• gastrointestinal fistulae

Gastrointestinal fistulae most frequently develop after surgical interventions but they can also evolve spontaneously (for example in patients with inflammatory bowel disease) or following irradiation. Their impact on morbidity and mortality of patients as well as on health care costs for diagnosis and treatment is tremendous. Morbidity from gastrointestinal fistulae includes pain, wound problems, nutritional deficiencies, and recurrent septic states, as well as psychological consequences for the patient. These conditions cause a complex reduction in quality of life, generally lasting for several months. Because most gastrointestinal fistulae are the result of treatment (that is, a complication …