What is a fistula in the navel?
A fistula is a non-natural connecting passage between a hollow organ such as the intestine and another hollow organ or the body surface, for example at the navel. The fistula is a thin tube lined with surface cells (epithelium). If the origin of the fistula is in the intestine, faeces can run out through it.
In addition, the fistula can become inflamed and pus can form. A fistula in the bowel should be examined closely and, if necessary, removed by surgery. The cause of the fistula should also be investigated.
Causes
The causes leading to the development of a fistula are in most cases inflammatory processes or the consequences of tissue damage. For example, an encapsulated purulent inflammation (abscess) can lead to a fistula in a hollow organ such as the intestine or on the body surface such as the navel. In this way, the body tries to transport the pus away from the focus of the inflammation.
The chronic inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease is another possible cause of fistulas. These can originate from all sections of the intestine and can grow into the navel, bladder or vagina. In addition, a fistula can develop at the navel as a result of an operation on the intestine. There are also congenital fistulas, such as the Urachus fistula, in which a connection from the bladder to the belly button remains due to a missing closure, through which urine can leak.
Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of a fistula at the navel, a physical examination as well as a medical interview (anamnesis) is important. If stool is leaking from the navel, this is evidence for the diagnosis of a fistula originating from the intestine. However, a purulent inflammation alone does not necessarily have to be caused by a fistula.
If there is a suspicion that a fistula may be present at the navel, the doctor will try to find the opening of the fistula with a small probe. Another measure to make a diagnosis is imaging. For this purpose, a contrast medium can be injected into the fistula opening and then an image can be taken using computer tomography. This allows the size and spread of the fistula to be detected at the same time, which is important for surgical removal. This topic might be of further interest to you: Fistula in the bowel
