Table 2 Treatment management of ECF and outcomes
| Treatment | ECF outcome |
|---|---|
| SOWATS treatment guideline (medical + surgical treatment) |
Mortality: 10-30% Fistula closure: ~87,4% |
|
Medical treatment
Alimentary tract rest Restoration of circulating volume Restoration of hydroelectrolytic balance Nutritional support (optimal TPN) (fistula closure rate: 89-92,3%) Controlling sepsis Wound care |
Mortality: 5-25% Spontaneous closure: 17-71% |
|
Restorative surgery
Minimal period: >6 weeks |
Mortality: 9,6%-10,8% (sepsis-related death: ~15,1%) Surgical closure: 52-90,7% Persisting fistula: 3-50% |
|
Definitive surgery
Minimal period: >6 months (median period: 8 months) | |
| Small bowel ECF |
Mortality: ~35% Spontaneous closure: ~30% |
| Colonic ECF |
Mortality: ~22% Spontaneous closure: ~85% |