Saleem Khan, Zakiuddin G Oonwala.
Enterocutaneous Fistula.
J Surg Pak Jan ;7(1):22-4.

A retrospective study was carried out at Hamdard University Hospital and Saifee Hospital, Karachi to compare the results of conservative management with operative treatment for enterocutaneuos fistulae. A total of 13 patients, 5 male and 8 female (age range 39 to 75 years) were managed from September 1997 to July 2001. Fistulae drain less than 500 m1 per 24 hour were 5 in number. Those have discharge more than 500 ml per 24 hours were 6 in number. There were 2 cases who had complex fistulae having more than one openings. Eight patients were managed, conservatively with central line and total parenteral nutrition. 2 died with a mortality of 25%. Five patients were operated, 4 cured and 1 died with a mortality of 20%. The overall mortality was 22.5%. Enterocutaneous fistula is a complex surgical problem. Once distal obstruction is ruled out conservative treatment is advised which showed a mortality of 25% in this study. Once patient showed no improvement on conservative line of management in two weeks time or there is distal obstruction surgical intervention performed. The mortality with this mode of management was 20%.

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