Nutrition and enterocutaneous fistulas

J Clin Gastroenterol. 2000 Oct;31(3):195-204. doi: 10.1097/00004836-200010000-00003.

Abstract

Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) are a complex topic in terms of classification. ECF-related morbidity and mortality can be high due to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, sepsis, and malnutrition. Most prognostic factors influencing the outcome of ECF are now well-known. ECF treatment is complex; and, based on various situations, it can be surgical or conservative/ medical. Depending on fistula site and nutritional status, clinicians have to decide whether total parenteral or enteral nutrition should be established. In cases where total parenteral nutrition alone for 7 days has failed to influence the high output fistulas, overall data support the use of adjuvant drug, somatostatin, or its synthetic analogue, octreotide. Somatostatin 250 microg/d and octreotide 300-600 microg/d have been tried along with total parenteral nutrition to decrease the healing time of ECFs and to reduce the number of complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cutaneous Fistula / therapy*
  • Enteral Nutrition*
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / adverse effects
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / therapy*
  • Nutritional Status
  • Octreotide / adverse effects
  • Octreotide / therapeutic use
  • Parenteral Nutrition, Total*
  • Somatostatin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Hormones
  • Somatostatin
  • Octreotide