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.”

Find a Location in Your Area

Find a Location

Request an Appointment

What They Are Saying



Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6227 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

kieona P.

Best place ever! Kim, Lily and Nicole were my nurses….THEE BEST!!

Robert G.

The staff performed at a high level of concern for my dignity, during what is typically considered personally evasive.

Bree C.

I love having Dr nandi as my doctor, I've been with him for 11 years , also the staff in the infusion center connected with the office are amazing! The only complaint is waiting on hold for so long to get to talk to someone.

Deborah M.

Wonderful experience at surgery center. In and out on time with great care by all staff from front desk to release!

Linda P.

Arrived at 8:15 for 8:20 colonoscopy appointment. Called to prep room within 5 minutes. Prep explained and got ready for procedure. Procedure and recovery went smoothly and left facility with being there about 90 minutes in total. Dr. Weber did procedure and I was pleased with him. My driver and I went for breakfast and home after that. A follow up call from facility was made to me in afternoon. Very happy with everyone that tended to me. Highly recommend Dr. Weber and all at the facility. Thank you.

Richard P.

The doctors and staff are great. CDH has been integral to my managing of digestive health issues.

Elinor S.

Dr. Wille and his staff are great! Taken in on time, given time with Dr to discuss my problem and treated with the utmost courtesy. Always my go to GI place!!

Joan O.

Wonderful facility and excellent staff including front desk, assistants, RNs, CRNA and Dr. They made you, comfortable, warm. Skilled procedure such as IV, and sedation and colonoscopy done well and efficiently. Staff explained every step of the process. Could not have been more satisfied.

Michele F.

Great experience for the test preform. Staff and doctor was awesome.

Serena B.

Caring staff, clean facility, would come back without hesitation

Trish O.

From the moment I walked in the people were very caring about you! Awesome care from everyone there from the receptionist to the doctor!!!

Scott B.

Always a great experience. The staff is really friendly and helpful and Doctor Bakken is a Great Caring doctor. We could use more like her.

William H.

I have gerd related post nasal drip. I was down for nearly 5 weeks. Dr Nandi was able to meet me via telephone and the very next day he scheduled a endoscopy. He changed my medication which I have been taking for the last 4 days. Have found significant relief from my symptoms. Although the post nasal drip still continues albeit with less intensity.

Susan B.

Everyone is so nice from the beginning to the end of my procedure. Dr. Willie is great. 😊

Karen A.

Friendly staff. Great doctors

C. B.

Hands down the best care I’ve received in a very long time. The professionalism and kindness of the staff is unmatched.

Carole R.

The staff was incredible. Especially Ben, the CRNA

Guy M.

The most organized and efficient medical facility that I have experienced and it was the same 10 years ago on my first visit. Everyone was exceptionally friendly.

Mary L.

Delightful staff Caring Dr Absolutely NO pain or discomfort Thank you

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.

David L.

Dr. Nandi is the best would recommend him to my family and friends!

Peggy M.

Very professional & caring staff. The prep for my procedure was a lot less harsh & easier on my system than when I do to do this before. Instructions were very detailed & easy to follow. Over all a very good experience. I would definitely recommend Troy Gastroenterology.

Denise Z.

Everything went smoothly from scheduling to checkout. Staff was nice, friendly and helpful. Will recommend this practice to everyone.

Marlo S W.

As a 1st time patient of CDH Staff and Dr. Bakken, I want to share high accolades regarding my experience: check-in, procedure, recovery & check-out. All staff is to be commended. I chose Dr. Anezi Bakken based on 5-star reviews and this team did not disappoint. The nurturing environment makes patients feel welcomed, comfortable, appreciated and safe.

Gail P.

My telehealth appointment was productive and effective. The doctor was attentive and engaged. The ability to view the doctor and have the doctor view me was especially important for this appointment.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6232 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Joan Z.

Staff was very courteous and patient. Everything went smoothly.

YEMIKO B.

They were the most pleasant caring helpful nurses doctors anesthesiologist it was a great experience

Sue B.

I feel Dr. Bakken listened to me and was very thorough. She is a sweetheart and very nice. Scheduling was very efficient and I felt her office was too. You need to have an office that runs efficiently. I had an experience with another office that was not so I quit going to them.

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.

3 reasons to see a gastrointestinal specialist when you turn 45

A gastrointestinal specialist is someone who specializes in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract involves a pathway that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The organs within the gastrointestinal tract are those that function mostly for...

The Benefits of Water for Digestion

Digestion is a process that, when running smoothly, can help keep the rest of your body in good condition too. It’s an important component of your overall health. There are several different ways that the digestive system can be well maintained, and this can be helped...

Do I Need an Endoscopy for Acid Reflux?

An endoscopy is a procedure that is typically used to examine an individual’s digestive tract. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves a tube with a video camera attached to it, called an endoscope, that is used to examine the inside of a cavity in the body. An...