fistula

American  

[fis-choo-luh] / ˈfɪs tʃʊ lə /

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.

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fistula British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of fistula

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

Example Sentences

However, patients of African ancestry are about twice as likely to have perianal fistulae, according to studies in adult and pediatric populations.

From Science Daily

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From Seattle Times