Enterocutaneous fistulae: interventional radiologic management

Twelve patients with high-output enterocutaneous fistulae were successfully managed by interventional radiologic therapy. Control of the bowel effluent was gained by anchoring a large-bore T tube in the lumen of the bowel and placing sump drains adjacent to the bowel wall. Abscesses communicating with the fistulous tract were also catheterized and drained. This approach afforded control of sepsis and allowed the formation of a mature, fibrous external tract that subsequently underwent spontaneous closure.