In botany, the term is most common in its adjectival forms, where it is used in binomial names to refer to a species that is distinguished by one or more hollow or tubular structures.

Anovaginal or rectovaginal fistulas occur when a hole develops between the anus or rectum and the vagina.

[3] The following list is sorted by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

[3] Surgery is often required to assure adequate drainage of the fistula (so that pus may escape without forming an abscess).

Various surgical procedures are used, most commonly fistulotomy, placement of a seton (a cord that is passed through the path of the fistula to keep it open for draining), or an endorectal flap procedure (where healthy tissue is pulled over the internal side of the fistula to keep feces or other material from reinfecting the channel).

In people with kidney failure, requiring dialysis, a cimino fistula is often deliberately created in the arm by means of a short day surgery in order to permit easier withdrawal of blood for hemodialysis.

This spares the portal venous system from high pressure which can cause esophageal varices, caput medusae, and hemorrhoids.

[citation needed] Globally, every year between 50,000 and 100,000 women are affected by fistula relating to childbirth.

[7] In botany, the term is most common in its adjectival forms, where it is used in binomial names to refer to species that are distinguished by hollow or tubular structures.