Treatment of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas by high-pressure vacuum with a normal oral diet.

Background/aims: Enterocutaneous fistulas are associated with prolonged hospital stay, high morbidity/mortality, and increased hospital costs. This study aims to describe the use of a vacuum system and normal oral diet in dealing with this problem.

Methods: Seventy-four consecutive patients with recent and defined external postoperative fistulas were analyzed.