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Gastrointestinal fistula - Overview

Alternative Names

Entero-enteral fistula; Enterocutaneous fistula; Fistula - gastrointestinal

Definition of Gastrointestinal fistula:

A gastrointestinal fistula is an abnormal opening that allows the contents of the stomach or intestines to leak.

If it leaks through to other organs, it is called an entero-enteral fistula.
If it leaks to through to the skin, it is called an enterocutaneous fistula.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Most gastrointestinal fisulas are the result of surgery. Other causes include:

Inflammatory processes, such as infection or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
Trauma, especially penetrating wounds such as those due to a stabbing or gunshot

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 11/17/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Stenson WF. Inflammatory bowel disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 144.

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