title: Vacuum-assisted closure of enterocutaneous fistula.
abstract: The authors report their experience in the treatment of a posttraumatic enterocutaneous fistula with negative-pressure therapy. After sustaining an epigastric shot wound, a 33-year-old woman underwent three consecutive laparotomies, which eventually led to an open abdomen with the interposition of a surgical mesh. Enterocutaneous fistulae were subsequently documented and vacuum-assisted closure therapy was instituted along with total parenteral nutrition and systemic antibiotics. Development of a suitable granulation bed and closure of the fistulae were noted after two weeks of treatment and a split-thickness skin graft was applied to the wound. Follow-up at 8 months showed stable coverage and a return to normal enteral feeding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Liege, Belgium.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boulanger
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lemaire
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jacquemin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D016038:Skin Transplantation