enteroenteric

Enteroenteric is an anatomical and clinical adjective describing relations or processes involving two intestinal segments. The term is most often used for connections between loops of bowel, including enteroenteric fistulas, which are abnormal passages between portions of the small or large intestine, and for enteroenterostomies, surgically created connections between bowel loops.

Enteroenteric fistulas commonly arise as complications of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, postoperative anastomotic breakdown, abdominal trauma, or radiation injury. They can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, malabsorption, and feculent discharge; in some cases they are asymptomatic and detected incidentally on imaging. The presence of a fistula may also increase the risk of infection and sepsis if contamination occurs.

Diagnosis relies on imaging studies such as CT enterography or MR enterography to visualize fistulous tracts and involved segments; fistulography and endoscopic evaluation may be used to supplement assessment. Management targets the underlying disease and the fistula itself. Treatment ranges from nutritional and medical optimization and control of infection to surgical repair, resection of diseased segments, and restoration of bowel continuity, depending on fistula characteristics and patient status. See also enteroenterostomy and enteric fistula.