ABSTRACT
An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin or wound. ECF can arise after abdominal trauma, inflammatory bowel disease, operations for oncologic and inflammatory processes in the abdomen, and operations for bowel obstructions. The management of a patient who has developed an ECF has been broken down into various phases to help simplify care. Proper wound care that maintains the patient's skin integrity and contains fistula output is an important component in the patient's ability to manage the physical and mental stresses of living with an ECF. The spectrum of clinical challenging problems that these patients and their caregivers encounter requires constant attention and flexibility in being able to adapt to the problems that arise in their care until definitive closure of their fistula. ECFs remain a life-altering disease process, but with time and supportive care the patient can get through and hopefully back to their previous life.
