How to Heal a Fistula

Thứ bảy - 27/04/2024 01:13
A fistula is a passage between a hollow or tubular opening and another body tissue or between two tubular organs. Fistulas may form different locations and variations in the body, but anorectal fistulas are the most common. Surgery may be...
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A fistula is a passage between a hollow or tubular opening and another body tissue or between two tubular organs. Fistulas may form different locations and variations in the body, but anorectal fistulas are the most common. Surgery may be necessary to correct a fistula, but certain lifestyle changes may make a difference, too.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Lifestyle Changes

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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Treatment

  1. Step 1 Visit your doctor.
    Diagnosis is by visual examination. A sigmoidoscopy must always follow the visual examination to rule out Crohn's disease, cancer, and other serious conditions. However, to know the ins and outs of your case, your doctor may conduct 1 or more of the following tests, too:[9]
    • Computerized Tomography (CT scan). Especially in patients with Crohn’s disease, a CT scan indicates the inflammatory stage before the possible formation of a fistula, in addition to showing the cavities of abscess to determine if surgical care is needed.
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This a helpful method to determine any enteric fistulas by revealing any inflammatory changes or accumulation of fluids in the fistula tube.
    • Fistulography. This is an X-ray method in which a contrast media is injected at the external site of a fistula to clarify the fistula path and how deep it is through the tissues which will help in choosing the treatment.
    • Ultrasonography. This combined with physical examination can be used to identify any presence of abscess or fluid accumulation that may reside in the fistula tube.
    • Cystoscopy. This is useful for the “enterovesical fistula” that connects the intestine with the bladder.
    • Microbiological tests. To indicate any sign of infection, especially in the presence of abscess, a urine culture may be required in case of colovesical fistulas.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Understanding Fistulas

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