Which item is described as a non-pouching option for fistulas?

• A. Absorptive dressings and petroleum/zinc based ointments to protect skin
• B. Surgical closure
• C. Pouching system
• D. Negative pressure wound therapy

Answer: (A)

Non-pouching fistula care focuses on protecting the skin around the fistula and managing drainage directly at the site rather than collecting it in a bag. Absorptive dressings help soak up drainage and keep the peri-fistula skin dry, reducing irritation. Pairing this with petroleum/zinc-based ointments creates a protective barrier on the skin and supports healing by minimizing contact with irritating drainage. This combination addresses moisture and skin protection without introducing a pouching system, which is why it’s considered a non-pouching option. The other choices involve containment with a pouching setup or use more invasive or specialized therapies that aren’t the basic non-pouching skin-care approach described here.