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Fistulas services offered in Houston, TX
Fistulas are unnatural tunnels that form between two organs or an organ outside of the body. Daniel Lee Howell, Jr., MD, FACS and Terah Isaacson, MD, FACS, at Bayou City Surgical Specialists in Houston, Texas, specialize in treating fistulas that affect the gastrointestinal tract, including anorectal fistulas. Bayou City Surgical Specialists is dedicated to providing cost-effective care, offering transparent pricing and no-surprise billing. Schedule an evaluation for your fistula by calling today, or book an appointment online.
What are fistulas?
Fistulas are abnormal passageways that form between two organs normally not connected. They can develop anywhere but commonly occur in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms of fistulas depend on location, but they often cause pain at the site of the tunneling and may leak pus or fluid. They may also affect the function of the organs involved and often lead to an infection that can be serious when left untreated.
What are some types of fistulas?
Fistulas are named based on the organs they affect. Common types of fistulas include:
Anorectal fistula
An anorectal fistula is a tunneling from the anus to the skin, creating an opening to the outside, increasing the risk of infection. This type of fistula may occur with an anal abscess.
Colonic fistula
A colonic fistula is a passageway that forms between the colon and another organ, such as the vagina, bladder, or other part of the intestines.
Vesicovaginal fistula
A vesicovaginal fistula is a tunneling between the vagina and bladder. This type of fistula often causes urinary incontinence.
How did I get a fistula?
Fistulas may develop from any number of causes. It’s possible you were born with a fistula. They may also develop as a complication from surgery or an injury. An infection may also lead to the development of abnormal tunneling.
Certain diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are also risk factors for anorectal and colonic fistulas.
Dr. Isaacson and her colleagues perform thorough evaluations to diagnose fistulas and determine the underlying cause.
What are the treatments for fistulas?
Treatment for fistulas depends on the location and the severity of your condition. In some cases, treatment may only require medication to clear up an infection or drainage of the fluid collected in an abscess.
Your Bayou City Surgical Specialists doctors may perform a fistulotomy to eliminate a fistula. During the procedure, they remove the skin and muscle surrounding the tunnel and then drain away any fluid.
The surgeons at Bayou City Surgical Specialists specialize in complex anal fistula repair, removing the tunnel to prevent complications. Call today or schedule a consultation online to learn more about treatment for fistulas.