Present-day principles in the management of enterocutaneous fistulae.
Enterocutaneous fistulae after abdominal surgery are not uncommon, and their occurrence has in the past been associated with a high morbidity. Recent advances in the management of this condition are reviewed and a practical scheme of management is outlined. The advent of total parenteral nutrition and elemental diets has to a large extent negated the need for early surgery, and unless complicating factors are present, treatment is initially conservative, anticipating spontaneous closure in the majority of patients.
D004032:Diet; D004322:Drainage; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000628:therapy