The nursing care of a patient with enterocutaneous faecal fistulae.

This article discusses the nursing care given to a patient with a large abdominal, enterocutaneous faecal fistula. It highlights classification, signs, symptoms and some causal factors related to fistulas. Fistulas are rare and there is minimal evidence-based knowledge on the subject. However, incorporating knowledge from other specialties, such as tissue viability, can assist in caring for this client group. Diagrams illustrate the extent of the problems and assist with understanding the appliance techniques. There are many problems that may be encountered in the care of fistulas that are not encountered with planned stomas. Difficulties may include containment of the faecal matter within a wound, problems associated with skin care, leakage and dietary issues. The author's methods of confronting and coping with these problems in this case study are discussed, with the aim of assisting other nurses in similar situations.