Management of enterocutaneous fistulas

Abstract

Despite advances in antimicrobial chemotherapy, nutritional support, and peri-operative critical care, the development of an enterocutaneous fistula continues to represent a major therapeutic challenge, with appreciable morbidity and mortality. Specific problems that must be addressed for the successful management of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas are the control of sepsis, maintenance of adequate fluid and electrolyte balance, provision of adequate and complication-free nutritional support, and skin-stoma care. In addition, many patients with postoperative intestinal fistulation suffer from significant psychological morbidity, which must be addressed during often prolonged periods of rehabilitation. The complex nature of the care required for successful management of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas mandates a multidisciplinary team approach, with specialist nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, radiologists, physicians, and surgeons all having important roles to play.