What is Intestinal Fistula?
Intestinal Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts. They are a result of an injury or surgery. An intestinal fistula is an abnormal opening in the intestines. Intestinal fistula, also known as gastrointestinal fistula is a severe medical condition that will require close medical attention and long-term care. Intestinal fistulas can also lead to sepsis, malnutrition, fluid imbalance, etc. in rare cases, intestinal fistulas are accompanied by ventral hernias. This can be very complicated and hard to manage.
In most cases, surgery is required to get rid of an intestinal fistula. In the majority of the cases, surgical interventions include negative pressure therapy, and other therapies to make sure that they allow the fistula to drain while it heals. In negative pressure therapy, the medical professional uses a vacuum that will increase the blood flow to the area. This will help to drain the excess fluid that is present. There are also endoscopic techniques that can be used to correct the area of drainage, the surgeon will insert an endoscope through the rectum and glue or clip the areas that have leakage.
- PROCEDURE NAME : Laser Treatment for Piles
- SURGERY TYPE: Minimally Invasive LASER
- HOSPITALIZATION: No Hospitalization
- SURGERY DURATION: 30 minutes
- ANAESTHESIA:Spinal Block / General Anaesthesia
- FULL RECOVERY: 3 - 4 days
TREATMENTS
Diagnosis
The medical professional will go through the patient’s medical history before diagnosing gastrointestinal fistula. The doctor will consider if the person has undergone any surgical procedure to their abdomen or even if they have undergone any gynecological surgery as well. The doctor will inquire about any symptoms that might be faced by the patient. CT scans are done to figure out the size of the fistula. It is likely that a fistulogram is performed to see if there is any blockage. An upper or lower endoscopy will be performed to see the condition of the digestive tract.
Surgery
Gastrointestinal fistulae are treated according to the severity of the fistula and the location in which it is found. Miner fistulas that do not contain an infection are capable of closing on their own. Fistulae can be of high or low output. A high output fistula is capable of draining more than 500 milliliters of gastric fluid. Low output fistulae don’t drain as much. The severity of the fistula increases as the drainage of the gastric fluid increases. In most cases, surgery is required to get rid of an intestinal fistula. In the majority of the cases, surgical interventions include negative pressure therapy, and other therapies to make sure that they allow the fistula to drain while it heals. In negative pressure therapy, the medical professional uses a vacuum that will increase the blood flow to the area. This will help to drain the excess fluid that is present. There are also endoscopic techniques that can be used to correct the area of drainage, the surgeon will insert an endoscope through the rectum and glue or clip the areas that have leakage.
Causes
- Chronic constipation
- Painful bowel movements
- Nausia
Symptoms
- Discomfort while sitting
- Swelling & Itching
- Painful bowel movements
- Excessive Bleeding
Frequently Asked Questions
How are intestinal fistulas caused?
Gastrointestinal fistulas are caused as a result of abdominal surgery undergone by the person. They are also caused because of bowel inflammatory diseases or bowel infections as well.
How long does it take an intestinal fistula to heal?
Intestinal fistulas take about 2-4 weeks to heal.
What are the major complications of gastrointestinal fistulas?
One of the life-threatening complications caused by an intestinal fistula is sepsis. The person might get sepsis which might result in dangerously low blood pressure or organ failure.
Are intestinal fistulas painful?
Yes. intestinal fistulas will often cause severe abdominal pain and discomfort in the patient.
Do gastrointestinal fistulas require medical attention?
Yes. gastrointestinal fistulas require immediate medical attention and need to be resolved as soon as possible
