Purpose: To present a case study involving the isolating of an enterocutaneous fistula from an abdominal wound by using negative wound therapy.

Rationale:Patient had a large abdominal wound with a distinct fistula stoma which drained a moderate amount of effluent. Multiple wound management systems were utilized in an attempt to contain effluent, but none were successful for more than 24 hours. It was felt if the fistula could be isolated from the abdominal wound, eventually the abdominal would could heal and the fistula could be managed by pouching.

Methodology: This poster will demonstrate a pictorial review of this gentleman's wound and fistula management during the course of 2 months. It will briefly review the multiple pouching options that were utilized in an attempt to contain effluent. It will conclude with the negative wound therapy protocol that was successful in managing both the abdominal wound and effluent.

Results: The fistula continued to isolate itself from the abdominal wound. He was able to have a split thickness skin graft to his abdominal wound and be discharged from the hospital with pouching to his enterocutaneous fistula. He remained on TPN as an outpatient, along with reduced caloric intake, due to his obesity. He and his wife were able to manage his stoma care. He was able to be seen as an outpatient by the General Surgeon and the Wound Clinic Nurses for routine follow up.

Conclusion: Eleven months after his discharge from the hospital, this patient was scheduled for an operative procedure to take down his enterocutaneous fistula. This gentleman was morbidly obese, so his surgery was delayed in order for the patient to lose a substantial amount of weight.