Route delivery of nutrition in patients with enterocutaneous fistula

Malnutrition is one of the most frequent effects of an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF). There are some factors that contribute to it including inadequate intake, fluid loss via fistula and underlying disease. The role of nutrition is very important as a part of ECF therapy to give adequate nutrition, maintain fluid and electrolyte state and increase the likelihood of fistula closure spontaneously. Therefore, it is anticipated that adequate nutrition management will lower morbidity and mortality while enhancing clinical results. Nutritional requirements and nutritional route, whether oral, enteral and parenteral nutrition in ECF management, are influenced by the anatomical, physiological and aetiology of the fistula. The purpose of this review was to highlight the evidence based on nutritional therapy in ECF patients by calling attention to nutritional route selection based on the anatomy and physiology fistula to prevent malnutrition.