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

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 • Apr. 24, 2024

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

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

While rare today in developed countries, an obstetric vesicovaginal fistula was a major complication of childbirth among 19th century women in America.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2023

Though McEachin overcame cancer and rose to Congress, he developed a fistula as a complication of treatment in 2018, requiring two surgeries.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2022

As to digestion, the most excellent observations were made on men afflicted with a fistula in the abdomen, that is, a wound penetrating to the stomach.

From Popular Books on Natural Science For Practical Use in Every Household, for Readers of All Classes by Bernstein, Aaron David