The nursing management of enterocutaneous fistulae: a challenge for all.

This article focuses on the principles of managing patients with enterocutaneous fistulae. Successful management involves comprehensive assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care and involves all members of the multidisciplinary team in both primary and secondary care. The main challenge for the nursing team is effective containment of the effluent to prevent excoriation of the skin thereby ensuring patient comfort. The article includes suggestions for choice and application of suitable appliances which have been successfully used by the authors. Early involvement in of patient and carer in all aspects of management is recommended for successful discharge of patients into the community.