About this topic
Sometimes, there is an abnormal connection joining the bowel and the skin. This is an enterocutaneous fistula. It makes an opening in the belly. Then, the bowel contents may leak out. This condition happens after belly surgery. It may be caused by other diseases. A fistula may also be caused by trauma. ‚
This kind of fistula often heals on its own in 2 to 8 weeks without treatment. It may be treated with drugs or special diets. Surgery may be needed if the fistula has not healed after 2 to 3 months. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- You may need to wear a pouch for the liquid to drain into. Learn how to care for the pouch and your skin.
- Take care of all of your health problems to help your fistula heal.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Help with pain and swelling
- Replace electrolytes lost from the fistula
- Protect the skin around the fistula
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited until you have fully recovered. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- You may not be able to eat a regular diet right away if you have a fistula. Your bowel may need to rest. This means you may need:
- Food through an I.V. line
- Food given through a tube connected to your belly
- A liquid diet
- When you are able to eat normal foods, your doctor may order a diet to give you extra energy. These foods can also help your fistula heal. Good foods to eat include:
- Proteins like meats, beans, cheeses, nuts, peanut butter, or protein drinks
- Carbohydrates like whole grain breads or pasta, brown rice, unsweetened cereal, fruits, and vegetables
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Poor nutrition
- Fluid loss
- Skin breakdown
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no known way to prevent this condition. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Very upset stomach or throwing up
- Very bad belly pain
- More drainage from the fistula
- Heartbeat feels abnormal or is skipping beats
- Muscle cramping or weakness
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my fistula.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, black tarry stools, belly pain, or more drainage from the fistula.
Where can I learn more?
The National Center for Biotechnology Information ‚
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6914/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚