fistula

[fis-choo-luh]

noun

plural

fistulas, fistulae 

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 fistulous withers, 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

Mount Sinai researchers have published the first study to use single-cell analysis in identifying several pathophysiological mechanisms of abnormal passageways in the digestive system known as perianal fistulae, a common complication of Crohn's disease.

Read more on Science Daily

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

Read more on BBC

“We suspect this was the source of his chronic abscesses and fistulas,” the second surgeon noted, according to portions of medical records shared by Contreras with The Times.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Surgeries included many performed in the body’s orifices to treat polyps, inflamed tonsils, hemorrhoids and fistulas.

Read more on New York Times

James Marion Sims, a 19th century Alabama surgeon heralded as the father of modern gynecology, pioneered a treatment for vesicovaginal fistulas, a condition that affects bladder control and fertility in women.

Read more on Seattle Times