rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfistulaAbnormal bodily passage
noun

fistula

FIS-chuh-luh/ˈfɪstʃələ/

An abnormal passage between organs or from an organ to the body's surface.

A fistula forms an abnormal tunnel between two loops of intestine.

A close anatomical cutaway of two adjacent intestinal loops joined by a short, irregular abnormal tunnel, with both tunnel openings and its continuous lumen clearly visible.
Etymology
fistulaLatinpipe; ulcer

Latin fistula meant both a pipe and an ulcer, supplying a tubular image for the abnormal bodily passage. English first used it for a long, narrow ulcer; the Latin word's deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

PG Masterclass1:21
The mortality associated with the GI fistula has decreased from 40 to 60% in the past to the recent 15 to 20%
Lecture: Entero-cutaneous Fistula

More examples

  • The scan reveals a fistula connecting the intestine to the bladder.
  • Fluid leaks through a fistula onto the surrounding skin.
  • Some intestinal fistulas develop as a complication of Crohn's disease.

Forms

fistula · fistulas · fistulae

fistulous adjective — Having or relating to an abnormal passage.

Similar words

shunt
A shunt redirects bodily fluid and may be surgically created.
tract
A tract is a passage, not necessarily an abnormal connection.