Health Information

Enterocutaneous Fistula

Back to Previous Page

(Gastrointestinal Fistula; Entero-enternal Fistula)

Definition

An enterocutaneous fistula is an abnormal connection between the intestines and the skin. Intestinal or stomach contents can leak through this connection. The contents may leak into another part of the body or outside of the body.
Enterocutaneous Fistula
exh61124
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Most enterocutaneous fistulas develop as a complication of bowel surgery. Other causes include:

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of enterocutaneous fistula include:
  • History of radiation
  • Poor nutrition

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to a fistula. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions.
  • Leakage of intestinal contents from an abdominal wound onto the skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, and rapid heart rate
  • Dehydration

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a colon and rectal surgeon.
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

Treatment

A fistula may be able to heal on its own over 2-8 weeks. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
  • Nutritional support may be needed while the fistula is healing:
    • You may need to drink and eat high energy food for a while.
    • Nutrition may need to be delivered through a tube connected to your stomach or intestine.
    • If your bowels needs to rest, nutrition may be given through your vein.
  • Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent or control infection.
  • A drain may be attached to your wound to collect leakage from the fistula.
  • If the fistulas do not heal, then part of the intestine may need to be removed.

Prevention

There are no steps you can take to help prevent fistulas.

RESOURCES

American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America http://www.ccfa.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada http://www.ccfc.ca

References

Cobb A, Knaggs E. The nursing management of enterocutaneous fistulae: a challenge for all. BrJCommunity Nurs . 2003;8;9:S32-8.

Enterocutaneous fistula. UCSF Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/enterocutaneous%5Ffistula/ . Accessed April 2, 2013.

Pritts TA, Fischer DR, Fischer JE. Postoperative enterocutaneous fistula. Holzheimer RG, Mannick JA, editors. Surgical Treatment: Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented . Munich: Zuckschwerdt; 2001. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6914/ . Accessed April 2, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.

Health Encyclopedia view all topics

​​