Intestinal Fistula

Intestinal fistula is abnormal tract between bowel and skin (enterocutaneous) or other organ (enterovesical/enterovaginal), due to surgery/Crohn disease/diverticulitis/malignancy/trauma, presenting with drainage of enteric contents/recurrent infection. Treatment: drainage of associated abscess; wound care; nutritional support (enteral/TPN); antibiotics for infection; skin protection; treat underlying cause (Crohn: biologics; diverticulitis: antibiotics); surgical repair/resection if refractory/persistent; monitor for sepsis/electrolyte/nutrition losses; follow-up imaging.

Common Symptoms

Enteric drainage; recurrent infection; by surgery/Crohn/diverticulitis/malignancy

Causes and Pathogenesis

Infection/surgery/inflammation creates abnormal bowel-other tract.

Treatment

Drainage; nutrition; antibiotics; surgery if refractory; treat underlying cause

Preventive Measures

Treat Crohn/diverticulitis; careful surgery; early abscess drainage.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastrointestinal-surgery/Gastroenterology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.