External intestinal fistulae in Port Harcourt

Twenty cases of established external faecal fistulae treated at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) over an eight year period were studied to find out the peculiar characteristics of this problem in this part of Nigeria. The male/female ratio was 3:1 Surgical complications constituted the commonest cause of fistula formation (65%). 80% of the patients were referred to the UPTH from peripheral hospitals and clinics. All patients were initially treated conservatively by nutritional build up, correction of fluid and electrolytes, control of infection and, where necessary, blood transfusion. 15% of fistulae closed spontaneously on conservative treatment while 55% required surgery for a successful outcome. The overall mortality was 25%.