Question:
Could someome tell me what exactly a fitsula is?

Sometimes after I eat, I will get this pain in my chest, more so under my left breast, have been to the doctor, a sonogram was done, and I dont have gallstones, someone said that I could have a "fistula"???    — wessolau (posted on February 6, 2008)

February 5, 2008
Small intestinal fistula is abnormal communication connecting the lumen of two segments of the small intestine, lumen of the small intestine with any other hollow viscus or between the small intestine and the skin of the abdominal wall. Despite refinements in the field of gastrointestinal surgery, the management of small intestinal fistula still remains a major clinical problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. If you had one you would see a port in the wall of your abdominal wall and there would be fluid coming from it. Your Doctor would have know what it was at first glance.
   — William (Bill) wmil

February 6, 2008
A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between two epithelium-lined organs or vessels that normally do not connect. Some fistualae stay inside, some connect to the outside. Either way you want to find out ASAP and get it fixed. Best of luck!!
   — nursenut

February 7, 2008
I WOULD THINK THAT YOU ARE JUST PROBABLY EATING TOO FAST. i GET THE SAME PAIN SOMETIMES IF i WOLF MY FOOD.
   — celtcat

February 8, 2008
Can you remember what you eat that causes this problem? Sometimes avoiding that food will aleviate the symptoms. Also, does it occur more when you eat late at night? You could be having reflux, or it could be something more serious. Your doctor will probably continue to evaluate your symptoms until a cause is found. Unless you had surgery, an ulcer, swallowed a foreign body, or some kind of trauma to your abdomen, you are less likely to have a fistula. There are specific radiographic tests to rule that out, but searching for some more common causes might just pay off.
   — live-riteLA

February 8, 2008
I had a fistula repaired on 12/31. The pain and pressure I was having eased when I ate something. As a result I started gaining weight. I have felt much better since the revision.
   — Tawnda C.