The ???Fistula VAC,??? a Technique for Management of Enterocutaneous Fistulae Arising within the Open Abdomen: Report of 5 Cases
- 1 February 2006
- journal article
- case report
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health
- Vol. 60 (2), 428-431
- https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ta.0000203588.66012.c4
Abstract
Management of intestinal fistulae in open abdominal wounds remains a significant clinical challenge for those caring for patients surviving damage control abdominal operations. Breaking the cycle of tissue inflammation, infection, and sepsis, resulting from leakage of enteric contents, should be a major goal in the approach to these complex patients. We describe a technique utilizing vacuum assisted closure (VAC) which achieves control of enteric flow from fistulae in open abdominal wounds. The fistula-VAC is fashioned from standard sponge supplies, negative pressure pumps, and ostomy appliances. The fistula-VAC was changed every three days prior to split thickness skin grafting, and every five days following grafting. Five patients underwent application of the fistula-VAC. All patients had complete diversion of enteric contents. This enteric diversion allowed for successful skin grafting in all patients. Application of the fistula-VAC should be considered a useful option in treating patients with intestinal fistulae in open abdominal wounds.Keywords
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