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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2010; 23(3): 190-194
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1262987
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Operative Surgery for Enterocutaneous Fistula

Howard Ross1 , 2 , 3
  • 1Colon and Rectal Surgery, Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, New Jersey
  • 2Crohn's and Colitis Management Center, Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, New Jersey
  • 3Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 August 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The management of the patient with an enterocutaneous fistula is complex and requires coordinated care on many fronts for successful elimination. With optimal nonoperative management a fistula may heal spontaneously, the majority within the first 4 weeks after development. Definitive surgical treatment is best achieved with resection of the bowel containing the fistula and anastomosis of healthy normal bowel. The timing of definitive surgery appears to be optimal months after development, if tolerated. Death rates are low after surgery and patients who experience the recurrence of a fistula after initial attempt at closure can ultimately still be cured.

KEYWORDS

Enterocutaneous fistulas - operative management - timing - resection

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Howard RossM.D. 

241 Monmouth Rd.

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Email: hross@meridianhealth.com