How do you manage high fistula output?

Management of High Fistula Output

The management of high-output fistula requires a multidisciplinary approach combining fluid/electrolyte management, nutritional support, medication, and eventual surgical intervention, with patients with proximal fistula and/or very high output requiring parenteral nutritional support.1

Initial Assessment and Classification

• High-output fistula is defined as output exceeding 500 ml/24h, with some sources defining it as >1000-2000 ml/24h 1, 2
• Immediate assessment should include:
  • Location of the fistula (proximal vs distal) 1
  • Volume of output (low, moderate, high) 2
  • Patient's nutritional status and hydration 1
  • Presence of complications (abscesses, strictures) 1

Fluid and Electrolyte Management

• Restrict hypotonic/hypertonic fluids to <1000 ml daily and meet remaining fluid requirements with isotonic glucose-saline solutions 1
• Monitor fluid output and urine sodium to guide replacement therapy 1
• Random urinary sodium <20 mmol/L suggests sodium depletion requiring correction 1
• Parenteral infusions (fluid and electrolytes) are often needed for ongoing high-output stomas 1
• Avoid dehydration to minimize risk of thromboembolism 1

Nutritional Support

• For proximal fistulas and/or very high output: partial or exclusive parenteral nutrition is recommended 1
• For distal (low ileal or colonic) fistulas with low output: enteral nutrition can usually provide adequate support 1
• Increase caloric intake and protein supplementation as demands are elevated in the presence of entero-atmospheric fistula 1
• Monitor and correct nitrogen balance 1
• Take precautions to prevent refeeding syndrome, particularly with respect to phosphate and thiamine 1

Pharmacological Management

• Medications to reduce intestinal motility or secretions:
  • Proton pump inhibitors 1
  • Loperamide 1
  • Opium derivatives 1
  • Psyllium fibers 1
  • Cholestyramine 1
• Trial of bulk-forming agents to slow gastric emptying and improve stool consistency 1
• Consider oral budesonide which has been shown to improve water absorption and decrease stoma output in Crohn's disease patients with ileostomy 1

Wound and Skin Care

• Protect surrounding skin from fistula output to prevent excoriation 2
• Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is beneficial for:
  • Effluent isolation 1
  • Facilitating wound healing 1
  • Securing bag adhesion 2
• Separate the wound into different compartments to facilitate collection of fistula output 1

Surgical Management

• Definitive surgical management should be delayed until:
  • Patient has recovered from acute illness 1
  • Wound has completely healed 1
  • Nutritional status has been optimized 1
• Surgical correction is more likely to be successful if nutritional status has been optimized preoperatively 1
• For complex cases with multiple fistulas or large abdominal wall defects, multiple staged operations may be required 3

Special Considerations

• Assess for vitamin B12, iron, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, and K deficiencies 1
• Early follow-up after discharge can reduce readmission rates and identify malnutrition 1
• Complexity (multiple tracts) and associated stenosis reduce healing rates with medical therapy and increase need for surgery 1, 2
• Anti-TNF therapy should only be initiated after adequate drainage of any abscesses 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Initiating anti-TNF therapy before adequate drainage of abscesses can worsen sepsis 2
• Immediate surgical resection without adequate preparation leads to poorer outcomes 2
• Neglecting skin care can lead to significant skin breakdown and additional morbidity 2
• Failure to restrict hypotonic fluids can worsen electrolyte imbalances 1