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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2004; 17(2): 89-98
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-828655
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

High-Output Fistula

Naila Arebi1 , Alastair Forbes1
  • 1Department of Medicine, St. Mark's Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 May 2004 (online)

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Despite improvements in healthcare delivery, mortality rates for high-output fistulae remain unchanged. The pathophysiology and causes of fistulae are reviewed in this article. An overview of the diagnostic procedures to delineate fistulae and underlying bowel disease together with their complications is included. Management of high-output fistulae consists of assessment and stabilization of patients, followed by conservative management by a multidisciplinary team until spontaneous or surgical closure of fistulae.

KEYWORDS

High-output fistulae - pathophysiology - nutrition - somatostatin

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Alastair ForbesM.D. 

Department of Medicine, St. Mark's Hospital, Northwick Park, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ, United Kingdom

Email: alastair.forbes@imperial.ac.uk