Enterocutaneous fistulae — report of three patients successfully treated by “turnover” flaps from surrounding tissue, reinforced by musculocutaneous flaps and other local flaps: a new method

Abstract

This is a report of a new method used to successfully repair three cases of enterocutaneous fistula. This consisted of debridement of the unhealthy excoriated skin surrounding the fistulous opening. A turnover flap from neighboring tissue was used to cover the fistula and form a lining. The resultant raw area was reinforced by transposition of highly vascularized skin in the form of musculocutaneous flaps or local transposition flaps. Intraperitoneal surgery in a metabolically compromised, sick patient was avoided. This operation is indicated where there is no distal obstruction, no disease infiltrating the wall of the fistula, and there is mucocutaneous continuity at the margin of the fistula.