A 23-year-old member asked:
Can a knife wound cause gastrointestinal fistula?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Latisha Smithanswered
Wound care 40 years experience
Yes: A knife wound to the abdomen is likely to cause a puncture to the intestines. When this happens the contents of the bowel can leak into the abdominal cavity. This requires immediate surgery to close the hole and wash out the contaminated abdomen. If there are many penetrating wounds or a delay in closure this can result in formation of a fistula-abnormal connection to the skin or other organ.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Bolhackanswered
Wound care 37 years experience
Knife wound: If the knife is long enough and the patient unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a piercing, then it is possible that the injury could result in fistulas with the gastrointestinal tract.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 2, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.