Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal tunnel that forms between two parts of the body that are not normally connected, such as between the bowel and the skin, the bladder, or another loop of bowel. Fistulas are a known complication of Crohn's disease, and most need medical treatment rather than healing on their own.
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A fistula is an abnormal tunnel that forms between two parts of the body that do not normally connect. It is a passageway where there should not be one, and it can let a substance such as pus, stool or blood travel somewhere it should not go (Cleveland Clinic).
In bowel disease this often means a tunnel between the gut and the skin, between the gut and the bladder or vagina, or between two loops of bowel. One of the most common types is an anal fistula, a small tunnel between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus (NHS).
Why it matters in Crohn's disease
Fistulas are a known complication of Crohn's disease, because its deep, full-thickness inflammation can burrow through the bowel wall and into nearby tissue. This is one of the features that sets Crohn's apart from ulcerative colitis (Cleveland Clinic).
They usually need treatment
A fistula rarely heals on its own. Some settle with medicine, while others keep coming back and need surgery or more complex care. The important point is not to wait it out or rely on home remedies, but to have it looked at (Cleveland Clinic; NHS).
Related terms
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic, Fistula · T1
- NHS, Anal fistula · T1