Spontaneous Closure of Enterocutaneous Fistula: Total Parenteral Nutrition Compared to Enteral Nutrition. A Review of the Evidence.

Authors

  • Zachary Beam, DO OSU Medical Center, General Surgery Residency of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM)
  • Brian Diener, DO OSU Medical Center, General Surgery Residency

Keywords:

Enterocutaneous Fistula, Total Parenteral Nutrition, Enteral Nutrition, Nil Per Os

Abstract

Abstract Clinical Question: In adults with enterocutaneous fistulas, does nil per os status and total parenteral nutrition result in spontaneous closure of the fistula compared to enteral nutrition? Answer: No. TPN and bowel rest have not been proven to directly facilitate spontaneous fistula closure. Given the inherent complications of TPN and the benefits of EN, EN should be utilized as early as possible in the nutritional management of ECF patients, sparing TPN for when EN is contraindicated or as a bridge until EN can be tolerated by the patient. More studies are needed to directly compare rates of spontaneous ECF closure with TPN vs. EN.

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Published

2019-04-17

Issue

Section

Medical