Enterocutaneous fistula

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Abstract
In order to clarify the efficacy of the nonoperative management of these fistulas, experience with patients having enterocutaneous fistulas is reviewed. Gastrointestinal-tract fistulas (38) in 34 patients are reviewed. Thirty-six of the fistulas developed postoperatively, and most of these were secondary to inflammatory processes. The rate of spontaneous closure was 29%. Twenty-two patients (64%) needed surgical treatment to effect permanent closure of their fistulas. A course of hyperalimentation is recommended for the initial management of all gastrointestinal-tract fistulas, but a more aggressive approach is needed for those lesions that do not respond promptly.