Enteroatmospheric fistulas - the challenge of the open abdomen

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:In the past two decades, the open abdomen (OA) technique has gained wide popularity as an effective approach in the cases with severe peritonitis, abdominal compartment syndrome and critical trauma. However, it is still associated with high complication rate. Enteroatmospheric fistulas are the most devastating complication. Despite the numerous techniques described in the literature, their management remains a challenging task.