Introduction.

Enterocutaneous fistula is a complex pathology that can be the result of multiple surgical interventions of the abdominal cavity. We describe a new technique for the control of contamination in patients with enterocutaneous fistulas in the open abdomen Björck 4.

Methods.

A retrospective analysis of four patients with enterocutaneous fistulas developed as a complication of abdominal surgical procedures was performed. They were treated by a multidisciplinary team of Intensive Care, General Surgery, Nutritional support and Wound and ostomy care. A novel surgical technique based on the capillarity principle was used to keep the periostomies tissues clean.

Results.

With this technique, control of abdominal contamination was achieved in all patients and a satisfactory clinical evolution. Later they were scheduled for definitive surgical closure with total success.

Conclusions.

The management of an enterocutaneous fistula represents a challenge for the surgeon and the multidisciplinary group that treats these patients. This new technique used in patients with an enterocutaneous fistula with open abdomen Björck 4 is based on the principle of capillarity action, and is effective in controlling contamination, infection, and associated sepsis.

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