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Enterocutaneous fistulas: an overview

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Enterocutaneous fistulas remain a difficult management problem. The basis of management centers on the prevention and treatment of sepsis, control of fistula effluent, and fluid and nutritional support. Early surgery should be limited to abscess drainage and proximal defunctioning stoma formation. Definitive procedures for a persistent fistula are indicated in the late postoperative period, with resection of the fistula segment and reanastomosis of healthy bowel. Even more complex are the enteroatmospheric fistulas in the open abdomen. These enteric fistulas require the highest level of multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 East Broad Street W15E, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA

    J. F. Whelan Jr. & R. R. Ivatury

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  1. J. F. Whelan Jr.
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  2. R. R. Ivatury
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Correspondence to R. R. Ivatury.

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Whelan, J.F., Ivatury, R.R. Enterocutaneous fistulas: an overview. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 37, 251–258 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-011-0097-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-011-0097-2

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