Abstract

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two epitheleal surfaces. Enterocutaneous fistula could result from intestinal disease extending to adjacent viscira, extraintestinal diease spreading to intestines, injury to intestine or from anastomotic dehiscence. Most of these fistulas are acquired and occur in the post operative period. These fistulas could be due to various causes such as low immunity of the patient at the time of presentation, complications of inflammatory bowel disease , adhesiolysis , resection and anastamosis of the bowel or may the result of faulty surgical technique resulting in anastomotic leak. Whatever be the reason, entero-cutnaeous fistulae are the most dreaded complication feared by surgeons and increases chances of litigation. Management of these fistulas require a multidisciplinary approach.

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