A mucus fistula is a surgically created opening on the abdominal wall that connects a portion of the intestine to the outside of the body. This is typically done when a segment of the bowel is removed or bypassed, and the remaining end of the intestine (the part still attached to the anus) is brought to the surface to allow it to drain mucus and gas.

Here are some key points about a mucus fistula:

1. Purpose: The primary function of a mucus fistula is to allow the distal (downstream) portion of the bowel to continue to drain mucus, gas, and secretions, even though it is no longer connected to the digestive tract upstream.
2. Situations Requiring a Mucus Fistula: It is often created in situations where a part of the bowel needs to be temporarily or permanently diverted (such as with an ileostomy or colostomy) due to disease, injury, or obstruction. Conditions like bowel cancer, traumatic injury to the bowel, Crohn’s disease, or diverticulitis can lead to the need for a mucus fistula.
3. Appearance and Management: The mucus fistula appears as a small opening on the skin, often next to the stoma, and is usually smaller in size. It may require minimal care compared to a regular stoma, but it’s important to keep the area clean to prevent irritation or infection.
4. Output: The output from a mucus fistula is usually minimal and consists mainly of mucus, as this part of the intestine does not receive food or digestive juices.

A mucus fistula may be a temporary or permanent measure, depending on the underlying medical condition and the type of surgery performed.