what causes intestinal fistula
Definition. A gastrointestinal fistula is an abnormal opening in the stomach or intestines that allows the contents to leak. 1  Leaks that go through to a part of the intestines are called entero-enteral fistulas.2  Leaks that go through to the skin are called enterocutaneous fistulas.auses. Most gastrointestinal fistulas occur after surgery. Other causes include: 1  Blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. 2  Infection. 3  Inflammatory bowel disease (most often Crohn's disease).
Background. Fistulas are abnormal communications between two epithelialized surfaces. An intestinal fistula is an abnormal anatomic connection between a part (or multiple parts) of the intestinal lumen and the lumen of another epithelialized structure or the skin.Intestinal fistula includes many clinical entities.n intestinal fistula is an abnormal anatomic connection between a part (or multiple parts) of the intestinal lumen and the lumen of another epithelialized structure or the skin. Intestinal fistula includes many clinical entities.