Every year, about 200,000 people in the United States learn that they have something called a “fistula.” It’s a condition that many people have never even heard of, and the diagnosis can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. There are effective, proven treatments, and your doctor can help develop a plan that’s right for you.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a fistula or suspect that you have one, the first place to start is by understanding what a fistula actually is. This brochure will guide you through what a fistula is, why they occur, types of fistulas (including peri-anal fistulas) and available treatment options.