Research the term fistula. Give a definition, a list of types of fistulas, examples of where they can occur, and reasons for fistula formation

Translate the following into layman's terms: "Fistulas may cause pneumaturia, feculent vaginal discharge, or a cutaneous or myofascial infection in the abdomen or groin."

A fistula is an abnormal passage from one epithelial tissue to another; a tunnel that develops between two tissues that do not normally communicate. Fistulas may develop between to internal structures or between an internal structure and the surface (skin). Fistulas typically form at points where two tissues lie side by side and are surrounded by inflammation or irritation that leads to scar tissue.

Types of fistulas:
blind: open only on one end
complete: a fistula extending from the surface (skin) to an internal structure
incomplete: another term for blind fistula
horseshoe: a semicircular fistula that encircles the rectum and opens to the skin on both ends

Examples:
anal fistula: between the anus and a nearby structure, especially the rectum
colovaginal fistula: between the colon and vagina
colovesical fistula: between the colon and the bladder
tracheoesophageal fistula: between the trachea and the esophagus

Description: Fistulas can cause air (gas bubbles) that originates in the colon to appear in the urine, a vaginal discharge that contains fecal matter (stool), or an infection in the skin or muscle tissue in the abdomen or the groin area (the area where the thighs join the pelvis).