Enteric fistulas are abnormal connections between the gastrointestinal tract and other abdominal organs, chest, or skin. Symptoms associated with fistulas depend on whether the fistula is proximal (eg, stomach, jejunum) or distal (eg, ileum, colon) and may include diarrhea for entero-colonic or entero- enteric fistulas; urinary tract infections for fistulas to the urinary system; or external drainage of enteric contents for enterocutaneous or entero-atmospheric fistulas. The treatment of fistulas requires optimization of nutrition and healing potential and definitive surgical treatment when indicated. Many enteric fistulas may heal spontaneously.
Intestinal fistula output can be reduced with somatostatin and its analogues . Conservative non-operative management of fistulas associated with Crohn disease includes other pharmacologic therapy. Somatostatin reduces fistula output, but its…
