OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to describe the use of an improvised vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system in the management of enterocutaneous fistulas in patients admitted at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from January to December 2009. Demographic data as well as outcomes of patients were described.

METHODS: The study is a case series involving patients with enterocutaneous fistulas admitted at the PGH from January to December 2009 on whom an improvised VAC system was employed. Pertinent data were gathered, and frequencies and percentages were also computed.

RESULTS: The modified VAC system was employed in 19 patients. The most common etiology reported was iatrogenic (74%). Nine patients (47%) had spontaneous resolution during admission. The mean time to spontaneous closure with VAC usage was 17 days (range: 5 to 56). Three patients were discharged after a mean of 21 days (range: 8 to 44) on VAC, with efficient effluent collection using a stoma appliance. Of the three, 2 to patients had spontaneous fistula closure on follow up. Five patients declined further treatment. There was one mortality reported.

CONCLUSION: The use of an improvised VAC system may contribute to and hasten successful non-surgical treatment of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas.

Human ; Negative-pressure Wound Therapy ; Hospitals, General ; Iatrogenic Disease ; Philippines ; Intestinal Fistula ; Patient Discharge