Fistula TreatmentIn Kolkata

Most variants of fistula are abnormal and interfere with the natural processes of the body. Healthcare experts diagnose and treat fistula depending on the following types:

• Anal fistula: An abnormal connection from the side of the buttonhole to the outer surface of the skin, it occurs due to an infection or gland inflammation that surrounds the anus. 
• Arteriovenous fistula: It is a straight connection between the vein and an artery. The most common cause of this type is injury.
• Aortoenteric fistula: A life-threatening condition where the connection is between the small intestine and the aorta, which may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Without proper treatment, this condition might lead to death.
• Perilymphatic fistula: This is caused due to a hole in the membrane that divides our middle and inner ear. The fluid flows from the inner ear to the middle ear causing changes in pressure. As a result, hearing loss and overall bodily imbalance are noticed in patients. 
• Tracheoesophageal fistula: This fistula is caused by a connection between the trachea and oesophagus. Often diagnosed in infants, some adults might also develop this condition due to cancer or other clinical conditions. 
• Vaginal fistula: An opening created in the vaginal wall, connecting the vagina to organs nearby like the rectum, uterus, bladder, large intestine, or small intestine. Healthcare experts also call this vesicovaginal fistula. Females diagnosed with this type might experience complications during childbirth. 

Gaining more insights on why fistulas occur can help relieve your mind and prepare you for better discussions with your healthcare experts. The common causes of fistula include:

• Infections: Severe infections or when they are left untreated can sometimes lead to fistula formation.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause long-term inflammation, can result in fistulas.
• Injuries: Physical injuries or surgical procedures can also lead to the formation of fistulas.
• Cancer: Certain types of cancer might also contribute to developing fistulas.
• Birth Conditions: Some people might be born with fistulas due to developmental issues.
• Radiation Therapy: Treatments for cancer, such as radiation therapy, can sometimes cause fistulas as a side effect.

Here are some possible complications or risks of fistula to be aware of, if left untreated for a longer period:

• Persistent Discomfort and Pain: Without treatment, the discomfort or pain linked to the fistula might persist or even worsen over time. 
• Infection Risk: An untreated fistula can create a route for bacteria to cause infections. Timely treatment helps reduce this risk and ensures any infections are managed promptly.
• Skin Irritation and Breakdown: Continued discharge from a fistula can irritate the surrounding skin, which might lead to rashes or sores. 
• Abscess Formation: If the fistula is left untreated, it can lead to the formation of abscesses that might cause significant discomfort. Early intervention can prevent this and support fast recovery.
• Bowel or Urinary Issues: A fistula might cause problems with regular bowel movements or urination depending on its location. Managing this condition can help restore normal function.

Diagnosing a fistula involves various tests to guide the patient towards effective treatment and recovery. Here is how fistula diagnoses are conducted: 

• Medical History and Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will begin with a thorough discussion about the patient’s symptoms and medical history, followed by a comprehensive physical assessment.
• Imaging Tests: Healthcare providers can view the fistula and understand its location and impact on nearby tissues with X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound tests.
• Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera, also known as an endoscope, is used to view the affected location and obtain a direct view of the fistula.
• Lab Tests: Blood tests and cultures help determine any underlying infections or inflammation that assist in proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Medications and surgery are the primary treatment options for fistulas. The healthcare expert can convey more about what’s right depending on an individual situation. 

• Medications: These are recommended to reduce inflammation or alter the immune response in the body. For an active infection, health providers usually give antibiotics. However, if medications are not helping, surgery remains the only option. 
• Fistula surgery: It helps restore an abnormal connection between two parts of the body to ease symptoms and prevent the risk of problems in future. Surgery is often recommended depending on its type, size, and exact location. Generally, fistulotomy is involved in which a surgeon makes an incision in the body to open up the abnormal connections between two parts of the body.

Some fistula surgeries are simple, while some are complex. Healthcare experts often recommend several surgeries in case of a complex fistula. The surgical team can provide more details on what type of surgery is required, what to expect, risks, recovery, etc.