Lacteal fistula is a medical term referring to an abnormal connection between the lacteal vessels and the skin surface. The word is spelled /lækˈtiəl fɪˈstjʊlə/ according to IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "lac," is pronounced with a short "a" sound like in "cat." The second syllable, "teal," is pronounced with a long "e" sound like in "see." The stress in the word falls on the first syllable, making it "lack-teal." Lastly, "fistula" is pronounced with a short "i" sound like in "sit" and a stress on the second syllable.
A lacteal fistula is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal passage or connection between the lacteal vessels and the external surface of the body or another internal organ. The lacteal vessels are tiny lymphatic vessels present in the small intestine, responsible for absorbing dietary fats into the lymphatic system. The term "fistula" refers to an abnormal communication or opening between two normally separate structures.
In the case of a lacteal fistula, this abnormal passage allows the lacteal vessels to connect and empty their contents externally or into another organ instead of carrying them into the lymphatic system. This can result in the leaking of lymph fluid, which appears milky or creamy due to the presence of emulsified fats.
Lacteal fistulas may occur as a result of various factors, including congenital abnormalities, trauma, surgical complications, or inflammatory conditions affecting the lymphatic system. Symptoms of lacteal fistula can include persistent leakage of milky fluid from the affected site, swelling, pain, inflammation, and potential complications such as infections or nutrient deficiencies.
Diagnosis of lacteal fistula typically involves medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging studies, and possibly additional tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and may include conservative management, such as dietary modifications, compression therapy, or drainage procedures, as well as surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct the abnormal connection.
Overall, a lacteal fistula is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal opening between the lacteal vessels and another structure, leading to the leakage of milky lymph fluid and potential associated complications.
Mammary f., a fistulous opening into one of the lacteal ducts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "lacteal fistula" is composed of two main elements: "lacteal" and "fistula".
1. "Lacteal": The word "lacteal" originated from the Latin word "lacteus", which means "milky" or "related to milk". It is a derivative of the Latin word "lac", meaning "milk". "Lacteal" is often used in medical terminology to refer to structures related to the transport or digestion of milk, such as lacteal ducts or lacteal vessels.
2. "Fistula": The term "fistula" has a diverse etymology. It comes from the Latin word "fistula", which means "pipe" or "tube". In ancient Rome, "fistula" was specifically used to refer to a surgical tube or instrument.