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Ency. home > Disease > E > Entero-enteral - enterocutaneous fistula

Entero-enteral - enterocutaneous fistula   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment

Alternative names:

Gastrointestinal fistula

Definition:

An entero-enteral or enterocutaneous fistula is an abnormal passage which leaks the contents of the stomach or the intestine (jejunum, ileum, or colon) to other organs, usually other parts of the intestine (entero-enteral) or to the skin (enterocutaneous).

Causes and Risks

The majority of entero-enteral or enterocutaneous fistulas are the result of surgery. A significant minority result from trauma, especially penetrating traumas such as stab wounds or gunshot wounds. Inflammatory processes, such as infection or inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) may also cause fistulas.

Ency. home > Disease > E > Entero-enteral - enterocutaneous fistula

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