Fitsula and Fissure

A fistula is an abnormal connection or passage between two organs, vessels, or structures in the body that normally should not be connected.

Common examples include:

Anal fistula: a tract between the anal canal and the skin.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF): a connection between an artery and a vein (sometimes created surgically for dialysis).

Causes: infection, surgery, trauma, or diseases like Crohn’s disease or tuberculosis.

Symptoms: discharge of pus or stool (if external), recurrent infections, or passage of fluid where it shouldn’t be.

Fissure

A fissure is a small tear, crack, or groove in tissue, often along natural lines or folds.

Common examples include:

Anal fissure: a small tear in the lining of the anus, often from passing hard stools.

Brain fissures: natural deep grooves in the brain separating lobes (e.g., Sylvian fissure).

Skin fissures: cracks in dry skin.

Causes: trauma, constipation, straining, dryness, or anatomical structures.

Symptoms: pain (especially during bowel movement in anal fissure), bleeding, or visible crack.

✅ Key Difference:

Fistula = abnormal passage/connection between two surfaces.

Fissure = crack, tear, or groove in tissue.