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Question 16#

The failure of an enterocutaneous fistula to heal on a regimen of total parenteral nutrition and antisecretory therapy may be due to which of the following?

A. A foreign body in the fistula tract
B. Epithelialization of the fistula tract
C. Downstream obstruction of the fistulized segment of intestine
D. All of the above

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

Factors which prevent healing of an enterocutaneous fistula include foreign body, epithelialization of the fistula tract, downstream obstruction, radiation enteritis, associated infection (abscess or sepsis), malignancy, and a short ( <2 cm) fistula tract.