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 6226 reviews

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Larry B.

The best experience I've had for a procedure like this. I've never had a bad experience anywhere, but for some reason, the Macomb facility was just top notch. From walking in the door to leaving was filled with friendly, thoughtful people, who made me feel I was the getting the very best care!

Fikreta F.

excellent service

Rob W.

Very friendly & professional!

susan C.

Very professional and on time

michael H.

I previously gave a one star review stating that I had no idea how good the doctors were because I could not get through to make an appointment. Shortly after leaving my review I received a call from the office (I do not believe there was any connection between my review and the call - pure happenstance). Within ten minutes of my phone ringing, I had a colonoscopy scheduled for the following week - remarkably quick these days. On the date of my procedure everything went very well. The intake staff, the medical professionals and Dr. Bologna were friendly and professional. Nothing was rushed and everything was explained. First class care. I highly recommend these doctors and this facility.

glabrousone

The anesthesiologist was wonderful. He told me exactly what to expect and the anesthesia was so light that I awoke immediately as the procedure was ending. I felt no grogginess afterward. It was the best 30-minute nap I’ve had in a long time. The next thing I remember is waking up back in my cubicle and talking to my wife. A nurse came in to check on me. After a while I was offered a juice to drink. Dr. A. Bakken came and told me the results. The nurse explained the discharge instructions. Then I was told I could get dress and go home. This was my second colonoscopy preformed by Dr. Anezi Bakken, She is a pleasant and caring person. I have recommended the to friends in the past and will continue to do so, Thank You Dr. Bakken and staff. John S

Michelle K.

Check-in for endoscopy was efficient and quick. Each person with whom I had contact was extremely polite, cheerful, and accommodating - making sure I understood the procedure and was comfortable. Within minutes after waking up, Dr. Bologna showed me the photos and explained the process and what will happen next. Overall the experience was beyond expectations.

Sherry P.

Dr Partha Nandi is absolutely the most caring, compassionate & trusted doctor I have ever met! I fully trust his wisdom & investigate measures to figure out my condition & plan of action!

Rick F.

All instructions were clearly communicated in a timely manner. The scheduling was easy and everything was handled professionally, efficiently and effectively. I would highly receommend CDH to anyone in need of their services. Top notch!

Don W.

A family history of colon troubles requires the routine check-up. No one likes the idea of this check-up, but no one wants the results of not checking. This year, as with many checks in the past, Dr Willy provided a clean bill of health. Good for a few more years. The staff is great and they're very process driven which lends itself to the comfort you'll be taken care of. I'm fortunate for a good result and hope everyone gets the check-up. Don

Anne G.

Pleasant efficient staff and courteous informative visit with Dr. Bologna ! Informative and clear directions, personal connection is so important with my diagnosis. I’m comfortable talking with Dr Bologna and always feel he has a personal connection with my diagnosis

Marsha J.

It was going to take me 3 months to see the doctor I had in the hospital, I was able to have a tele-call with Dr Nandi he was very concerned and made an appointment within 10 days to do a scope and found out what my problem was he was very nice and efficient.

Greg S.

Dr. Anezi Bakken has been my GI doctor for over 20 years and she has always been friendly, caring and professional throughout the many procedures I have had with her. Additionally, the highly trained staff at Troy Gastroenterology have always made me feel comfortable while checking in and getting prepared for the procedure.

Vicki N.

Had the best experience possible. The staff is extraordinary and visit was extremely timely. Dr. Backend is also the best! Thank you.

David R.

Pleasant staff, well organized, and efficient

michael H.

Very nice Staff and very accommodating.

Robyn F.

Very professional, staff was super friendly and thoughtful and doctors were very engaging and kind. I felt very comfortable. Thank you staff for making an uncomfortable procedure feel safe and relaxing!

KT P.

Detailed prep instructions provided in advance that were easy to understand. Office staff, nurses and doctor (Dr. Donat) very courteous, easy to talk to, walked me through everything and helpful.

Lauri R.

always receive prompt call backs and staff is friendly

Marianne A.

Very professional and efficient. The best experience you could have when getting a procedure. Highly recommend.

Marvin Y.

Everything was fine and very timely.

Lavaughn C.

Dr Abadir is a great dr. Listens to you and decides the course of treatment. Very happy with him and this office

MARY ANN S.

Everyone was professional and friendly. Loved Dr Bakkan!!

John C.

Very professional staff!!

Carole G.

Personable, professional staff at the Macomb Procedure Center. Procedures run on time. Dr. Wille is competent and was highly recommended by the Cleveland Clinic.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6231 reviews

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Cathy K.

I came in for a scope, and had a great experience. Everyone was kind and I felt relaxed . Very efficient, no waiting, and I recommend Dr. Willie. He gives confidence and calm.

C F.

Great staff. Everyone was very attentive.

Kim A.

All of the staff were so friendly, accommodating, professional, and compassionate. I felt very comfortable and confident that the procedure would go well. I have had others with Dr. Tusar Desai with complete same experience each time, hence why I continue to choose him for these types of medical care. Highly recommend.

Shawn J.

All of the staff were super friendly and reassuring, They made an unpleasant procedure much more bearable. my procedure was done in a very efficient and professional manor. Thank You!

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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