Fistula Health Dictionary

Fistula: From 4 Different Sources


An abnormal passage from an internal organ to the body surface or between 2 organs.

Fistulas may be present from birth or may be acquired as a result of tissue damage.

Congenital types include tracheoesophageal fistulas, branchial fistulas (see branchial disorders), and thyroglossal fistulas (see thyroglossal disorders).

Acquired fistulas may result from injury, infection, or cancer.

Fistulas between the intestine and the skin may occur in Crohn’s disease.

Some types of arteriovenous fistula (between an artery and a vein) are surgically constructed to provide ready access to the circulation in people who are having dialysis.

Some types of fistula close spontaneously but most need to be treated surgically.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
An unnatural, narrow channel leading from some natural cavity – such as the duct of a gland, or the interior of the bowels – to the surface. Alternatively a ?stula may be a communication between two such cavities where none should exist – as, for example, a direct communication between the bladder and bowel.

Cause Fistulas may be congenital or develop as a result of injury or infection. A SALIVARY ?stula may develop between the salivary gland and the outside of the cheek because of a blockage in the duct from the gland to the mouth. A urinary ?stula may be one consequence of a fracture of the PELVIS which has damaged the URETHRA. Fistulas of the anus are one of the most common forms, usually the result of infection and ABSCESS formation.

Treatment As a rule, a ?stula is extremely di?cult to close, especially after it has persisted for some time. The treatment consists in an operation to restore the natural channel, be it salivary duct, or urethra, or bowel. This is e?ected by appropriate means in each locality, and when it is attained the ?stula heals quickly under simple dressings.

Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
An open channel from the anus or rectum to the skin near the anus
Health Source: Medicinal Plants Glossary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. (pl. fistulae) 1. an abnormal communication between two hollow organs, connecting two mucosa-lined surfaces, or between a hollow organ and the exterior. Many fistulae are caused by infection or injury. For example, an anal fistula may develop after an abscess in the rectum has burst (see ischiorectal abscess), creating an opening between the anal canal and the surface of the skin. *Crohn’s disease has a particular tendency to cause fistulae to form between adjacent loops of bowel or from bowel to bladder, vagina, or skin. Some fistulae result from malignant growths or ulceration: a carcinoma of the colon may invade and ulcerate the adjacent wall of the stomach, causing a gastrocolic fistula. Other fistulae develop as complications of surgery: after gall-bladder surgery, for example, bile may continually escape to the surface through the wound producing a biliary fistula. Fistulae may also be a form of congenital abnormality; examples include a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (between the windpipe and gullet) and a rectovaginal fistula (between the rectum and vagina). 2. (arteriovenous fistula) a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, usually in a limb, to create arterial and venous access for *haemodialysis. It can be a direct *anastomosis between the artery and vein or a loop connecting the two, which may be autogenous or prosthetic.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Vesicovaginal Fistula

A false communication between the URINARY BLADDER and the VAGINA. The result is urinary INCONTINENCE. Surgical damage to the bladder during operations for gynaecological disorders is one possible cause. Another is tissue damage following radiotherapy for cancer in the pelvis.... vesicovaginal fistula

Bronchopleural Fistula

An abnormal communication between the tracheo-bronchial tree and the pleural cavity (see LUNGS). Most commonly occurring from breakdown of the bronchial stump following pneumonectomy, it may also be caused by trauma, neoplasia or in?ammation.... bronchopleural fistula

Cassia Fistula

Linn.

Synonym: C. rhombifolia Roxb.

Family: Caesalpiniaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated as an ornamental throughout India.

English: Indian Laburnum, Purging Cassia, Golden Shower.

Ayurvedic: Aaragvadha, Chatu- raangula, Kritamaala, Kritmaalaka, Karnikaara, Shampaaka, Praagra- ha, Raajvrksha, Nripapaadapa, Raajadruma, Vyaadhighaataka, Aarevata.

Unani: Amaltaas, Khyaarshambar.

Siddha/Tamil: Sarakkonrai.

Folk: Amaltaasa.

Action: Flowers and pods— purgative, febrifugal, astringent, antibilious. Seed powder—used in amoebiasis.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the fruit pulp for constipation, colic, chlorosis and urinary disorders.

Pulp of the pod contains anthraqui- none glycosides, sennosides A and B, rhein and its glucoside, barbaloin, aloin, formic acid, butyric acid, their ethyl esters and oxalic acid. Presence of pectin and tannin is also reported.

Seeds gave galactomannan free sugars and free amino acids; extract laxative, carminative, cooling and antipyretic properties.

Flowers gave ceryl alcohol, kaem- pferol, rhein and a bianthraquinone glycoside, fistulin.

Leaves gave free rhein, its glyco- sides—sennosides A and B.

Cassia javanica L., a related species found in West Bengal, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, is used as a substitute for Cassia fistula.

Dosage: Fruit pulp—5-10 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... cassia fistula

Fistula, Anal

 An unnatural drainage tract from an abscess on the anus or in the rectum leading to the skin surface. May have one or more openings.

Causes: persistent anal or rectal abscesses from ulcerative colitis, TB, granuloma, carcinoma or a breakdown of internal piles.

Symptoms. Itching anus, discharge of pus from a point near the anus.

Echinacea may arrest pus formation but not heal; which would require assistance of Comfrey root and

Marigold (Calendula) where healing is possible.

Alternatives. Poke root, Ground Ivy, Horsetail, Marigold, St John’s Wort, Yarrow, Yellow Toadflax. Comfrey leaves or tincture. Echinacea.

Tea. Mix: Equal parts: Comfrey leaves, Horsetail, Yarrow. One heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water, infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily before meals.

Decoction. Equal parts: Fenugreek seeds; Stone root. One teaspoon to each cup water simmered gently 20 minutes. Dose: half cup thrice daily.

Fenugreek seeds. One heaped teaspoon seeds to each cup water simmered gently 15 minutes. Half cup morning and evening: consume seeds.

Formula. Butternut 1; Poke root 1; Stone root half. Dose: powders – 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extract: 30-60 drops in water. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons in water, thrice daily.

Topical. After emptying bowel insert one 400iu Vitamin E capsule. Inject mucilage of fresh Comfrey root. Distilled extract of Witch Hazel lotion to anus. Horsetail poultice.

Poke root. Used with success. (Edgar G. Jones MNIMH)

Important to treat associated disease.

Diet. Bland. Slippery Elm powder in soups etc. Little fibre. Avoid peppers and spicy foods. ... fistula, anal

Anal Fistula

An abnormal channel connecting the inside of the anal canal with the skin surrounding the anus.

An anal fistula may be an indication of Crohn’s disease, colitis, or cancer of the colon or rectum (see colon, cancer of; rectum, cancer of). In most cases, it results from an abscess that develops for unknown reasons in the anal wall. The abscess discharges pus into the anus and out on to the surrounding skin.

An anal fistula is treated surgically by opening the abnormal channel and removing the lining. The wound is then left to heal naturally.... anal fistula

Arteriovenous Fistula

An abnormal communication directly between an artery and a vein. An arteriovenous fistula may be present at birth or result from injury. A fistula can also be created surgically for easy access to the bloodstream in dialysis.... arteriovenous fistula

Tracheoesophageal Fistula

A rare birth defect in which an abnormal passage connects the trachea with the oesophagus. About 3 babies per 10,000 are born with this fistula.

The condition is often discovered soon after birth; diagnosis may be confirmed by X-rays.

Treatment consists of an operation to close the fistula and connect the trachea and oesophagus correctly.... tracheoesophageal fistula

Oroantral Fistula

a connection between the mouth and the maxillary sinus (antrum), usually as a sequel to tooth extraction. It may resolve or require surgical closure.... oroantral fistula



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