Respiratory Tract Fistula
Fistula
Respiratory Tract Infections
Arteriovenous Fistula
Intestinal Fistula
Cutaneous Fistula
Bronchial Fistula
Vascular Fistula
Rectal Fistula
Urinary Fistula
Esophageal Fistula
Biliary Fistula
Respiratory System
Vaginal Fistula
Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Urinary Bladder Fistula
Arterio-Arterial Fistula
Midfacial complications of prolonged cocaine snorting. (1/64)
Acute and chronic ingestion of cocaine predisposes the abuser to a wide range of local and systemic complications. This article describes the case of a 38-year-old man whose chronic cocaine snorting resulted in the erosion of the midfacial anatomy and recurrent sinus infections. Previously published case reports specific to this problem are presented, as are the oral, systemic and behavioural effects of cocaine abuse. (+info)Aortic aneurysm involving a right-sided arch complicating aortobronchopulmonary and aortoesophageal fistula. (2/64)
A 66-year-old man with hemoptysis, chest pain, fever, and hoarseness was admitted to our department. A right-sided aortic arch and three aneurysms in the proximal arch, distal arch, and descending aorta were confirmed by aortography and surgery. Fistula formations were discovered between the proximal arch aneurysm and the right upper lobe (aortobronchopulmonary fistula: ABF), and between the descending aorta and the esophagus (aortoesophageal fistula: AEF). Concomitant ABF and AEF are very rare. Aortopulmonary and/or aortoesophageal fistula complicated by a right-sided aortic arch have not been previously reported. (+info)Abomasal ulceration and abomaso-pleural fistula in an 11-month-old beefmaster bull. (3/64)
An 11-month-old, beefmaster bull presented with anorexia and signs of respiratory disease. Physical examination, thoracic ultrasonography and radiography, and pleural fluid analysis indicated pericarditis and septic neutrophilic pleuropneumonia. Postmortem findings were abomasal adherence to the diaphragm, a fibrotic fistulous tract connecting the abomasum and pleural cavity, granulomatous abomasitis, granulomatous pericarditis, and fibrinonecrotic pleuritis. (+info)Oesophagopleural fistula as a novel cause of failed non-invasive ventilation. (4/64)
Non-invasive ventilatory support is commonly used to palliate symptoms and extend longevity in patients with ventilatory failure due to neuromuscular and restrictive chest wall disease. We describe a patient with ventilatory failure due to a combination of these factors in whom the application of non-invasive ventilation led to intolerable symptoms. An unusual cause for this was found. (+info)Duro-pleural fistula diagnosed by beta2-transferrin. (5/64)
An 81-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a chronic transudative pleural effusion that required 8 therapeutic thoracenteses over 11 months for relief of dyspnea. Extensive lumbar disk surgery had been performed 2 years prior to his onset of dyspnea. The diagnosis of duro-pleural fistula was confirmed by finding the presence of beta2-transferrin in the pleural fluid. The 'water-like' pleural fluid had a total protein of <1 gm/dl, an LDH of 92 IU/l, a glucose of 101 mg/dl, and pH of 7.55. beta2-Transferrin has a sensitivity approaching 100% and a specificity of 95% in identifying CSF leaks from head trauma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of beta2-transferrin in pleural fluid from a duro-pleural fistula. (+info)Imaging findings in acute neck infection due to pyriform sinus fistula. (6/64)
INTRODUCTION: Pyriform sinus fistula is a congenital branchial pouch abnormality that is often overlooked as a cause of acute neck infection in children. Our aim is to demonstrate the value of various imaging modalities (ultrasound, computed tomography [CT], barium oesophagraphy) in its diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preoperative imaging findings of 5 patients with surgically proven pyriform sinus fistula who presented with acute neck infection between September 2001 and March 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. CT was performed in all patients, 4 patients had barium oesophagraphy and 3 had an ultrasound scan. RESULTS: All 5 patients suffered from upper respiratory tract infection within a week of developing a tender swelling on the left side of the neck. Four patients had a history of recurrent neck infections. CT depicted inflammation of the left perithyroid soft tissue and adjacent left thyroid lobe in every case. In 2 cases, CT demonstrated the presence of a pyriform sinus fistula. Ultrasound, performed in 3 patients, correlated strongly with the CT findings. It also showed gas within a fistula in 1 case. Barium oesophagraphy clearly delineated the fistula in 3 out of 4 cases. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound and CT accurately showed the presence of acute neck infection and could demonstrate the pyriform sinus fistula. Barium oesophagraphy most clearly depicted the presence and course of the fistula. Recurrent left-sided neck infection in a child should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying pyriform sinus fistula and imaging should be performed to confirm its presence. (+info)Nonsurgical management of pancreaticopleural fistula. (7/64)
CONTEXT: Pancreaticopleural fistula is seen in acute and chronic pancreatitis or after traumatic or surgical disruption of the pancreatic duct. Surgery leads to healing in 80-90% of cases but carries a mortality of up to 10%. AIM: Our aim was to assess the management of pancreaticopleural fistula on a specialist pancreatic Unit. METHODS: Patients presenting with pancreaticopleural fistulae were identified from acute and chronic pancreatitis databases. Management and outcome were compared with previous studies identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE. RESULTS: Four patients presented with dyspnoea from large unilateral pleural effusions. Three had a history of alcohol abuse and one of asymptomatic gallstones. All were treated with chest drainage, octreotide and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plus/minus pancreatic stent. Two had a pancreatic stent in situ for 5 and 8.5 months respectively. In the third sphincterotomy was performed; in the fourth the pancreatic duct could not be cannulated. The fistula healed in all cases, with no recurrence after 12-30 months, and no deaths. There are 14 reports including 16 cases treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plus/minus pancreatic stent in the literature, with no recurrence after follow up ranging 4-30 months and no deaths in these 16 cases. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is necessary to be aware of its presence. These data suggest that endoscopic management is preferable alternative to surgery for pancreaticopleural fistula. (+info)Postoperative complications of salvage total laryngectomy. (8/64)
BACKGROUND: The objectives of the current study were to report the incidence of postoperative complications for salvage total laryngectomy (STL) compared with primary total laryngectomy (PTL) and to identify patient and tumor-related factors predictive of postoperative complications. METHODS: A sample of 183 patients who had received a total laryngectomy were identified from an existing database of 662 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. PTL and STL were performed in 113 and 70 patients, respectively. Initial therapy in the patients who required salvage surgery included radiotherapy (RT) in 32 (46%) and chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) in 38 (54%). Postoperative complications were recorded for each group and categorized into local, swallowing, airway, and systemic complications. Postoperative complication rates for STL after RT and CTRT were compared with those after PTL by univariate analysis. Patient and tumor-related predictors of complications were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 0.5%. Forty percent of all patients developed a postoperative complication after total laryngectomy. Local complications, which were the most frequent, occurred in 52 (28%) patients. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 31 (17%) patients. Statistical analysis showed that there was a greater number of patients with local wound (45% vs. 25%, P = 0.02) and fistula complications (32% vs. 12%, P = 0.012) in the STL-CTRT group compared with the primary laryngectomy group. Multivariate analysis showed that primary CTRT was an independent predictor of local complications and pharyngocutaneous fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage laryngectomy was more frequently associated with postoperative complications after CTRT compared with PTL. Problems related to local wound healing, especially the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula, constituted the most common postoperative complication in these patients. Multivariate analysis showed that primary CTRT was an independent predictor of local wound complications and pharyngocutaneous fistula. (+info)A respiratory tract fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the respiratory tract (which includes the nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs) and another organ or structure, such as the skin, digestive tract, or blood vessels. This condition can lead to complications such as air leakage, infection, and difficulty breathing. The causes of respiratory tract fistulas vary and can include trauma, surgery, infection, or cancer. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fistula and may involve surgical repair, antibiotics, or other therapies.
A fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between two organs, vessels, or body parts that usually do not connect. It can form as a result of injury, infection, surgery, or disease. A fistula can occur anywhere in the body but commonly forms in the digestive system, genital area, or urinary system. The symptoms and treatment options for a fistula depend on its location and underlying cause.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are infections that affect the respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), bronchi, and lungs. These infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or, less commonly, fungi.
RTIs are classified into two categories based on their location: upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). URTIs include infections of the nose, sinuses, throat, and larynx, such as the common cold, flu, laryngitis, and sinusitis. LRTIs involve the lower airways, including the bronchi and lungs, and can be more severe. Examples of LRTIs are pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis.
Symptoms of RTIs depend on the location and cause of the infection but may include cough, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, fever, fatigue, and chest pain. Treatment for RTIs varies depending on the severity and underlying cause of the infection. For viral infections, treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms, while antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections.
An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between an artery and a vein. This connection causes blood to flow directly from the artery into the vein, bypassing the capillary network that would normally distribute the oxygen-rich blood to the surrounding tissues.
Arteriovenous fistulas can occur as a result of trauma, disease, or as a planned surgical procedure for patients who require hemodialysis, a treatment for advanced kidney failure. In hemodialysis, the arteriovenous fistula serves as a site for repeated access to the bloodstream, allowing for efficient removal of waste products and excess fluids.
The medical definition of an arteriovenous fistula is:
"An abnormal communication between an artery and a vein, usually created by surgical means for hemodialysis access or occurring as a result of trauma, congenital defects, or disease processes such as vasculitis or neoplasm."
An intestinal fistula is an abnormal communication or connection between the intestines (or a portion of the intestine) and another organ or the skin surface. This connection forms a tract or passage, allowing the contents of the intestines, such as digestive enzymes, bacteria, and waste materials, to leak into other body areas or outside the body. Intestinal fistulas can develop due to various reasons, including inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease), infections, complications from surgery, radiation therapy, or trauma. They can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin irritation, and infection. Treatment of intestinal fistulas often involves a combination of medical management, nutritional support, and surgical intervention.
A cutaneous fistula is a type of fistula that occurs when a tract or tunnel forms between the skin (cutaneous) and another organ or structure, such as the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, or urinary system. Cutaneous fistulas can result from various medical conditions, including infections, inflammatory diseases, surgical complications, trauma, or malignancies.
Cutaneous fistulas may present with symptoms such as drainage of fluid or pus from the skin, pain, redness, swelling, or irritation around the affected area. The treatment for cutaneous fistulas depends on their underlying cause and can range from conservative management with antibiotics and wound care to surgical intervention.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect a cutaneous fistula, as untreated fistulas can lead to complications such as infection, sepsis, or tissue damage. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the individual's needs.
A bronchial fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the bronchial tree (the airways in the lungs) and the surrounding tissues, such as the pleural space (the space between the lungs and the chest wall), blood vessels, or other organs. This condition can result from various causes, including lung injury, infection, surgery, or certain diseases such as cancer or tuberculosis.
Bronchial fistulas can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. They may also cause air leaks, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or chronic infections. Treatment for bronchial fistulas depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition but often involves surgical repair or closure of the abnormal connection.
A vascular fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the artery and vein, which usually results from a surgical procedure to create access for hemodialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease. This communication allows blood to flow directly from the artery into the vein, bypassing the capillary network and causing high-flow conditions in the affected area. Over time, the increased pressure and flow can lead to various complications such as venous hypertension, stenosis, aneurysm formation, or even heart failure if left untreated. Vascular fistulas may also occur spontaneously due to certain medical conditions like vasculitis, trauma, or infection, although this is less common.
A rectal fistula is an abnormal connection or tunnel that develops between the rectum, which is the lower end of the colon, and another organ or the skin surface surrounding the anus. This condition often results from inflammation, infection, trauma, or surgery in the anal area. The fistula can cause symptoms such as pain, discharge, irritation, and swelling around the anus. In some cases, it may also lead to complications like abscesses or recurrent infections if not treated promptly and effectively. Treatment options typically include surgical intervention to close the fistula and promote healing of the affected tissues.
A gastric fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the stomach and another organ or the skin surface. This condition can occur as a result of complications from surgery, injury, infection, or certain diseases such as cancer. Symptoms may include persistent drainage from the site of the fistula, pain, malnutrition, and infection. Treatment typically involves surgical repair of the fistula and management of any underlying conditions.
A urinary fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the urinary tract and another organ or tissue, such as the bladder, ureter, or kidney, and the skin, vagina, or intestine. This condition can lead to urine leakage through the abnormal opening, causing discomfort, infection, and other complications if not treated promptly and effectively. Urinary fistulas can be caused by various factors, including surgery, injury, radiation therapy, inflammation, or cancer. The type and location of the fistula will determine the specific symptoms and treatment options.
An esophageal fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach) and another organ, such as the trachea (windpipe) or the skin. This condition can result from complications of certain medical conditions, including cancer, prolonged infection, or injury to the esophagus.
Esophageal fistulas can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, coughing, chest pain, and fever. They can also lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or sepsis, if left untreated. Treatment for an esophageal fistula typically involves surgical repair of the abnormal connection, along with management of any underlying conditions that may have contributed to its development.
A biliary fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the biliary system (which includes the gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver) and another organ or structure, usually in the abdominal cavity. This connection allows bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver, to leak out of its normal pathway and into other areas of the body.
Biliary fistulas can occur as a result of trauma, surgery, infection, or inflammation in the biliary system. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, vomiting, and clay-colored stools. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the fistula, such as draining an infection or repairing damaged tissue, and diverting bile flow away from the site of the leak. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fistula.
The Respiratory System is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to facilitate the process of breathing, which involves the intake of oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide. This system primarily includes the nose, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, and diaphragm.
The nostrils or mouth take in air that travels through the pharynx, larynx, and trachea into the lungs. Within the lungs, the trachea divides into two bronchi, one for each lung, which further divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles. At the end of these bronchioles are tiny air sacs known as alveoli where the exchange of gases occurs. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses through the walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, moves from the blood to the alveoli and is exhaled out of the body.
The diaphragm, a large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, plays a crucial role in breathing by contracting and relaxing to change the volume of the chest cavity, thereby allowing air to flow in and out of the lungs. Overall, the Respiratory System is essential for maintaining life by providing the body's cells with the oxygen needed for metabolism and removing waste products like carbon dioxide.
A pancreatic fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the pancreas and another organ, often the digestive system. It usually occurs as a complication following trauma, surgery, or inflammation of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis). The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, and when these enzymes escape the pancreas through a damaged or disrupted duct, they can cause irritation and inflammation in nearby tissues, leading to the formation of a fistula.
Pancreatic fistulas are typically characterized by the drainage of pancreatic fluid, which contains high levels of digestive enzymes, into other parts of the body. This can lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, swelling, fever, and malnutrition. Treatment may involve surgical repair of the fistula, as well as supportive care such as antibiotics, nutritional support, and drainage of any fluid collections.
A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the rectum (the lower end of the colon, leading to the anus) and the vagina. This type of fistula can result from various causes, such as childbirth injuries, surgery complications, Crohn's disease, radiation therapy, or infections. The condition may lead to symptoms like fecal matter passing through the vagina, recurrent vaginal infections, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and skin irritation around the vaginal area. Treatment options typically involve surgical repair of the fistula, depending on its size, location, and underlying cause.
A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal opening or connection between the bladder and the vagina, resulting in the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault. This condition most commonly occurs as a result of complications during childbirth, particularly in developing countries with limited access to medical care. It can also be caused by surgery, radiation therapy, infection, or injury.
The symptoms of vesicovaginal fistula include constant urinary leakage from the vagina, frequent urinary tract infections, and a foul odor. The condition can lead to social isolation, depression, and other psychological issues due to its impact on a woman's quality of life. Treatment typically involves surgical repair of the fistula, which can be complex and may require specialized medical care.
A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening or connection between the vagina and another organ, such as the bladder (resulting in a vesicovaginal fistula), the rectum (resulting in a rectovaginal fistula), or the colon (resulting in a colovaginal fistula). This condition can lead to various complications, including chronic urinary or fecal incontinence, infection, and difficulty with sexual intercourse.
Vaginal fistulas are often caused by obstetric trauma, such as prolonged labor, or may be the result of surgery, radiation therapy, injury, or infection. Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the fistula but typically include abnormal discharge, pain, and foul-smelling odor. Treatment usually involves surgical repair of the fistula, although smaller fistulas may sometimes heal on their own with proper care and management.
A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal connection between the trachea (windpipe) and the esophagus (tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). This congenital anomaly is usually present at birth and can vary in size and location. It can cause complications such as respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and recurrent lung infections. TEF is often treated surgically to separate the trachea and esophagus and restore their normal functions.
A urinary bladder fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between the urinary bladder and another organ or structure, such as the skin, intestine, or vagina. This condition can result from various factors, including surgery, injury, infection, inflammation, radiation therapy, or malignancy.
Bladder fistulas may lead to symptoms like continuous leakage of urine through the skin, frequent urinary tract infections, and fecal matter in the urine (when the fistula involves the intestine). The diagnosis typically involves imaging tests, such as a CT scan or cystogram, while treatment often requires surgical repair of the fistula.
An arterio-arterial fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between two arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Under normal circumstances, arteries do not directly communicate with each other; instead, they supply blood to capillaries, which then deliver the blood to veins.
An arterio-arterial fistula can result from various causes, including congenital defects, trauma, or as a complication of medical procedures such as arterial catheterization or surgical interventions. The presence of an arterio-arterial fistula may lead to several hemodynamic consequences, depending on the size, location, and chronicity of the communication. These can include altered blood flow patterns, increased pressure in the affected arteries, and potential cardiac complications due to volume overload.
Symptoms of an arterio-arterial fistula may vary widely, from being asymptomatic to experiencing palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, or even congestive heart failure in severe cases. The diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI angiography to visualize the abnormal communication and assess its hemodynamic impact. Treatment options may include observation, endovascular interventions, or surgical repair, depending on the individual case.
An arteriovenous shunt is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein. This procedure is typically performed to reroute blood flow or to provide vascular access for various medical treatments. In a surgical setting, the creation of an arteriovenous shunt involves connecting an artery directly to a vein, bypassing the capillary network in between.
There are different types of arteriovenous shunts used for specific medical purposes:
1. Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF): This is a surgical connection created between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm or leg. The procedure involves dissecting both the artery and vein, then suturing them directly together. Over time, the increased blood flow to the vein causes it to dilate and thicken, making it suitable for repeated needle punctures during hemodialysis treatments for patients with kidney failure.
2. Arteriovenous Graft (AVG): An arteriovenous graft is a synthetic tube used to connect an artery and a vein when a direct AVF cannot be created due to insufficient vessel size or poor quality. The graft can be made of various materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Dacron. Grafts are more prone to infection and clotting compared to native AVFs but remain an essential option for patients requiring hemodialysis access.
3. Central Venous Catheter (CVC): A central venous catheter is a flexible tube inserted into a large vein, often in the neck or groin, and advanced towards the heart. CVCs can be used as temporary arteriovenous shunts for patients who require immediate hemodialysis access but do not have time to wait for an AVF or AVG to mature. However, they are associated with higher risks of infection and thrombosis compared to native AVFs and AVGs.
In summary, a surgical arteriovenous shunt is a connection between an artery and a vein established through a medical procedure. The primary purpose of these shunts is to provide vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease or to serve as temporary access when native AVFs or AVGs are not feasible.