GENITOURINARY FISTULA Meaning and
Definition
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A genitourinary fistula refers to an abnormal communication or passage that develops between the organs of the urinary system and the reproductive system. It is a condition where an abnormal opening or connection forms between the urinary tract and the genital tract, leading to the leakage of urine, feces, or both through the vagina or rectum.
Specifically, it involves the development of a passageway between the bladder and the vagina, urethra and vagina, urethra and rectum, or rectum and vagina. This abnormal connection can arise as a result of various factors, such as prolonged labor or childbirth trauma, pelvic surgery, radiation therapy, or certain inflammatory conditions. It primarily affects women, although it can also occur in men.
Symptoms of genitourinary fistulas include involuntary leakage of urine or feces, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, recurrent urinary tract infections, pain during sexual intercourse, and emotional distress due to social stigma and embarrassment. The diagnosis of this condition involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like imaging studies, cystoscopy, or dye studies.
Treatment for genitourinary fistulas involves surgery to repair and close the abnormal passage. The specific surgical procedure depends on the location and severity of the fistula. In some cases, additional interventions like pelvic floor rehabilitation or hormonal therapy may be required to optimize the outcome of the repair.
Overall, genitourinary fistulas are serious medical conditions that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing this condition effectively.
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A fistulous opening into any portion of the urogenital tract.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GENITOURINARY FISTULA
- fenitourinary fistula
- venitourinary fistula
- benitourinary fistula
- henitourinary fistula
- yenitourinary fistula
- tenitourinary fistula
- gwnitourinary fistula
- gsnitourinary fistula
- gdnitourinary fistula
- grnitourinary fistula
- g4nitourinary fistula
- g3nitourinary fistula
- gebitourinary fistula
- gemitourinary fistula
- gejitourinary fistula
- gehitourinary fistula
- genutourinary fistula
- genjtourinary fistula
- genktourinary fistula
- genotourinary fistula
Etymology of GENITOURINARY FISTULA
The word "genitourinary fistula" originates from the combination of several Greek and Latin terms.
1. "Genito-" comes from the Latin word "genitus", which means "to beget" or "to produce", and is related to reproduction or reproductive organs.
2. "Urinary" comes from the Latin word "urina", referring to urine or the urinary system.
3. "Fistula" is derived from the Latin word "fistula", which means "a surgical tube" or "a pipe". It is used to describe an abnormal connection or passageway between two body organs or structures that do not usually connect.
Therefore, "genitourinary fistula" refers to an abnormal connection or passageway between the reproductive and urinary organs or systems.
