Historical Perspectives in the Care of Patients with Enterocutaneous Fistula

Abstract

Evidence can be found throughout surgical history of how devastating an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) can be for both patient and surgeon. From antiquity, this complication of abdominal surgery, malignancy, radiation, trauma, or inflammatory processes has been a significant challenge to surgeons due to high associated mortality and significant morbidity. An ECF causes dehydration, malnutrition, skin excoriation, and sepsis, and has profound psychological effects on the patient. Recent mortality rates of patients suffering an ECF approach 20%. The authors illustrate the history of management of patients with ECF and discuss advances in perioperative care including parasurgical care, nutrition, wound care, and the history of surgical techniques.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA630331

Entities

People

  • Jonathan B. Lundy
  • Josef E. Fischer

Organizations

  • United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abdomen
  • Bandages
  • Body Weight
  • Colon
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Feeding Methods
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Health Services
  • Intestinal Diseases
  • Medical Personnel
  • New York
  • Nutrition
  • Patient Care
  • Surgery
  • Therapy

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.