title: Interventional radiologic management and treatment of enterocutaneous fistulae.
abstract: Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECFs) are abnormal sinus tract communications between the alimentary system and skin surface that can cause significant management problems and cost to the health care system. Interventional radiology can play an important role in diagnosis and treatment when conventional measures fail and additional surgery is difficult or poses a high risk. The management of patients with fistulae requires operator ingenuity and dedication, a multidisciplinary team approach, and an understanding of the pathophysiology. This article reviews the major issues in ECF management and the role of interventional radiology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Dr., CB 7510, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510.
authors.forename: Feraz N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Dr., CB 7510, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510. Electronic address: jstavas@med.unc.edu.
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Stavas
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D015642:Radiology, Interventional