Definition

1. Noun:
   • An abnormal passage or duct: In medicine, a fistula is an abnormal, tube-like connection that forms between two organs or vessels, or between an organ and the skin surface. It often allows the passage of fluids, such as pus, that should not normally flow there.
   • A specific condition in horses: In veterinary medicine, a fistula refers specifically to a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the withers (the ridge between a horse's shoulder blades), often resulting in a draining tract.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Medical):
  • The patient developed an anal fistula after the surgery.
  • A fistula between the bladder and the intestine can cause severe infections.
• Noun (Veterinary):
  • The old draft horse was treated for a fistula of the withers.

Advanced Usage

• "Fistulous tract": A clinical term for the channel or pathway of a fistula.
  • The surgeon needed to excise the entire fistulous tract to prevent recurrence.
• Used attributively (as an adjective) in technical contexts: fistula formation, fistula closure.
  • The primary goal of the procedure is fistula closure.

Variants and Related Words

• Fistulous (adjective): Of or pertaining to a fistula; resembling a fistula.
  • The wound had a fistulous opening that drained pus.
• Fístula is the standard spelling; the plural is fistulas or fistulae (the latter is often used in formal medical contexts).

Synonyms

• Sinus: In medical contexts, a sinus is a blind-ended tract, whereas a fistula connects two epithelialized surfaces. They are related but distinct abnormal passages.
• Tract: A general term for a pathway or channel in the body, which can be normal or abnormal.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Arteriovenous fistula: An abnormal connection between an artery and a vein.
  • An arteriovenous fistula was created for dialysis access.
• Enterocutaneous fistula: An abnormal connection between the intestine and the skin.
  • Managing an enterocutaneous fistula requires careful nutritional support.

Noun

1. an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface
2. a chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse