Objective: To find out the method for promoting spontaneous heal of enterocutaneous fistula.
Methods: Experimentally, we investigated the effect of rhGH on wound granulation and intestinal mucosa. Clinically, combined somatostatin and rhGH was compared with somatostatin in the treatment of enteric fistula.
Results: Animal studies demonstrated that rhGH was effective to increase the content of hydroxyproline and amount of fibroblast cell in wound granulation. In clinical trial, the spontaneous cure rate was significantly higher in patients treated with combined rhGH and somatostatin than in those treated with somatostatin alone (96.5% vs 68.4%, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Combined rhGH and somatostatin is a new therapeutic method for the treatment of enteric fistula. It may promote the spontaneous cure of enteric fistula.