fistula

[ fis-choo-luh ]

noun

, plural fis·tu·las, fis·tu·lae [fis, -ch, oo, -lee].

1. Pathology. a narrow passage or duct formed by disease or injury, as one leading from an abscess to a free surface, or from one cavity to another.
2. Surgery. an opening made into a hollow organ, as the bladder or eyeball, for drainage.
3. Veterinary Pathology. any of various suppurative inflammations, as in the withers of a horse fistulous withers, characterized by the formation of passages or sinuses through the tissues and to the surface of the skin.
4. Obsolete. a pipe, as a flute.

fistula

/ ˈfɪstjʊlə /

noun

1. pathol an abnormal opening between one hollow organ and another or between a hollow organ and the surface of the skin, caused by ulceration, congenital malformation, etc
2. obsolete.
   any musical wind instrument; a pipe

Word History and Origins

Origin of fistula¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin: “pipe, tube,” of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of fistula¹

C14: from Latin: pipe, tube, hollow reed, ulcer

Example Sentences

A range of anti-inflammatory medications can treat Crohn's disease, but they show limited efficacy for closure of perianal fistula tracts.

From Science Daily

"Our discovery of unique fistula fibroblasts, distinct monocyte differentiation in African-ancestry individuals, and key transcription factor binding events helps us illuminate mechanistic underpinnings of perianal fistula -- critical for the optimization of future treatment."

From Science Daily

Usually this is a fistula, made by joining an artery with a vein, but for a small number of patients whose veins are fragile, a piece of plastic tubing called an arterio-venous graft is used instead.

From BBC

Gill, from Alnwick, found out about the plight of Kenyan women after being contacted by an American Charity called Beyond Fistula which works with the hospital.

From BBC

A fistula is an internal hole and can be the result of childbirth.

From BBC