fistula

noun

fis·tu·la | \ ˈfis-chə-lə

, ˈfish-\

plural fistulas or fistulae\ ˈfis-chə-ˌlē

, -ˌlī , ˈfish- \

Definition of fistula

: an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions

Examples of fistula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In June, a fistula was created in his arm to create space for the dialysis needles, Karen said. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'We still haven't found the right hero': A Pewaukee woman is searching for a living kidney donor for her husband," 6 Sep. 2019 After 10 days, the fistula failed, and the couple spent the next two months training to do PD. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'We still haven't found the right hero': A Pewaukee woman is searching for a living kidney donor for her husband," 6 Sep. 2019 This Woman Had a Black, Curved Horn Growing Out of Her Thumb—and Doctors Aren't Sure Why NEJM Colovesical fistulas are very uncommon, according to a 2013 study published in the journal Gastroenterology Research and Practice. — Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, "This Woman Had Feces Leaking Into Her Bladder—and Yes, It’s as Gross as It Sounds," 2 July 2019 Female patients are more likely to have a fistula between the colon and the gynecologic organs. — Andrea K. Mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Diverticulitis can cause digestive problems for some," 7 June 2018 This is known as a fistula, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Korin Miller, SELF, "10 Crohn’s Disease Symptoms, From Diarrhea to Beyond," 13 June 2018 These inoperable desmoid tumors worked their way into my small bowel, establishing fistulas, or abnormal connections. — Denise Teter, Philly.com, "For a colorectal cancer survivor on IV nutrition, airport security is another hurdle to vault," 11 July 2018 These inoperable desmoid tumors worked their way into my small bowel, establishing fistulas, or abnormal connections. — Denise Teter, Philly.com, "For a colorectal cancer survivor on IV nutrition, airport security is another hurdle to vault," 11 July 2018 An estimated 2 million women and girls in Africa live with obstetric fistula. — Fox News, "FOX NEWS FIRST: Trump predicts Dems will be put on ICE in November; Dems in dissension; Mexico elects ‘messiah’," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fistula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near fistula

fistula of the withers

fistular

Fistulariidae

Statistics for fistula

Last Updated

7 Oct 2019

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Time Traveler for fistula

The first known use of fistula was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for fistula

fistula

noun

fis·tu·la | \ ˈfis(h)-chə-lə, British also ˈfis-tyu̇-lə\

plural fistulas or fistulae\ -lē also -lī \

Medical Definition of fistula

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess or hollow organ or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another and that may be surgically created to permit passage of fluids or secretions a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula an arteriovenous fistula was reconstructed in the right arm for dialysis— Pasteur Rasuli et al

2 : fistulous withers