Information for the public
The condition
The condition
An enterocutaneous fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the bowel and the surface of the skin of the abdomen, creating an abnormal opening. It allows the contents of the bowel to leak out and can be difficult to treat. The most common conditions that may lead to a fistula forming are inflammatory bowel disease and surgery or trauma to the bowel.
Several treatment options are available, including surgery under general anaesthetic to close the fistula. NICE has looked at using a collagen plug to close an abdominal wall enterocutaneous fistula without the need for general anaesthetic as another treatment option.