Question 1

are a fistula and an adhesion the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No.: Fistula is an abnormal connection between two hollow organs, such as intestines or bladder.  An adhesion is merely a scar.

Question 2

are av fistulas permanent?

Accepted Answer

Don't have to be: It takes a surgical procedure to connect the end if a vein to the side of an artery (create an av fistula). Once created, it will take another surgical procedure to shut the fistula down if need be. Most often they are kept in place even if not used as a back-up system for dialysis access.

Question 3

what exactly is a fistula?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal Connection: An abnormal connection between to organs or vessels. Example: entero-cutaneous fistula- an connection between the bowel and the skin. These are typically caused by diseases of the bowel.  Example: arterio-venous fistula- a connection between an artery and a vein. These are created surgically to provide dialysis.

Question 4

what are other kinds of fistula?

Accepted Answer

Innumerable: There are dozens of different kinds.  A fistula is basically an abnormal connection between parts of the body. You can have fistulas between the arteries & veins, small bowel & colon, intestine & bladder, bowel & vagina, lungs & bile ducts, stomach & lungs, esophagus & trachea.... I think you get the idea.

Question 5

how is a fistula generally treated?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the cause: Fistulae caused by Crohn's disease can be treated with medications such as remcade. Others often require surgery or occasionally can be treated by injection with fibrin glue.

Question 6

what sort of problem is an adhesion?

Accepted Answer

Scarring: An adhesion is usually caused by scarring in the abdominal cavity after a surgery. This can cause issues such as pain and bowel obstruction. This can be fixed sometimes by surgical means if symptoms are severe.

Question 7

what exactly is tendon adhesion?

Accepted Answer

Tendon sheath adhesi: When tendons cross over joints they pass through a fibrous tunnel to anchor them down.  Some times an inflammatory process affects these tunnels and cause adhesions, which keep the tendon from gliding freely

Question 8

what is anus fistula and what are its causes?

Accepted Answer

Tract: A fistula involving the anus or rectum is a pathologic communication, tract or conduit between two anatomic structures or organs caused by infection or inflammation.  The tract can drain pus if it leads to an abscess. Crohn's disease is a common cause of ano-rectal fistulae.

Question 9

what is an enteroenteric fistula? what causes it?

Accepted Answer

Fistula: Entero-enteric fistula is an abnormal communication between two loops of bowel. Usually caused by diseases such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, cancer, etc. I hope this helps. All best!

Question 10

what is a dental fistula?

Accepted Answer

Infection: A dental fistula is caused by an infection.  The infection discharges through the fistula.

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Doctor answers about:

Adhesions and fistulas

A member asked:

Are a fistula and an adhesion the same thing?

A member asked:

Are av fistulas permanent?

A member asked:

What exactly is a fistula?

A member asked:

What are other kinds of fistula?

A member asked:

How is a fistula generally treated?

A member asked:

What sort of problem is an adhesion?

A member asked:

What exactly is tendon adhesion?

A member asked:

What is anus fistula and what are its causes?

A member asked:

What is an enteroenteric fistula? what causes it?

A member asked:

What is a dental fistula?

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