Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as between bowel loops, the bladder, skin, or other organs.
When to get help quickly: Urgency depends on the location and cause, but faster review matters when there is significant infection, severe pain, fever, or major fluid loss.
Common symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of fistula but may include discharge, pain, skin irritation, recurrent infection, leakage, or unusual passage of fluid or stool.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps map the tract, show where it starts and ends, and look for related infection, abscess, or inflammation.
What radiology does
CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound may help map the tract and show associated infection or inflammation.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicines, drainage, surgery, or long-term disease control in inflammatory conditions.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Perianal MRI (for Anal Fistula and Abscess)A Perianal MRI is a detailed scan of the tissues around the anus. It maps anal fistulas and abscesses precisely, showing the surgeon exactly where the tracks run and how they relate to the sphincter muscles that control continence.
- CystographyA cystogram is a special X-ray study of the bladder using contrast dye. It is used to detect bladder leaks, fistulas, abnormal pouches, and reflux from the bladder back up toward the kidneys.
- FistulogramA fistulogram is a specialized X-ray scan used to examine an abnormal tunnel or tract (fistula) in your body. By injecting a liquid dye (contrast) into the tract, the scan helps your doctor map its path and plan treatment.