Which factor is listed as a fistula risk factor related to prior radiation exposure?

• A. Radiation damage
• B. Vaccination history
• C. Altitude sickness
• D. Vitamin D deficiency

Answer: (A)

Radiation damage to tissues is what increases fistula risk after prior exposure. Radiation can injure blood vessels and soft tissues, leading to poor blood flow, chronic inflammation, and fibrotic, fragile bowel and skin. These changes compromise the integrity of the barrier between the bowel and the skin or between different segments of the intestine, making abnormal connections (fistulas) more likely to form or persist after surgery or around an ostomy.

Other options don’t tie directly to the history of radiation. Vaccination history doesn’t influence fistula risk in the context of prior radiation. Altitude sickness is unrelated to tissue integrity or healing. Vitamin D deficiency can affect wound healing in general, but it isn’t specifically linked to radiation-induced fistula risk.