What does fistula mean?
Fistula is a formal medical noun for an abnormal passage connecting two epithelial surfaces, such as an opening between an artery and a vein or between the bowel and the skin. Such a channel may form after infection, inflammation, trauma, or surgery, although some fistulas are congenital. In ordinary conversation, the word is uncommon; in clinical writing it is precise and can describe a persistent abnormal connection rather than merely a wound or sinus. A fistula is named for the structure it forms and may be surgically repaired, monitored, or closed. The word comes from Latin, where fistula meant “pipe” or “tube,” reflecting the channel-like feature of the condition. Knowing it is useful because “fistula” identifies a specific anatomical abnormality: a passage between two normally separate surfaces. It should not be used as a general synonym for any opening, crack, or wound.
nounAn abnormal passage connecting two epithelial surfaces, often resulting from disease, injury, or surgery and sometimes lined with epithelial tissue.
- An abnormal passage connecting two epithelial surfaces, such as an opening between an organ and the skin or between two blood vessels.
"The surgeon repaired the abnormal passage known as an arteriovenous fistula."
"An anal fistula can develop when infection creates an abnormal connection with the skin."
"The nurse monitored the dialysis fistula for signs of narrowing or infection."
Both plurals are standard, although the traditional Latin plural fistulae is especially common in medical writing.
"The scan showed two fistulae between the bowel and the abdominal wall."
A Latin pipe became a medical passageway: fistula originally meant a tube or channel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does fistula come from?
Fistula comes from Latin fistula, meaning “pipe” or “tube,” and the medical term had entered English by the 17th century. Its use for an abnormal passage developed from the word's long-established sense of a hollow conduit. Modern cognates include French fistule, Spanish fístula, Italian fistola, and German Fistel, all derived from the same Latin word.
Related word forms
How fistula is actually used
Fistula is chiefly formal clinical terminology. Outside medicine it is uncommon, while specialist writing uses it to identify a persistent abnormal anatomical connection more precisely than a general term such as passage or opening.
Easily confused with fistula
A fissure is a crack or narrow gap in tissue, whereas a fistula is an abnormal passage connecting two normally separate surfaces.