Fistulas

Fistulas refer to an abnormal connection of an organ with vessel or intestine, and another structure, as a result of surgery, injury, inflammation or infection. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease leads to fistulas between intestines, and injury leads to fistulas between veins and arteries. Fistulas are of four types, viz. blind, complete, horseshoe and incomplete. Blind fistula means open on one end with connection to two structures. Complete fistulas comprise both internal and external openings. Horseshoe fistulas connect the anus with the skin surface by passing through the rectum. Incomplete fistulas indicate a skin tube closed from inside and also does not connect to the internal structure.