Fistula - what is it? You will find the answer to this question in the materials of the presented article. In addition, we will tell you about why such a pathological condition occurs, as well as what symptoms it accompanies and how to get rid of it.
General information
Fistula - what is this deviation? In medical practice, this pathological phenomenon is often called a fistula. This word is derived from the Latin "fistula" and literally means "pipe". In other words, the fistula is a kind of channel that connects a tumor or abscess to the surface or two cavities (two organs) between each other.
Appearance
Fistula - what is this pathological phenomenon, what does it look like? As a rule, such a fistula looks like a rather narrow channel, which is lined with an epithelial layer and is accompanied by characteristic discharge.
Main reasons
Why does fistula develop? The causes of this deviation include the following:
- After the cessation of any inflammation, pus usually goes outside. Moreover, the channel through which it flows out subsequently painlessly heals. However, in some cases (for example, if the inflammatory process has not been completely eliminated), a cavity with an infection (sometimes even with a dead part of the bone) continues to be in the depths of the tissues, and therefore the “tube” does not grow together, but forms a purulent fistula.
- Fistulas can occur from the roots of the tooth (in chronic periodontitis), passing through the gum and jaw.
- If, after blind gunshot wounds , fragments of bullets and bones were not removed in time, then suppuration also forms next to them, which leads to the development of fistulas.
- This deviation is often formed after surgery during suppuration of sutures next to the ligatures (that is, the threads used to ligate the internal tissues, blood vessels, etc.). In this case, there is a ligature fistula.
Types of fistulas at the location
Before proceeding with the treatment of such a deviation, its type should be determined. It is not difficult to do this, since this classification depends, first of all, on the location:
- Gastric fistula. This pathology most often occurs after surgery (for example, after resection of the main digestive organ).
- Rectal fistula.
- Anorectal fistula. Such a deviation is characterized by a pathological canal coming from the anus (or the rectum) to the skin.
- Fistula pararectal . It goes out from the anal crypt to the skin.
- Rectovaginal fistula. With this disease, the rectovaginal septum is damaged.
- Duodenal, or so-called intestinal fistula. This is the external canal coming from the duodenum.
- Fistula bronchial. A similar deviation is accompanied by a pathological message of the lumen of the bronchus with the pleural cavity.
Types of fistulas due to the appearance of
Absolutely any fistula (photos of these deviations are presented in this article) can be classified as follows:
- Acquired. In other words, this phenomenon occurs as a result of suppuration (for example, fistula of a tooth in chronic periodontitis), or serious diseases such as osteomyelitis or tuberculosis.
- Congenital . In this case, fistulas arise from malformations (on the navel, neck, etc.)
- Created artificially. Such abnormalities form after surgery (for example, ligature fistula).
Types of fistulas in contact with the environment
In this case, such a pathological phenomenon can be:
- External, that is, go directly to the skin (for example, fistula of the rectum).
- Internal, that is, it does not communicate with the external environment, but connect only adjacent cavities (for example, bronchoesophageal fistula).
Types of fistulas by the nature of the secret that stands out from them
These fistulas include:
- purulent;
- mucous membranes;
- biliary;
- urinary
- fecal, etc.
The main symptoms of the disease
The clinical picture of such a pathology depends, first of all, on the location of the fistula and the cause of their appearance.
Thus, the main sign of this disease (external) is an opening on the skin, from which fluid is released. By the way, the appearance of a fistula can be preceded either by trauma to this area, or inflammation of nearby tissues and organs, or surgical intervention.
As for the internal fistulas, they most often appear due to complications of chronic or acute diseases. For example, bile duct is often formed due to obstruction of the ducts with stone. In this case, the symptoms of deviation depend on the amount of bile that is secreted into the abdominal cavity. So, the patient can feel severe pain and pronounced digestive disorders.
Bronchoesophageal fistulas are often complicated by food entering the tracheobronchial tree. It is this fact that leads to the development of aspiration pneumonia or bronchitis with the corresponding symptoms.
Fistula of the rectum can be determined by the following symptoms:
- The presence of a barely noticeable hole in the anus (on the skin). In this case, the patient may experience abundant discharge of pus, in connection with which he is forced to constantly wear a pad and regularly take a shower.
- Aching pain in the anus. As a rule, such sensations are most intense during bowel movements, and after they noticeably subside.
Fistula on the gum is determined by such signs as:
- pronounced tooth mobility;
- tooth pain, which intensifies when touched;
- purulent discharge.
Diagnostic Methods
If you observe at least one of the above signs, you need to immediately contact a doctor to make the correct diagnosis. It should be noted that there are no special difficulties in diagnosing such a deviation among specialists. After all, it is based on the collection of an anamnesis, the study of characteristic complaints of patients, the form of a fistula, an analysis of the composition and amount of fluid released, as well as a change in the functioning of affected organs.
To clarify the direction and length of the fistulous canal, as well as its direct connection with the focus, probing and radiography are often used together with the introduction of a contrast agent into the passage.
By the way, you can clarify the diagnosis of "gastric fistula" with the help of studies on the presence of hydrochloric acid. If it is present in the canal, then this indicates the gastric location of the fistula. But for the urinary fistula, the presence of uric acid salts is characteristic.
It should be noted that external fistulas are much easier to diagnose than internal fistulas. After all, they have a characteristic opening, which is visible to the specialist with the naked eye. As for the internal fistulas, they should be identified not only by the existing symptoms and complaints of the patient, but also with the help of such diagnostic methods as ultrasound, radiography and endoscopy.
Fistula: treatment with official medicine
Therapy of patients with external fistulas is based on:
- local treatment;
- general therapeutic;
- operational.
By local therapy is meant the treatment of the resulting wound, as well as the protection of the surrounding tissues from the effects of the fluid that is released from the channel. For example, if the fistula is on the leg, stomach, etc., then the purulent area is treated with various means (ointments, pastes and powders). They are applied at the external opening of the canal, thereby preventing skin contact with pus, mucus, etc.
In addition, chemical agents can be used that eliminate the irritation of external tissues by neutralizing secretions from the fistulous passage. For this, it is recommended to use proteolytic enzyme inhibitors (for example, Gordoks, Kontrikal, etc.).
Mechanical methods of protecting the skin are primarily aimed at reducing or completely stopping the discharge from the canal with the help of special devices.
For the general treatment of purulent and other fistulas, their constant washing with an antiseptic solution is used.
Tubular granular passages quite often close independently after eliminating the causes of their occurrence (for example, removal of bone sequestration, ligature, etc.). But lip-shaped fistulas never go away on their own. For the treatment of such deviations, only surgical intervention is used to excise them, suture the external holes or resect the affected organ.
It should also be noted that in some cases, surgeons form fistulas artificially specifically so that the patient can eat, or in order to remove the accumulated secret from any internal organ. These channels can be either permanent or temporary. After the patient's condition improves, the temporary channels are closed surgically.
In addition to external ones, internal fistulas (interorganic) are artificially created. As a rule, they are superimposed either for a long period or for a lifetime.
Treatment of fistula folk remedies
Of course, the treatment of such a deviation requires a mandatory consultation with an experienced doctor. Indeed, with untimely and incorrect therapy, fistula can lead to serious complications that can jeopardize a person’s life.
But, despite this probability, adherents of alternative medicine still use numerous alternative methods to close the formed fistulas. Let's consider some of them in more detail.
Treatment of ligature fistula with aloe
To prepare the medicine, it is necessary to take 10-12 fleshy arrows from the presented plant, and then wash them in warm boiled water. Next, aloe must be finely chopped and placed in a liter jar. 300 g of any honey should be poured into the container, cover loosely and put in a dark place for 7-10 days. In this case, after 4-5 days, it is desirable to mix the mass well. In conclusion, the tincture is required to strain several times and take a dessert spoon three times a day.
Ointment from external fistulas
Such an ointment serves well for healing and treatment of fistulas of the vagina and rectum. To do this, we need water pepper grass, oak bark, lard and flax flowers. All the imposed plants need to be crushed, and then placed in a container and immediately pour melted pork fat. In this case, the ratio of fat and herbs should be one to two.
After the done steps, it is necessary to put the filled dishes in the oven and turn on a slow fire. It is advisable to heat the ointment for at least 7-11 hours. In conclusion, the drug must be cooled at room temperature. The method of treatment with such an ointment is quite simple. To do this, you need to make a cotton swab, generously lubricate it with a tool, and then attach it to the fistulous opening. Change dressings preferably every five hours.
Decoctions from external fistulas
Infusions and decoctions of medicinal chamomile are used only externally - for washing holes. To prepare them, you need to take 1 large spoonful of dried flowers, brew them with one glass of boiling water, and then insist for 60 minutes and filter.
Also, for washing fistulas and creating compresses, decoctions made of calendula are used.
Prevention
Now you know how to treat a fistula, what it is, why it occurs. Prevention of acquired canals should include the prevention of infectious diseases. In addition, it is required to strictly observe the rules of aseptic surgery.
As for the prevention of congenital fistulas, this is impossible, since the disease occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy.