ETIOLOGY, TREATMENT, AND OUTCOME OF POST-OPERATIVE ENTEROCUTANEOUS FISTULAE: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Approximately 75% of enterocutaneous stula (ECF) occur following surgery. Due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with ECF, prompt and effective treatment is important. Objectives: To study the outcome and management of patients with enterocutaneous stula. Methods: Total 50 patients developing the enterocutaneous stula following surgery were included. All patients were treated either conservatively or operatively by various means and varying period of time. Treatment was focused on the correction of dehydration, controlling sepsis, management of electrolyte imbalance and nutritional support. Results: out of 50 patients mean age was 39.20±20 years. The study was male preponderance (70%). Around 62% of patients had small bowel stula (20 ileal, 6 duodenal, 5 jejunal) and 38% were large bowel stula. 72% patients had High-output stula. the most common complication was skin excoriation seen in 36% of patients followed by Intra-Abdominal Abscess (24%). 24% of skin excoriation was seen in high-output stula which was not signicant (p=0.33). 14% IAAwas seen in low output stula which was also not signicant. out of 50 patients 8 patients were died during follow up and 42 were recovered. Conclusions: Conservative management with emphasis on improvement of nutrition, control of sepsis, management of uid and electrolyte balance and control of stula output is rst line of management.