What are the symptoms of Fistula?

Types of Fistula

The major types of fistula —

Enterocutaneous Fistula:

This type connects the intestine to the skin and can occur as a complication after surgery. 

Enteroenteric or Enterocolic Fistula:

This involves the large or small intestine.

Enterovaginal Fistula:

Extends to the vagina.

Enterovesical Fistula:

Leads to the bladder, possibly causing frequent urinary tract infections or the passage of gas during urination.

The symptoms depend on its location in the body. Read on to understand about the symptoms of fistula in detail.

Symptoms of Fistula

These are as follows:

General Fistula Symptoms

• Pain, fever, tenderness, itching, and an overall feeling of unwellness

• Presence of pus, blood, or a foul-smelling discharge

• Additional symptoms depend on the fistula’s location

Anal Fistula Symptoms

• Intense and throbbing anal pain, particularly during bowel movement, coughing or sitting

• Swelling and redness (inflammation) around the anus, indicating an active skin infection (cellulitis)

• Fluid drainage near the anus, which may contain pus, faeces, or blood, accompanied by an odour

Vaginal Fistula Symptoms

• Urinary and faecal leakage

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Foul odour in urine or vaginal discharge

• Recurrent infections, including UTIs

• Abdominal pain, rectal or vaginal bleeding, and tissue damage

• Kidney infections, fever, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea