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 6240 reviews

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Brant C.

Amazingly friendly staff. The whole procedure was over and done...from office entrance to office exit...in less than three hours. Professional and courteous.

Azar

Great people try to make your experiences comfortable as can be

Daisy S.

The staff was attentive, efficient and very kind. They did an excellent job of explaining the procedure and what to expect, as well as reassuring me of any concerns I might have. Dr. Weber is awesome. I would recommend the Center for Digestive Health to anybody needing the services they provide.

Ardin M.

Quick check in. I didn't have to wait to be seen by the doctor. It was a thorough exam and all of my questions answered.

toni F.

The staff was professional, courteous, and very well trained. They answered all my questions and all were a pleasure to work with.

Judith M.

I love this office and physician assistant who I met on FaceTime. My doctor is Dr.Bolonia. He has been my doctor for at least ten years.

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.

Cathy H.

Everyone was so pleasant and cheerful and kind. Very good experience.

Margaret S.

Everyone treat Me with Care and concern made it very Comfortable

Cheryl A.

Staff was very helpful and informative. Dr. Tocco was personable and made my nerves disappear. Very organized and very super friendly staff.

Michelle H.

Quick,friendly and very efficient I would recommend them to everyone!

Barbara B.

Dr Quallich is personable and caring about his patients. He answered all my questions & doesn’t make a person feel like they are being rushed. I had a technical problem with the Doxy system and the office was closed so I couldn’t get any help. When Dr Quallich came on line it worked fine.

Joseph M.

Staff made you feel comfortable / attentive during your experience

Gary C.

Staff was very friendly and professional . Facility was extremely clean . Overall process/ procedure was executed efficiently.

Nancy R.

This was my first colonoscopy, and the overall process is not pleasant no matter what you do. But, when it came to the finish line, the CDH staff was kind, courteous, and skilled which all helped to ease my anxiety to end on a positive note. Thank you!

Rose A.

I am grateful for the care by staff, nurses, nurse anesthetists and Dr. Richard Wille. Prior to the colonoscopy, Dr. Wille discussed with me my concerns. Afterwards, the center followed up for any problems or questions. The center runs efficiently from start to finish. Very satisfied !

Joanna42771

Dr Nandi and his team are amazing. They take care of my entire family and have helped us get control of our digestive problems. Would definitely recommend seeing him if you have a problem you want solved right the first time.

Tony T.

I was very nervous of being sedated and with my family history it was very difficult for me. Everyone was very kind, my pre op nurse , he was amazing and so candid it made me feel better. Overall a great experience for going to a dr.

Maria W.

I was pleasantly surprised with how efficiently everything went. I Have had only one previous colonoscopy to compare with, and that was ten years ago, and in a hospital setting. Everyone was very kind, always asking if I had any questions and very knowledgeable about their duties. I would recommend this facility highly.

kathy Z.

Concerned at first, after making appointment, got conflicting phone messages, multiple emails, many differrnt contact numbers. Communication needs improving. All worked out in the end.

Darlene U.

Pleasant staff

Barbara M.

Walking in8 the door, I was greeted with a smile and immediately gave my cards and paperwork to the receptionist. My appointment for a procedure was on time and every single person was smiling and acted like they love to be there... even at 6:30 in the morning! Each nurse and doctor clearly explained what they were doing and why. Then, my favorite Dr. Wille joked and laughed with me and I was relaxed and ready for the procedure. After, he explained what was done and results. What a great team of professionals!

Shahid B.

I have been a patient since 2011. My experience has always been positive at all stages. All the staff were extremely courteous and professional. Dr Nandi is a dignified professional. I am very fortunate to have him as my doctor.

Vikas S.

I had gone for my colonoscopy and endoscopy the same day by Dr Nandi The staff from the front desk to the recovery room everyone was very helpful phenomenal, Courteous, And compassionate

Chuck C.

Everyone in the office was extremely helpful and wanted to make sure I was taken care of. When my appointment was over and I needed to schedule a follow up it was fast and efficient and I should mention that the doctor was on time!!!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6245 reviews

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V C.

Every employee from the reception desk to the escort to the parking area was friendly, smiling and willing to help me. Made my colonoscopy so much less stressful. Such an impressive group of people! Thank you Dr. Quallich and your team!

Adele P.

I highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health if you need to have a colonoscopy. I had mine yesterday with Dr Sante Bologna. He is very professional and personable. Also the staff at the Center are very professional and kind.

Amy M.

The staff was excellent! From the moment I checked in, was prepped, and discharged everyone was professional and courteous . I recommend this facility.

Dr. Willie was great and the entire experience from scheduling to prep to recovery was as pleasant as it could be. The entire staff is also very friendly and helpful.

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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