Abstract
The open abdomen is an available tool utilized in the management of damage control laparotomy (DCL) as well as emergency general surgery intra-abdominal sepsis. Despite its theoretical usefulness, open abdomen has definite associated complications including ventral hernia and entero-atmospheric fistula (EAF). Unlike entero-cutaneous fistula (ECF), EAF presents a somewhat more clinical challenge in terms of wound care and fistula effluence control. In this chapter, we presented an EAF case scenario, an overview of the subject including etiology, classification, and various techniques in managing this difficult clinical scenario with literature review. The best treatment for the EAF is most likely its prevention as it is so devastating for the patient and surgeon. The earlier the abdomen is closed, the less chance that the EAF will develop.
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Kulvatunyou, N., Rhee, P. (2017). The Management of the Entero-Atmospheric Fistula (EAF). In: Diaz, J., Efron, D. (eds) Complications in Acute Care Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42376-0_25
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42376-0_25
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