Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

is another name for fistula shunt?

Accepted Answer

Shunts: Can also be arterio venous fistulas that have occurred naturally due to disease or trauma or surgeon made for vascular access for dyalysis. There are other types of shunts and fistulas.  Need more specifics to help any further with an answer.

Question 6

how do you fix a  uterovaginal fistula?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Surgery is required to fix this problem.  The surgical technique is beyond the scope of this forum.

Question 7

what does a dialysis fistula actually do?

Accepted Answer

Access to blood: At dialysis needles are inserted into a fistual so bad blood (blood with abnormal electrolytes and toxins) are taken from your body and brought to the dialysis machine.  Then the good blood (blood with good electrolytes and free of toxins) are brought back to your body through the other needle in the fistula. The fistula provides the avenue where your blood can be treated.

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

are there any risks involved in fistula surgery?

Accepted Answer

Sure, it's surgery: Any surgical procedure has inherent risks, including possible infection, bleeding, sedation/medication issues, possible damage to nearby tissues including nerves, etc.
Discuss the details with your surgeon.

Question 10

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!

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Is another name for fistula shunt?

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How do you fix a uterovaginal fistula?

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Are there any risks involved in fistula surgery?

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What is an enteroenteric fistula? what causes it?

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