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Difference Between Fistula and Shunt
Fistula and shunt are two commonly used medical terms in the field of dialysis. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have significant differences. In this essay, we will discuss the difference between fistula and shunt.
What is Fistula?
A fistula is an abnormal connection or tunnel that forms between two body cavities or between an organ and the skin. In the case of an anal fistula, it is a tunnel that connects the anus or rectum to the skin surrounding the anus. Fistulas are usually caused by an infection or inflammation in the anal region, such as an abscess. They can also be a complication of certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease or tuberculosis. Symptoms of an anal fistula may include pain, swelling, redness, and discharge of pus or blood from the anus.
Symptoms and prevention − A fistula between the anus and rectum has symptoms such as pain and also a foul-smelling discharge is often present. The rectovaginal fistula forms between the vagina and rectum and thus will often have symptoms related to the passage of feces into the vagina, which can lead to infections and a foul-smelling discharge from the vaginal canal.
Diagnosis and causes − Fistulas are detected by means of a physical exam and sometimes by means of a CT scan. A contrast medium can be injected as well in order to see if contents are leaking into the skin or vagina if a doctor is uncertain about the presence of a fistula. Childbirth or various inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease can often cause a fistula to develop.
Risk factors and treatment − Risk factors for the development of a fistula include having Crohn’s disease or even having problems giving birth. Surgical intervention is often needed to correct the fistula. When surgery is done, any infected material present has to be removed first before closing the connection to ensure that no systemic infection develops.
What is Shunt?
A shunt is an artificial connection made between an artery and vein using a synthetic tube. Shunts are commonly used in patients who have small veins that cannot support a fistula. Shunts are easier to create than fistulas, and they can be created quickly. However, shunts have a higher risk of infection and clotting than fistulas.
Shunt is usually inserted to help drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid and re-channel it to another place in the body where it can be absorbed again. Occasionally, it can be inserted into linings of the lungs or one of the heart chambers.
Differences: Fistula and Shunt
The primary difference between fistulas and shunts is the way they are created. Fistulas are created by connecting an artery and vein directly, while shunts use a synthetic tube. Fistulas are created by a surgeon who makes a small incision in the arm, and the connection is made between the artery and vein. Shunts, on the other hand, are created by a surgeon who inserts a synthetic tube between an artery and a vein.
Another significant difference between the two is the risk of complications. Fistulas have a lower risk of complications than shunts. Fistulas have a lower risk of infection, clotting, and other complications, making them the preferred choice for dialysis patients. Shunts have a higher risk of infection, clotting, and other complications, making them a less desirable option for dialysis patients.
The following table highlights the major differences between Fistula and Shunt −
Characteristics |
Fistula |
Shunt |
|---|---|---|
Description |
It is an abnormal connection that is created surgically creating a connection between the artery and the vein. It uses the blood cells and tissue of the body itself and no outside components. It may be surgically created to treat haemodialysis, be congenital, or acquired because of a pathologic process, like erosion of an arterial aneurysm or trauma. |
Shunt is a medical device that is created artificially using outside components with no blood cells and body tissues from the body. It is usually placed in the brain or sometimes spine to drain excessive cerebrospinal fluid and divert it to another place in the body for reabsorption. |
Location |
AV fistula is created and placed in your arm. In some situations, and depending upon the condition, it is even placed in the leg. |
Shunt is defined as a very tiny and hollow tube made of plastic inserted into the ventricles [cavities in the central nervous system (brain and occasionally spine), filled with fluids] on the scalp by means of incisions. The plastic tube is then passed under the skin, mostly the abdomen, to the other part of the body. |
Types |
|
|
Uses |
|
Useful in treatment of hydrocephalus, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Shunt Infection, Subdural Hematoma, Chiari malformation, hearing loss in left ear, blurry vision, haemorrhagic stroke |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both fistulas and shunts are used in dialysis patients to create access points for blood flow. Fistulas are created by connecting an artery and vein directly, while shunts use a synthetic tube. Fistulas have a lower risk of complications than shunts, making them the preferred option for dialysis patients.
Both fistulas and shunts have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one to use depends on the patient's individual circumstances.
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