An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection that develops between the intestinal tract or stomach and the skin. As a result, contents of the stomach or intestines leak through to the skin.
Most ECFs occur after bowel surgery. Other causes include infection, perforated peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. An ECF may also develop from an abdominal injury or trauma, such as a stabbing or gunshot.
Patients with ECFs often experience complex problems requiring a team approach that includes surgeons, nurses, enterostomal therapists, social workers and nutritionists to customize a treatment plan.
Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) can cause contents of the intestines or stomach to leak through a wound or opening in the skin. It also can cause:
Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam and may prescribe the following tests to confirm a diagnosis of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) :
If the enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) doesn't heal on its own after a few weeks or months, a complex surgery is required to close the fistula and reconnect the gastrointestinal tract.
Patients with ECFs often need specialized wound care, nutritional rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation.
In addition to surgeons, specialists in nursing, nutrition, intensive-care medicine, wound care, plastic surgery, pharmacology and infectious disease may be part of the treatment team.
At UCSF Medical Center, enterocutaneous fistulas are treated by specialists in the Complex Abdominal Surgery Program.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Gastrointestinal Surgery at Parnassus
400 Parnassus Ave., Sixth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143-0388
Phone: (415) 353-2161
Fax: (415) 353-2505
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