Sue Frost demonstrates the value of skilled nursing assessment of patients with high-output fistulas, describing their management in two patient case histories from her recent experience

A problematic area of stoma therapy is care of the high-output fistula. When the fistula is situated in a small area, fluid collection and skin protection can prove difficult; when the area is much larger, the problem may be intensified. Although large-area fistulas are relatively rare, they can lead to further complications if a suitable form of management is not employed.