Can a fistula also heal itself?
A fistula in the bowel usually cannot heal on its own. Only an acute inflammation of the fistula tract can at best heal without therapy (by the body’s own defense system). However, a fistula that is conspicuous by its symptoms, for example in the context of an inflammation, should in most cases be surgically removed, as it can become inflamed again at any time, which in the worst case can be life-threatening.
Prognosis
Depending on its location and size, a single fistula at the navel can be well treated by surgical removal in many cases, so the prognosis is good. This is particularly dependent on whether all parts of the fistula could be removed during the procedure. If the fistula duct could not be completely removed by the operation, a new fistula can develop from the remaining parts.
The prognosis also depends on the cause of the fistula at the navel. The prognosis for fistulas resulting from bowel surgery is better than for a disease in which fistulas can occur repeatedly, such as Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
