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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Grace S.

Everyone was very professional when I had my procedure. I felt I was in good hands throughout the whole experience.

Barb C.

Excellent care ! Well run program! All the staff and Dr. Bologna were very professional and efficient at their jobs!

Glenda H.

Staff are always kind, polite, and very knowledgeable.

Patti H.

Everyone one at this facility is very nice and makes you feel comfortable and informed. Dr. Quallach is the best!!

Mark B.

Great people working here, which made me feel less nervous. Nurses and doctors very friendly and explained everything to me in non medical terms that I could understand.

Vita B.

All the staff was really nice and friendly.

Marcia D.

Very good communication all the way through. Much better prep than 10 years ago. Great Doctor!

joe H.

Great service.

Don P.

Two times makes twice the fun came out clean

Diana T.

Quick and efficient procedure, friendly and caring staff!! Super happy with my visit. Thank you!!

Taquilla R.

I loved it here !!!

Karen M.

As much as no one looks forward to a colonoscopy, my experiences with the center and your wonderful staff makes such a huge difference!! Kind, caring and especially getting the 2nd warm blanket!!

leslie C.

All of Troy Gastroenterolgy is great. Dr Abadir is my Dr and he is very good. I had issues and he worked with me and my primary to improve my condition. He listens to every word i say intently and then he comes up with questions for me and then he starts his plan to help me. And he did! Great doctor. Leslie Croo

Cheryl B.

Dr Bakkan addressed all my questions and concerns satisfactorily and ordered a series of tests to address the issues discussed. She knows her stuff!

Carrie W.

From check-in until the end of my Procedure, everyone was amazing! Highly recommend this place

Ruth P.

Caring, very professional, thorough and efficient. My husband and I have used these folks for many years. Had endoscopy today. Very good experience yet again. They are smart and know there business and they have a caring approach .

James H.

I'm very pleased with the procedure and the whole process. Dr. Bologna and his staff are terrific. Thanks.

Dana V.

Most friendly group of professionals. If you are nervous about a procedure these are who you want taking care of you.

Shawn L.

Quick and easy.. 1st experience and it went smooth.

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!!!

Randy F.

Very satisfied with the experience, the staff was very friendly and experienced. I will continue to use this facility. Thank you very much. Randy

Meghan S.

Quick attention to getting me in as soon as possible. Informative and educated on my concerns and made me feel assured that it was okay. Scheduled for procedure in a timely fashion as well.

grant O.

So totally professional and supportive from start to finish. State of the Art re colonoscopy procedure et al..

Joanne M.

I really appreciate the ability to connect easily and quickly with Dr. Wille through his staff by text and phone messages. I find his staff to be professional and their assistance is very helpful. Dr. Wille is a great listener and answers my questions and concerns without making me feel uncomfortable which I appreciate. I know I am getting the best care. He really cares about his patients.

Shannon M.

Nothing but A+ service from Dr. Quallich and staff. Dr. Quallich is very nice and absolutely honest with you

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6231 reviews

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Pam P.

The nurses,doctor, and the anesthesiologist treated me very well. I was very comfortable with the procedure. Thank you all very much

Katrina S.

I absolutely loved the staff and how they took the time to explain everything to me

Linda S.

Everyone was great and very helpful . Dr Saeed excellent in explaining what we're doing and why

Karen A.

Friendly staff. Great doctors

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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