Delayed reconstructive surgery for complex enterocutaneous fistulae.

A retrospective analysis was performed of 51 consecutive patients with complex enterocutaneous fistulae who underwent delayed reconstructive surgery. In this group of seriously ill patients, gastrointestinal continuity was restored in 94 per cent and the mortality rate was 4 per cent. The authors believe that patients with multiple or recurrent fistulae, or those associated with large abdominal wall defects can be managed through a staged multi-disciplined approach in which definitive surgery is deferred beyond the usually recommended period of six weeks.