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One can develop a fistula in various parts of the body such as the digestive tract, urinary tract or reproductive organs.
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Obstetric fistula is caused mainly by prolonged labour during childbirth.
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A fistula is an unusual connection or passageway that forms between two organs, vessels or structures that are not meant to be connected.
One can develop a fistula in various parts of the body such as the digestive tract, urinary tract or reproductive organs.
The most common type of fistula is known as Obstetric fistula which affects women.
In Obstetric fistula, an abnormal connection forms between the bladder and the vagina or between the rectum and the vagina.
Obstetric fistula is caused mainly by prolonged labour during childbirth.
It leads to tissue damage in the pelvic area and as a result women with obstetric fistula often experience involuntary leakage of urine, feces, or both, through the vaginal opening.
Women suffering from obstetric fistula often face rejection due to the awful smell that comes with the condition. This in the long run causes psychological issues and low self-esteem.
Young girls can also get obstetric fistula as a trauma impact of being defiled.
This condition can also manifest in the digestive tract as a Gastrointestinal Fistula. In such a scenario, an abnormal opening in the stomach or intestines allows the contents to leak to other parts of the body.
Another interesting type of fistula is Arteriovenous fistula which occurs in the blood vessels when abnormal connections form between the veins and arteries.
Such a condition can occur naturally or develop as a complication of medical procedures, such as dialysis treatment.
For urinary fistulas, an abnormal connection forms between the urinary tract and other structures, often causing urine to leak into places where it shouldn't, such as the vagina or skin.
Depending on their location and severity, fistulas come with a range of symptoms.
Common symptoms of fistula include pain, discomfort, inflammation, infection, and leakage of fluids or contents from one structure to another.
When choosing the treatment option for fistulas, doctors consider their cause, location and potential impact on the patient's health.
The doctor may opt to do surgery to close the abnormal connection and restore normal function.
It's important for persons experiencing symptoms of a fistula to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.