enterocutaneous

enterocutaneous /en·tero·cu·ta·ne·ous/ (-ku-ta´ne-us) pertaining to or communicating with the intestine and the skin, or surface of the body.

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enterocutaneous [en″ter-o-ku-ta´ne-us]

pertaining to or communicating with the intestine and the skin, or surface of the body.

enterocutaneous fistula one in which there is communication between the intestinal tract and the skin. Some fistulas are created surgically, with gastrostomy, esophagostomy, or colostomy. Others may result from surgical trauma, breakdown of an intestinal anastomosis, or erosions around a surgical drain or tube. Fistulas frequently occur at a suture line, may be complete or incomplete, and are most likely to develop in malnourished patients and in those with impaired blood supply to intestine, an obstruction distal to an anastomosis, carcinoma of the intestine, or an infected wound.

Patient Care. Care of the site of a fistula is similar to that of a surgically created stoma. Collection of the drainage can be accomplished by using a collection device designed for an ostomy patient. Care must be taken that the drainage is collected before it comes into contact with the skin. A skin barrier such as Stomahesive is used to prevent excoriation.

Patient care also must include monitoring of the patient for signs of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The amount of drainage and its characteristics should be noted and reported.

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enterocutaneous

pertaining to or communicating with the intestine and the skin, or surface of the body.