicole my nurse was the same. Procedure was on time and Dr Wille was lovely and kind as usual.

Julie N.

Dr Nandi and the nurses are the best.

Martha A.

I was pleased with Nicolette’s professionalism.

Regina K.

Dr Weber and his team were awesome. Everyone was professional, listened, answered questions, and very pleasant. They worked hard to keep the experience calm. The check-in staff were very pleasant as well and I received a call within 2 hours after discharge asking how I was doing. Thank you.

Christianne B.

Friendly helpful staff and friendly knowledgeable doctor. On time and efficient.

Aileen K.

Wonderful staff and doctors! I was so nervous but everyone was very kind and caring and made me feel comfortable. Thank you and a special thanks to Roland. He is truly amazing. 😊

Kathy S.

Everyone was professional and helpful

Deborah V.

Loved the Dr and staff, they were excellent!! I would recommend them.

CD G.

Center for Digestive Health could not be more professional, friendly and genuinely caring about each and every patient. No one looks forward to digestive testing, but CDH goes above and beyond to make the experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible. Angels in uniforms.

Geemoney313mi

Thanks for everything. It was excellent experience

Edward S.

First colonoscopy and didnt know what to expect but the staff was exceptional at putting me at ease. The procedure was handled professionally from the time you check in til discharge.

Megan L.

I absolutely love this doctors office. They’re always understanding, they don’t rush you during your appt and really take the time to listen and ask questions.

Lani F.

Very professional and organized

King C.

I was very comfortable with the staff.

Joan P.

Everything was perfect. I had to change my appointment due to an upcoming unexpected surgery. The receptionist truly helped to move my appointment up, able to see doctor prior to surgery. Very short wait upon arrival. A nice assistant asked a few questions prior to seeing Dr. Nandi. As always, all of my questions were answered, treated with kindness & a feeling of comfort. Thankful for my care.

Gerald J.

Prompt scheduling, caring staff, good facilities; much more convenient than a major hospital setting.

Vincent A.

Like at Arby's I would ring for very good and professional and organized office . Thank you all

Kim B.

The ease of going there compared to a hospital there’s no comparison. The nurse I had was totally amazing. I had a horrible experience with the I’ve cath at hospital 6 times trying kept blowing veins. At the center for digestive health my nurse understood that and talked me down with doing what she needed to do and got the vein on first try. I will definately be doing all possible procedures here.

Steve L.

Excellent care facility. Everyone from walking in to walking out was very pleasant and helpful.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6272 reviews

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Marilyn D.

I had a Colonoscopy and EDG yesterday at the Center for Health in Macomb Township. It was a great experience starting with check in through release. All around, their staff was kind, friendly, just great. Thank you Dr. Nandi and crew!

M V.

Every person I interacted with was very professional, sensitive and thorough. They were polite and very willing to listen and encouraged me to ask questions. I felt very well taken care of as well as understood all parts of the paperwork and procedure.

Michael J.

Great staff and service.

Richard L.

All very nice people.

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

Christina N. Brown, 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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