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 that require long-term care. This care is provided by a team including surgeons, nurses, enterostomal therapists, social workers and nutritionists who will personalize a treatment plan. At UCSF, enterocutaneous fistulas are treated by the UCSF Complex Abdominal Surgery Program, a high-volume service whose surgeons perform intricate and challenging abdominal procedures using state-of-the-art surgical repair. The multidisciplinary team also includes s pecialists in nursing, intensive care medicine, wound care, plastic surgery, pharmacology, infectious diseases e, nutritional and physical rehabilitation. Our depth and breadth of experience helps ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for ECFs.
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.