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Entero-enteral or enterocutaneous fistula |
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| Alternative Names: | Gastrointestinal fistula
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| Treatment: | Most fistulas will close on their own after a period of weeks to months. Depending on the clinical situation, patients may require IV nutrition and a period of time without food to allow the fistula time to close. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the segment of intestine involved in a non-healing fistula.
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| Expectations (prognosis): | The prognosis varies depending on the cause and severity of the fistula and the overall condition of the patient. In most cases, the prognosis is excellent in an otherwise healthy patient.
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| Complications: | Fistulas can result in malnutrition and dehydration depending on their location in the intestine. They can also be a source of skin problems and infection.
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| Calling your health care provider: | Call your health care provider if you have a significant change in bowel habits, especially severe diarrhea, or if you have any leakage of fluid this seems to come from the intestines or stomach from anywhere on the skin, particularly if you have recently had abdominal surgery.
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Review Date: 7/23/2002
Reviewed By: Julie A. Miller, M.D., Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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