fistula

noun

fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə How to pronounce fistula (audio)
ˈfish-
plural fistulas or fistulae ˈfis-chə-ˌlē How to pronounce fistula (audio)
-ˌlī,
ˈfish-
: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Use of a central venous catheter for hemodialysis conferred a six-times-higher risk for S. aureus bloodstream infection compared to use of a port in the arm known as a fistula, the researchers found. Fox News, 7 Feb. 2023 Impaction and perforation of the upper aerodigestive tract can lead to significant and potentially fatal complications including parapharyngeal/retropharyngeal abscess, mediastinitis, and aortoesophageal fistula. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2015 Ideally, as kidney function deteriorates and patients get closer to needing dialysis, doctors recommend a surgical procedure to create the fistula, with an artery connected to a vein. Fox News, 7 Feb. 2023 One common fistula is from the bowel to the skin. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 30 May 2022 This is known as a fistula, per the Mayo Clinic. SELF, 11 Feb. 2022 No patient showed urethral fistula, voiding deterioration, penile nodule/curve or pain. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2016 Without the fistula, dialysis must be administered via a catheter in a large central vein in the neck, which is associated with higher rates of complications, including infections, and should only be used temporarily. Fox News, 7 Feb. 2023 Food was leaking through the fistula into the larger stomach, then passing through her entire small intestine. Douglas G Adler, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2018 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fistula.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, pipe, fistula

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near fistula

Cite this Entry

“Fistula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fistula. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

fistula

noun
fis·​tu·​la ˈfis-chə-lə How to pronounce fistula (audio)
plural fistulas or fistulae -ˌlē How to pronounce fistula (audio)
-ˌlī
: an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ

Medical Definition

fistula

1 of 2 noun
fis·​tu·​la
ˈfis(h)-chə-lə, British also ˈfis-tyu̇-lə
plural fistulas or fistulae
-lē also -lī
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 dialysisPasteur Rasuli et al.
2

fistula

2 of 2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!