Small intestine cutaneous fistulas.

A retrospective study of 174 patients with small intestine cutaneous fistulas was carried out. Cause, location of fistula, amount of output, presence of inflammation, intestinal obstruction, presence of malnutrition and anemia are associated wih an increased mortality. The results of various modes of treatment indicate that intestinal resection with primary anastomosis, carried out six weeks or later after the onset of the fistula, was associated with the lowest mortality and the highest success rate.