Fistulas Summary A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts inside of the body. Fistulas may develop between different organs, such as between the esophagus and the windpipe or the bowel and the vagina. They can also develop between two blood vessels, such as between an artery and a vein or between two arteries. Some people are born with a fistula. Other common causes of fistulas include Complications from surgery Injury Infection Diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis Treatment depends on the cause of the fistula, where it is, and how bad it is. Some fistulas will close on their own. In some cases, you may need antibiotics and/or surgery. Find an Expert American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Specifics Anal Abscess/Fistula American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Arteriovenous Fistula Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Arteriovenous Malformations and Other Vascular Lesions of the Central Nervous System National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Perilymph Fistula Vestibular Disorders Association Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Fistula National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests CT Enterography Array Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases MR Enterography Array Treatments and Therapies Embolization of Brain Aneurysms and Fistulas Array Intracranial Vascular Treatments Array Encyclopedia Esophageal atresia Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair Videos and Tutorials Esophageal Atresia OR-Live Children Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula American Academy of Family Physicians Array Fistula Gastrointestinal fistula Tracheoesophageal fistula repair – slideshow Journal Articles Fistulas Women Rectovaginal Fistula Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Vaginal Fistula Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
