A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as between bowel loops, the bladder, skin, or other organs.
Symptoms depend on the type of fistula but may include discharge, pain, skin irritation, recurrent infection, leakage, or unusual passage of fluid or stool.
Imaging helps map the tract, show where it starts and ends, and look for related infection, abscess, or inflammation.
CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound may help map the tract and show associated infection or inflammation.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicines, drainage, surgery, or long-term disease control in inflammatory conditions.
This entry explains the finding. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
