---
title: "Bladder Fistula"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-fistula/
description: "A bladder fistula is when an opening forms between the bladder and some other organ or the skin. Most often the bladder opens to the bowel (\"enterovesical..."
---

# Bladder Fistula

A bladder fistula is when an opening forms between the bladder and some other organ or the skin. Most often the bladder opens to the bowel ("enterovesical fistula") or the vagina ("vesicovaginal fistula").

Archived from the 2022 edition

## Overview

The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ that stores urine, which is made in the kidneys. It is held in place by pelvic muscles in the lower part of your belly. When it isn't full, the bladder is relaxed. Nerve signals in your brain let you know that your bladder is getting full. Then you feel the need to pee. The brain tells the bladder muscles to squeeze (or "contract").

Though rare, a bladder fistula to the skin can result when the bladder outlet is blocked and the bladder is damaged. This can be due to injury or prior surgery. Vesicovaginal fistulas can be seen after a urological or gynecological surgery. They can also be linked to gynecological cancers. Fistulas to the bowel are mostly a result of a disease that causes inflammation, such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis. About 2 out of 10 cases of bowel fistula are caused by bowel cancer. Fistulas to both the vagina and the bowel may also form as a result of radiation therapy.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- How Does the Bladder Usually Work?
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- After Treatment
- Explore Further

## Other entries in Bladder Cancer, Control and Health

- [Benign (Not Cancerous) Uretheral Lesions Boys](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-(not-cancerous)-uretheral-lesions-boys/)
- [Benign (Not Cancerous) Uretheral Lesions Girls](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-(not-cancerous)-uretheral-lesions-girls/)
- [Benign (Not Cancerous) Urethral Lesions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-(not-cancerous)-urethral-lesions/)
- [Bladder Augmentation (Enlargement)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-augmentation-(enlargement)/)
- [Bladder Cancer](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/n/non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer/)
- [Bladder Control Problems in Children](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-control-problems-in-children/)
- [Bladder Diverticulum](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-diverticulum/)
- [Bladder Dysfunction and Urine Control in Children](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-dysfunction-and-urine-control-in-children/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/b/bladder-fistula/**
- Edition**2022 edition**
- Group**Bladder Cancer, Control and Health**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

### Related topics

- [About OAB](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/its-time-to-talk-about-oab/about-oab/)
- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

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