Enterocutaneous fistula: Update in 2026 - 07/04/26
, Yann ParcHighlights |
• | Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) complicates 0.8 to 3.5% of abdominal surgeries and involves the small intestine in 70% of cases. |
• | ECFs are iatrogenic in 85 to 95% of cases, typically occurring after abdominal surgery. Medical treatment consists of correction of fluid and electrolyte disturbances, control of sepsis, and adapting drainage systems to the orifice. This can achieve spontaneous closure in 20 to 55% of cases, generally within the first six weeks. |
• | Beyond this time, curative surgery should be discussed: this is a complex procedure requiring multidisciplinary specialized care in an expert center, after optimal preparation and provision of patient information. |
• | The ideal timing of this surgery remains debated, ranging from an early approach (around 3–4 months) to a delayed strategy (≥ 6–8 months). |
• | Reported results show a success rate of over 80%, a postoperative mortality rate of 8.5%, and permanent stoma in approximately 10% of cases; moreover, 7% of chronic intestinal insufficiency cases are directly related to ECF. |
Summary |
Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) represent a complex condition. Management strategy is based on a combination of treatment of sepsis, correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, nutritional optimization, anatomical assessment, and management planning. The approach is necessarily multidisciplinary (nutritionists, enterostomal therapists, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists, and surgeons). Fitting of skin prostheses remains a challenge and requires specialized enterostomal nursing expertise. Current nutritional recommendations are for 25–35 kcal/kg/day with 1.5 to 2.5 g/kg/day of protein, depending on the severity of muscle wasting. Parenteral nutrition plays a central role in the initial period. Re-instillation of chyme, when feasible (proximal and distal individualized fistula orifices), provides downstream intestinal stimulation, an ileal brake effect, improved liver function, and preparation for restoration of intestinal continuity. Enteral nutrition can be gradually increased as tolerated, and oral nutrition can even be considered in certain cases when the fistula is well controlled. This has real psychological benefits for the patient. Surgical management is most often delayed, but a recent study shows that early curative surgery ( < 4 months) is possible in certain selected patients. Main principles of curative surgery include complete viscerolysis, measurement of residual lengths, resection of the fistulated area, and most often, re-anastomosis. Parietal closure is sometimes difficult, requiring reconstructive techniques ranging from simple sutures to component separation or complex flaps. When the patient is eligible for curative surgery, the overall success rate for postoperative ECF is around 80%, with a recurrence rate of approximately 17% and a permanent stoma rate of nearly 10%. Success is highly dependent on the etiology. Current data suggest that center expertise, preoperative patient optimization, and careful patient selection are the determining factors for success. The economic and psychological impact of this condition should not be overlooked. An ECF doubles the cost of hospitalization on average. Clear and honest communication with the patient from the outset is essential.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Enterocutaneous fistula, Stoma, Recurrence, Appliance, Re-instillation
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