A
fistula is an abnormal opening between two or more organs or structures.
Wound drainage containment is a key component of nonsurgical
fistula management and may include pouches, skin barriers, transparent dressings, troughing procedures, saddle bagging, bridging, and
condom and suction
catheters used in combination with complex or routine pouching. Following extensive abdominal surgery, the
wound of a 50-year-old woman dehisced and a colocutaneous
fistula formed inside the
wound. The
wound containing the
fistula, which was draining liquid stool, was too large for existing commercial pouching systems. When initial management efforts, including
negative pressure wound therapy, failed to achieve containment goals, clinicians adapted the
negative pressure wound therapy dressing to surround the
fistula, which helped facilitate
therapy while providing a platform for an
ostomy appliance to contain the
fistula drainage. The system was changed every 2 days until discharge. The
wound and
fistula management combination improved patient comfort and mobility, facilitated healing, and reduced patient
dietary restrictions.