Skin care management of gastrointestinal fistulas

Effective skin care management of gastrointestinal fistulas provides the cornerstone for quality patient care management. The importance of containing output and maintaining skin integrity in the face of fistula drainage on the skin is discussed. Ways of determining methods for containment of cutaneous drainage and protection of the skin in relation to specific fistula characteristics are examined. Goals and principles of skin care management and selection of products are reviewed. Three case studies illustrate successful pouching techniques for gastrointestinal fistulas within an open wound.