Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Gastrointestinal fistula

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Alternative Names    Return to top

Entero-enteral fistula; Enterocutaneous fistula; Fistula - gastrointestinal

Definition    Return to top

A gastrointestinal fistula is an abnormal opening that allows the contents of the stomach or intestines to leak.

Causes    Return to top

Most gastrointestinal fisulas are the result of surgery. Other causes include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Depending on the part of intestine that are connected, gastrointestinal fistulas may cause diarrhea, malabsorption of nutrients, and dehydration.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A gastointestinal fistula can often be identified with a barium swallow test.

If the fistula involves the colon, a barium enema may be needed.

A CT scan of the abdomen is usually done to determine if there is an area of infection (abscess) associated with the fistula.

A fistulogram may also be done. This image test involves injecting contrast dye into the opening of the skin of an enterocutaneous fistula and then taking x-rays.

Treatment    Return to top

Most fistulas close on their own after a few weeks to months. Depending on the situation, some people may need to receive nutrition through a vein while the fistula heals.

In some cases where the fistula is not healing, surgery is necessary to remove part of intestine.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

How well a patient does depends on their overall health and the cause and severity of the fistula. In otherwise healthy people, the outlook is excellent.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Fistulas may result in malnutrition and dehydration, depending on their location in the intestine. They may also be a source of skin problems and infection.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have a significant change in bowel habits, especially severe diarrhea. Also call if you have any leakage of fluid from an opening on the abdomen or near the anus, especially if you have recently had abdominal surgery.

References    Return to top

Stenson WF. Inflammatory bowel disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 144.

Update Date: 11/17/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.