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 6243 reviews

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Phebe H.

Very good experience. Everyone was very professional and helpful.

Beverly P.

Dr. Donat is such a great doctor. He always takes the time to explain a procedure and is very informative. His staff is very friendly and responds back quickly when you need something.

Angela R.

Amazing staff Dr Willie is amazing

Jill A.

Dr. Willie is the best! Surgical procedure was a breeze-in and put in an hour. Very efficient staff!

Rob E.

Had my first meeting with center for Digestive health, and was very pleased. Staff and Doctor were very professional. Dr listeed to my issues, and I was very happy with the plan we laid out to deal with ongoing abdominal pain issue.

Tony D.

The staff is fantastic. All the way from check-in to walking me out. The facilities were extremely clean too.

richardnewt20

Everyone I met was very pleasant and took care of my concerns.

TerriLynn S.

From the first phone call to set up the procedure I was put at ease. When I came in to be checked in the ladies at the front desk were so nice and friendly then the nurse who asked all the questions so nice and informative. The nurse that put in my iv got it the first time! Wow! The anesthesiologist and the nurse who were in the room to do the scope kept me calm. The Dr is very kind. And made me comfortable. Can’t leave out the nurses in recovery. So nice! It doesn’t happen to much where everyone in a doctors office are kind and compassionate but this one is. Thank you for making me feel taken care of.

Maria L.

Dr. Bakken is the BEST! very professional, loved her staff: kind & caring, great bedside manner, from the minute I walked in, the process was very efficient, the facility was clean & organized.

James P.

My colonoscopy with Dr. Nandi was outstanding as usual. The staff, nurses, prep crew and Doctor made the procedure go smoothly. Thanks to all, see you in 3 years.

Mike M.

The entire team was a delight to work with

Ravi B.

The pdf directions were clear step by step. The pre calls and adding Endoscopy with my primary care doctor’s phone call was flexible and able get it done Colonoscopy and Endoscopy at the same time and on time was excellent. Post service calls are nice. Like the remainders a few days before and on the night before the procedure. The staff was friendly, professional, on time, courteous and painless procedure. Dr. Desai was energetic and encouraging before and after the procedure, explaining some details, indicating a follow up and provided a brief color report, which was nice. Overall, nice place and nice atmosphere and highly recommenced. Thanks

Laura D.

I received excellent and prompt care. Doctor Quallich, Nurse Anesthesis, and Nurses are the best. Great Endoscopy friendly place.

Farhat A.

I just had my first colonoscopy. The staff and nurses went to great lengths to protect my sense of modesty. They made sure I was comfortable the whole time. My anesthesiologist was wonderful. She told me exactly what to expect, and I felt no grogginess afterward. It was the best 15-minute nap I’ve had in a long time. Doctor Bakken was wonderful and very caring.

Rita B.

Dr. Quallich is the best!! Staff is very helpful & definitely work as a team. Highly recommend!!

Mike F.

Excellent, helpful and caring staff. The doctor is very professional.

Sandra V.

From the beginning at registration , to Debbie walking me out . Everyone was so kind and friendly. I would recommend this place for any digestive needs or procedures. Thank you to all who helped me.

Carol

Very professional, well scheduled, gave me a sense of confidence. So well organized and professional.

Kim M.

Rachael was the most supportive, caring , and so thorough throughout this process. I had glitches with allergies and such but she worked through all the red tape with grace and poise. Procedure went smoothly and as scheduled. Rachael is such a gem and should definitely get extra kudos for her work on my complicated case. Bless you.

KELLY O.

Everyone was amazing and very kind. I was able to get my appointment scheduled and completed in a quick and timely manner! I have been seeing Dr. Tocco for years now, and I have always had a good experience.

Patrick W.

For a colonoscopy it was a good experience. The staff was welcoming and caring from scheduling, checking in, pre procedure, post procedure, getting discharged, etc.

Taryn

I can't express enough how impressed I am with the Center of Digestive Health. From scheduling the appointment through to completing the procedure, everyone was so professional and kind. Dr. Aalia Saeed and her anesthesiologist were so lovely!! I would highly recommend this center to anyone needing an appointment.

Diane M.

Truly friendly and experienced staff, beginning with admission. Dr. Weber and his staff are the reason I've continued as his patient throughout the years. Thank you to all who made my experience seamless.

Randy K.

Appointment was on-time fast friendly personnel and team. In and out no issues. Friendly follow-up later in the day to ensure no after affects.

tina K.

Very professional place I had procedure at macomb office excellent service from start to finish

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6248 reviews

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Kelle' B.

I was very satisfied with my care at the Center for Digestive Health. Everyone was so kind and gracious. I would definitely recommend and will return.

Christina E.

Wonderful, caring staff.

Brian A.

Very professional and on time. Great staff and Doctors.

Richard E.

Very professional staff that works efficiently and pleasant

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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