Fistula - what is it?You will find the answer to the 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 is accompanied by and how you can 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 "tube". In other words, the fistula is a kind of channel that connects the tumor or abscess with the surface or two cavities (two organs) between them.
Appearance
Fistula - what is this pathological phenomenon, what does it look like? As a rule, such a fistula has the appearance of a rather narrow canal, which is lined with an epithelial layer and is accompanied by characteristic secretions.
Main reasons
Why does a fistula develop? The causes of this deviation include the following:
- After stopping any inflammation of pususually goes outside. Moreover, the channel through which it flows out, heals it painlessly in the future. However, in some cases (for example, if the inflammatory process was not completely eliminated), a cavity with an infection continues to be in the depth of the tissues (sometimes even with a dead bone area), and therefore the "tube" does not grow together, but forms a purulent fistula.
- Fistulas can occur from the roots of the tooth (in case of chronic periodontitis), passing through the gums and jaw.
- If after blind gunshot wounds, fragments of bullets and bones were not extracted in time, then suppuration is also formed next to them, which leads to the development of fistulas.
- This deviation is often formed aftersurgeries during suppuration of sutures next to ligatures (i.e., threads used for ligation of internal tissues, blood vessels, etc.). In this case, there is a ligature fistula.
Types of fistula by location
Before treating such a disorder, its appearance should be determined. This is easy to do, since this classification depends primarily 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 going from the anus (or rectum) to the skin.
- Adrectal fistula. Goes outside 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 an external canal coming from the duodenum.
- Bronchial fistula. Such a deviation is accompanied by a pathological message of the bronchial lumen with the pleural cavity.
Types of fistula due to the appearance
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, a tooth fistula with chronic periodontitis) or such serious diseases as osteomyelitis or tuberculosis.
- Congenital. In this case, fistulas arise from malformations (navel, neck, etc.)
- Created by artificial means. Such deviations are formed after surgical intervention (for example, a ligature fistula).
Types of fistula on contact with the environment
In this case, this pathological phenomenon may be:
- External, that is, to go directly to the skin (for example, rectal fistula).
- Internal, that is, not to communicate with the external environment in any way, but to connect only adjacent cavities (for example, a bronchoesophageal fistula).
Types of fistula on the nature of the secret, which of them stands out
These fistulas include:
- purulent;
- mucous membranes;
- bile;
- urinary;
- fecal and so forth
The main symptoms of the disease
The clinical picture of such a pathology depends primarily on the location of the fistula and the reason for their appearance.
So the main feature of thisdisease (external) is a hole in the skin from which fluid is released. By the way, the appearance of a fistula may be preceded by either injury to this area, or inflammation of the surrounding tissues and organs, or surgery.
As for internal fistulas, most often theyappear due to complications of chronic or acute diseases. For example, gall is often formed due to obstruction of the duct by a stone. In this case, the symptoms of deviation depend on the amount of bile that is secreted into the abdominal cavity. Thus, the patient may experience severe pain and pronounced disorders of the digestive tract.
Broncho-esophageal fistulas are often complicated by the ingestion of food in the tracheobronchial tree. This fact leads to the development of aspiration pneumonia or bronchitis with relevant symptoms.
Fistula of the rectum can be identified by the following symptoms:
- The presence of a barely noticeable hole in the areaanus (on the skin). In this case, the patient may experience heavy discharge of pus, in connection with which he is forced to constantly wear a gasket and regularly take a shower.
- Aching pain in the anus. As a rule, such sensations are most intense during a bowel movement, and then they subside noticeably.
Fistula on the gum is determined by such signs as:
- pronounced tooth mobility;
- pain of teeth that gets worse when touched;
- purulent discharge.
Diagnostic Methods
If you observe at least one ofof the above symptoms, it is necessary to immediately contact the doctor for a correct diagnosis. It should be noted that there is no particular difficulty in diagnosing such a deviation among specialists. After all, it is based on collecting anamnesis, studying the characteristic complaints of patients, the type of fistula, analyzing the composition and amount of released fluid, as well as changing the functioning of the affected organs.
Чтобы уточнить направленность и длину свищевого the canal, as well as its direct connection with the focus, is often used probing and X-ray, together with the introduction of a contrast agent into the aisle.
By the way, you can clarify the diagnosis"gastric fistula" using research for the presence of hydrochloric acid. If it is present in the channel, this indicates the gastric location of the fistula. But for urinary fistula is characterized by the presence of uric acid salts.
It should be noted that the external fistulaamenable to diagnosis is much easier than internal. After all, they have a characteristic hole, which is visible to a specialist with the naked eye. As for internal fistulas, they should be identified not only by the existing symptoms and complaints of the patient, but also by using such diagnostic methods as ultrasound, radiography and endoscopy.
Fistula: treatment with official medicine
Therapy for patients with external fistulas is based on:
- local treatment;
- general therapeutic;
- operational.
Local therapy implies treatment.the resulting wound, as well as the protection of the surrounding tissue from the effects of fluid that is released from the canal. For example, if a fistula on the leg, abdomen, etc., the purulent area is treated with various means (ointments, pastes and powders). They are applied at the external opening of the channel, thereby preventing skin contact with pus, mucus, etc.
Помимо этого, могут быть использованы химические agents that exclude irritation of external tissues by neutralizing secretions from the fistulous passage. For this, it is recommended to use inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes (for example, Gordox, 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 use their constant washing with an antiseptic solution.
Tubular granulating passages quite oftenclose on their own after removing the causes of their occurrence (for example, removing bone sequester, ligatures, etc.). But the lip-shaped fistula never passes by itself. For the treatment of such abnormalities, only surgical intervention is used to exclude them, to suture the external openings, or to resect the affected organ.
Следует также отметить, что в некоторых случаях Surgeons form artificial fistulas specifically to enable the patient to eat, or to remove the accumulated secret from any internal organ. These channels can be both permanent and temporary. After improving the patient's condition, the temporary channels are closed surgically.
In addition to external, artificial fistulas (interorgan) are also created artificially. As a rule, they are applied either for a long time or for a lifetime.
Treatment of fistula folk remedies
Of course, the treatment of such a deviation requirescompulsory consultation with an experienced doctor. After all, in case of untimely and incorrect treatment, a fistula can lead to serious complications that can endanger a person’s life.
But, despite this possibility, adherents of alternative medicine still use numerous popular methods for closing the resulting fistula. Consider some of them in more detail.
Treatment of a ligature fistula with aloe
For the preparation of medicinesIt is necessary to take from the presented plant 10-12 fleshy arrows, and then wash them in warm boiled water. Next, aloe is required to finely chop and place in a liter jar. It is necessary to pour 300 g of any honey into the container, cover it loosely and put it in a dark place for 7-10 days. At the same time after 4-5 days, the mass is desirable to mix well. In conclusion, the tincture is required to filter several times and take dessert spoon three times a day.
Ointment for external fistula
Такая мазь хорошо служит для заживления и лечения fistula of the vagina and rectum. For this we need water grass pepper, oak bark, lard and flowers of flax. All imposed plants need to grind, and then put in any container and then pour the melted pork lard. The ratio of fat and herbs should be one to two.
After the action you need to putfilled dishes in the oven and turn on the slow fire. Heat the ointment preferably for at least 7-11 hours. In conclusion, the drug must be cooled at room temperature. The method of treating such an ointment is quite simple. To do this, you must make a cotton swab, generously lubricate it with a means, and then attach it to the fistulous opening. Change the bandages preferably every five hours.
Broths from external fistulas
Chamomile extracts and decoctions are used.only externally - for rinsing holes. For their preparation is required to take 1 large spoonful of dried flowers, brew them with one cup of boiling water, and then insist for 60 minutes and filter.
Also for washing fistula and creating compresses use decoctions made from calendula.
Prevention
Now you know how to treat a fistula that isit is why it arises. Prevention of acquired channels should include the prevention of infectious diseases. In addition, it is required to strictly follow the rules of asepsis during surgical interventions.
As for the prevention of congenital fistula, it is impossible, since the disease occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy.
