Anatomical Abnormality
intestinal fistula
in·tes·ti·nal fis·tu·la [ in-tes-tuh-nl fis-choo-luh ]
Subclass of:
Digestive System Fistula; Intestinal Diseases
Definitions related to intestinal fistula:
  • An abnormal anatomical passage between the INTESTINE, and another segment of the intestine or other organs. External intestinal fistula is connected to the SKIN (enterocutaneous fistula). Internal intestinal fistula can be connected to a number of organs, such as STOMACH (gastrocolic fistula), the BILIARY TRACT (cholecystoduodenal fistula), or the URINARY BLADDER of the URINARY TRACT (colovesical fistula). Risk factors include inflammatory processes, cancer, radiation treatment, and surgical misadventures (MEDICAL ERRORS).
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • An abnormal communication between the small or large intestine and another organ or cavity.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An abnormal connection between the gut and another hollow organ, such as the bladder, urethra, vagina, or other regions of the gastrointestinal tract.
    Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)
    The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.