Enterocutaneous fistula.

Based on the modality of treatment, historically the management of enterocutaneous fistula has been grouped into three periods. The era of antibiotics (1945-1960), the era of intensive nurse care (1960-1970) and the era of intravenous hyperalimentation (1970-1975). Schein's modification of Sitges-Serra classification of enterocutaneous fistula is now preferred to the old classification of high-output type and low output type. A major cause of enterocutaneous fistula is technical failure. Serum level of short-turn over proteins such as albumin retinal-binding protein, thyroxin binding pre-albumin as serum transferring are predictors of mortality and spontaneous fistula closure. Immediate surgical correction of the fistula is not a priority of treatment. The control of sepsis and adequate nutrition are the two most important aspects of management. The use of somatostatin and octreotide has been shown to shorten the period of spontaneous closure of the fistula.