Managing complex, high-output, enterocutaneous fistulas: a case study.
Gastrointestinal (GI) fistulas are an uncommon but serious complication. Following diagnosis, management strategies may have to be adapted frequently to address changes in fistula output, surrounding skin or wound condition, overall patient clinical and nutritional status, mobility level, and body contours. Following a motor vehicle accident, a 49-year-old man with a body mass index of 36.8 and a history of multiple previous surgeries, including gastric bypass, experienced excessive output from a fistula within a large open abdominal wound measuring 45 cm x 40 cm x 5 cm. Abdominal creases and the need to protect a split-thickness skin graft of the wound surrounding his fistula complicated wound management. During his prolonged 4-month hospital stay, the patient underwent several surgical procedures, repeated wound debridement, and various nutritional support interventions; a wide variety of wound and fistula management systems were utilized. One year after the initial trauma, the fistula was surgically closed. One week later, the patient died from a cardiac event. This case study confirms that GI fistulas increase costs of care and hospital length of stay and require the experience and expertise of a wide array of patient support staff members and clinicians.
Hahler
Barbara
B
Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio 43608, USA. hahlb@yahoo.com
Schassberger
Debra
D
Novakovic
Rachel
R
Lang
Stephanie
S
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D009767:Obesity, Morbid; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D016038:Skin Transplantation