This topic is about a person who, three years after having a loop ileostomy due to stage-4 bowel cancer, has noticed a fistula just below their stoma. Although it isn't painful, it feels sore and is deep enough to fit the tip of a little finger. They have gained some weight over the past three years and are wondering if this fistula should be a cause for concern.

Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights:

1. Reach out to your WOC (Wound-Ostomy-Continence) nurse as soon as possible for an in-person evaluation. It's important to check if any output is coming from the opening.

2. Fistulas are abnormal passages that can allow bowel contents to move through tissues not meant for this purpose, which can lead to a high risk of infection that might spread back into the bowel.

3. Fistulas rarely heal completely on their own. They can remain inactive for long periods but may become active again if bowel pressure increases, such as during an obstruction.

4. Consider getting diagnostic imaging, with an MRI being highly recommended. This can help in accurately mapping the fistula and establishing a baseline for comparison with future scans if the situation changes.