Enterocutaneous fistula: a single‐centre experience

Abstract

Patients with ECF can be treated with low morbidity and low recurrence rate in a multidisciplinary setting. We believe that patients with ECF should be referred to specialist units for management.

Factors Predictive of Recurrence and Mortality after Surgical Repair of Enterocutaneous Fistula

“…[14][15][16][17][18] Our analyses disclosed that high output ECF have over four times more chances of recurring, and also that colonic ECF have a significantly less recurrence rate when compared to all other locations; this latter finding corroborates previous reports. 16 Among surgical alternatives for definitive closure of ECF, the best results have been obtained with resection and primary anastomosis.…”

Definitive surgical closure of enterocutaneous fistula: outcome and factors predictive of increased postoperative morbidity

“…Optimal management of complex ECF requires surgical experience and a multidisciplinary approach to provide peri‐operative support with respect to nutrition, intensive care and wound management. Our colleagues in Melbourne, Australia, argue that centralization of management of ECF may have a better outcome . This may be pertinent in a setting with a large geographical area and a small population such as Australia.…”

Enterocutaneous fistula: analysis of clinical outcomes from a single Victorian tertiary referral centre

“…Despite best efforts, only 25–50% of ECFs achieved spontaneous closure making surgical intervention necessary in most patients . Recurrence of fistula post intervention can reach 30% depending on the aetiology and operative intervention performed, highlighting the success of the current data …”

“…ECF is a challenging surgical problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Historically, surgical mortality from ECFs has been reported as high as 40% but has reduced significantly to as low as 3.5% over the last decade with improvements in electrolyte and fluid balance, early treatment of sepsis including source control by percutaneous drainage, control of the fistula output, nutritional optimisation and adequate wound care, wound and skin care management . Despite adapting the best principles of ECF management in our institution, a tertiary colorectal referral centre in Victoria, long‐term clinical outcomes has yet to be assessed.…”