[Enterocutaneous fistulas of the small intestine in children: therapeutic approach. Study of 22 cases].

25 cases of post-operative small intestinal fistulae in children are described. 24 benefited by intensive feeding either exclusively parenterally (20 cases) or orally by constant infusion of an elemental diet (4 cases). In 13 cases the fistulae closed spontaneously but the other 11 needed further operations after an average of 41 days feeding. 2 children died; 1 was operated on early and the other had chronic granulomatous disease. Thus it is important to avoid early surgical intervention and to ensure adequate drainage of fistulae. Intensive feeding either parenterally or orally has an important role in this condition.