title: Controversies in the care of the enterocutaneous fistula.
abstract: Enterocutaneous fistula and its variations are some of the most difficult problems encountered in the practice of general surgery. Reliable evidence that can be used to direct the care of patients afflicted with this malady is limited. There are controversies in several areas of care. This article addresses some of the gray areas of care for the patient with enterocutaneous fistula. There is particular attention directed toward the phenomenon of enteroatmospheric fistula, as well as prevention and abdominal wall reconstruction, which is often required in these individuals.
authors.affiliation: Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, TX 79920, USA.
authors.forename: Kurt G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Eric K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery; D000465:Algorithms; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D013004:Somatostatin