Clinical outcome and factors predictive of recurrence after enterocutaneous fistula surgery

Enterocutaneous fistula: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECFs) present a difficult management problem and can cause significant morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients with ECF managed at a tertiary centre between 1996 and 2006 was performed. Demographic, management and outcome data including ECF closure, morbidity and mortality were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients (17 male) were identified with ECF (median age: 63 years, range: 27-84). The primary aetiology was Crohn's (30%), anastomotic leak (24%), iatrogenic (18%), mesh (6%), neoplasia (6%) and other (16%). Definitive surgery was undertaken in 21 (64%) at a median of 6.4 months (0.4-72 range) following presentation. Twenty percent of patients required emergency surgical intervention and 5 patients required preoperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Surgical management was formal resection and reanastomosis in all patients, with a mean operative time of 4.75 h (standard deviation = 1.8). The median hospital stay for the operative group was 19 days (7-85). Four patients required post-operative TPN with one patient requiring home TPN. Fistula closure rate was 97% (operative group: 21 out of 21; non-operative group: 11 out of 12). Mean follow-up was 37.3 months (0.5-217). Six (19%) operative patients developed fistula recurrence. There were two deaths at 2 and 5 months (fistula aetiology malignant colonic fistula and radiation enteritis, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients with ECF can be treated with low morbidity and low recurrence rate in a multidisciplinary setting. We believe that patients with ECF should be referred to specialist units for management.

Management of enterocutaneous fistulae: A 10 years experience

AIM: To compare the outcomes of conservative vs surgical treatment of enterocutaneous fistulae (ECF) in a community teaching hospital over a decade.

METHODS: All cases of ECF between 1997 and 2007 were reviewed for management strategy.

RESULTS: Of the 83 patients with ECF, 60 (72%) were postoperative. Sixty-six patients (79.5%) were treated initially with conservative measures. Eighteen patients failed to respond to conservative treatment and required later (secondary) exploration; this group consisted of an equal number of low vs high output fistulae. Seventeen (20.5%) patients underwent initial (primary) definitive-surgery secondary to anastomotic leak and peritonitis. Surgical procedures included resection of ECF with anastomosis (24), exclusion (6) and direct-drainage (4). No significant difference was seen in the recurrence rate for conservative (10%) vs operative-treatment (20%).

CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment plays a pivotal role as an initial management in both low and high output fistulae. In selective cases only, early primary exploration is recommended.

Reoperative Crohn's surgery: tricks of the trade

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract that often results in the need for surgical intervention to treat complications of the disease. The transmural nature of the inflammation can lead to intestinal perforation, intraabdominal abscesses, intestinal strictures, and fistula development. Because there is no cure for Crohn's disease, many patients will require multiple operations during their lifetime. Index surgery and reoperative surgery in these patients is often complex and challenging. There are many preoperative planning and technical aspects of Crohn's surgery that can be helpful in achieving a successful clinical outcome. In this paper, we will review some of the important principles in operative and reoperative Crohn's surgery that can assist the surgeon when approaching these challenging cases.

The management of enterocutaneous fistula in a regional unit in the United kingdom: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Enterocutaneous fistula associated with type 2 intestinal failure is a challenging condition that involves a multidisciplinary approach to management. It is suggested that complex cases should only be managed in select national centers in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

Over an 18-month period, we prospectively studied all patients referred to us with established enterocutaneous fistulas. Patients followed standardized protocols. Eradication of sepsis, appropriate wound management, establishment of nutritional support, and restoration of normal physiology were attempted. Definitive surgical management was deferred for at least 6 months after the last abdominal surgical intervention. Follow-up was for a minimum of 6 months.

RESULTS

Of 55 patients, 10 were internal referrals and 45 were from institutions elsewhere. The mean age was 50 years. Nine patients had colonic fistulas. Forty-six had small bowel fistulas; 19 of these (35%) were associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients had undergone a median of 3 previous operations. Four fistulas (7%) healed spontaneously. Thirty-five patients (63%) underwent definitive surgery. Recurrent fistula occurred in 4 patients (13%); 1 required further surgery, and 3 healed spontaneously. The overall mortality rate was 7% (4/55 patients), with 3 patients dying before definitive surgery and 1 patient dying postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results compare favorably with data from designated national centers (overall mortality, 9.5%-10.8%; operative mortality, 3%-3.5%), suggesting that these patients can be effectively managed in regional units that have sufficient expertise, interest, and volume of patients. Rationalization of funding and referral of patients with type 2 intestinal failure to regional centers may allow national centers to conserve their scarce resources.

How I do it: gastrointestinal cutaneous fistulas

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal cutaneous fistulas are among the more complex surgical conditions, with mortalities in the current series between 6% and 20%, and in some non-U.S. series, up to 40%. The series of principles of recognition, preparation of the abdominal wall, enteral and parenteral nutrition, and support, is outlined. Diagnosis in the absence of signs of sepsis is usually obtained by a fistulagram done by collaboration between the senior surgeon and the senior radiologist and followed to make certain that there is no intestinal obstruction. If spontaneous (nonoperative) closure does not occur in 5 to 6 weeks, it is unlikely to occur and an operation will be required. In our experience, obliterative peritonitis does not subside until a minimum of 4 months, and so an elective operative approach should take place when required after 4 months since the previous operation (when the fistula occurred).

METHODS

A technical approach to operation is described. Avoiding enterotomies is critical. The abdomen should be entered in a fresh area, either by an extended incision, or in a virgin area transversely, if the previous incision was vertical and occupied the entire length of the abdomen. It often takes between 1.5 and 2 h to get into the abdomen without making additional enterotomies. The goal is to dissect laterally in one area until one enters a free lateral space which is free of adhesions. One then proceeds from lateral to medial to take down the adhesions from the previous incisions. When one is finished taking down these adhesions, it is usual that only 12 to 18 in. of bowel of the fistula and the surrounding enterotomies requires resection. An end-to-end anastomosis should be performed. Our practice is a two-layer silk-interrupted anastamosis. Adjunctive steps following the operation usually include a gastrostomy and a catheter jejunostomy. In order to be successful, the best results are obtained with a native abdominal wall closure with either component separation or an Abrahamson-type closure. If this cannot be achieved, multiple layers of vicryl are used, which usually enables the fistula to heal; a hernia usually results, but that can be dealt with at some future time. Using these principles, the last 50 cases at our personal series have been done without mortality.

Surgical treatment of complex enterocutaneous fistulas in IBD patients using human acellular dermal matrix

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients represent a high-risk group for enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) formation, related to both their disease process and the need for multiple surgeries. Often the abdominal wall is significantly involved with the ECF and requires partial resection. The use of synthetic prosthetic material to reconstruct the abdominal wall after ECF surgery is associated with increased risk of infection and recurrent fistulas. Herein we report the use human acellular dermal matrix (hADM) in the surgical treatment and reconstruction of the abdominal wall in 11 consecutive IBD patients with complex and medically refractory ECF.

METHODS

After resection of the involved bowel segment and the overlying abdominal wall, a single sheet of hADM was used to reconstruct the defect. Pre- and perioperative risk factors were reviewed and patients were followed prospectively for a year (360 +/- 118 days).

RESULTS

Operative mortality was nil. Three patients (27%) developed subcutaneous seroma and there were 2 cases (18%) of superficial wound infection, all of which resolved with conservative management. The mean length of hospital stay was 13.5 (+/-7.2) days and all patients were tolerating an oral diet at the time of dismissal. There were no recurrences. One patient with Crohn's disease developed a new ECF from a separate bowel site on postoperative day 145, which was treated with the same surgical approach. No further complications have occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that in a high-risk IBD patient population with multiple perioperative risk factors the use of hADM during ECF takedown is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option.

Enterocutaneous fistula complicating trauma laparotomy: a major resource burden

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an uncommon and poorly studied postoperative complication. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence and resource utilization of patients who developed an ECF after trauma laparotomy. All patients with an ECF occurring after trauma laparotomy at a Level I trauma center were identified through a review of both the Trauma Registry and the Morbidity and Mortality reports for a 9-year period ending in December 2006. Each ECF case was matched with a control (non-ECF) that did not develop this complication after laparotomy. The matching criteria were: age, gender, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Score, and damage control laparotomy requiring an open abdomen. Outcomes analyzed were intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, mortality, and total hospital charges. During the 9-year period, of 2373 acute trauma laparotomies performed, 36 (1.5%) patients developed an enterocutaneous fistula, and were matched to 36 controls. Patients with an ECF were 31 +/- 12 years of age, were 97 per cent male, had a mean Injury Severity Score of 21 +/- 10, and 75 per cent were penetrating. Eighty-nine per cent of the ECF patients had a hollow viscus injury. The most common was colon (69%), followed by small bowel (53%), duodenum (36%), and stomach (19%). Fifty-six per cent of the ECF patients had multiple hollow viscus injuries. The development of an ECF was associated with significantly increased ICU length of stay (28.5 +/- 30.5 vs 7.6 +/- 9.3 days, P = 0.004), hospital length of stay (82.1 +/- 100.8 vs 16.2 +/- 17.3 days, P < 0.001), and hospital charges ($539,309 vs $126,996, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the development of an enterocutaneous fistula after laparotomy for trauma resulted in a significant impact on resource utilization including longer ICU and hospital length of stay and higher hospital charges. Further investigation into the prevention and treatment of this costly complication is warranted.

Small bowel enterocutaneous fistulae: the merits of early surgery

BACKGROUND

The treatment of patients with small bowel enterocutaneous fistulas is complex and a challenge for every surgeon. The mortality and morbidity associated with only conservative management is often high and expensive because most patients cannot afford prolonged parenteral nutrition which itself carries a high incidence of complications. Although operations are difficult if performed early they may be lifesaving in our situation. The focus of our study was to determine whether, in patients with fistulae, early intervention resulted in low mortality and morbidity rates and to identify prognostic factors for fistula closure and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 1996 and July 2008 we treated 64 consecutive patients with small bowel enterocutaneous fistulae. There were 28 females and 36 males patients who had a mean age of 42.4 years. 49 (77%) of the fistulae resulted from surgical complications. Our policy was to intervene early once the patient was fit for a procedure.

RESULTS

In 4 patients (6.2%) the fistulae arose from the jejunum and in the remaining 94% from the ileum. Octreotide was administered in 49 (77%) patients. To maintain the nutrition of the patients enteral feeding was used in 47 (73%) while re-feeding of the proximal gut fistula output into the distal stoma was used in 7 patients. Spontaneous closure occurred in 10 patients (16%). There were 9 deaths (14%). Fifty-two patients (81%) required surgical intervention at some stage. A strong relationship was found between their preoperative albumin levels and and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive early surgical treatment with the judicious use of nutritional support, stoma care, octreotide, and control of sepsis results in a low mortality in patients with small intestinal fistulae. Preoperative hypoalbuminaemia is an important prognostic variable.

Health-related quality of life in patients treated for enterocutaneous fistula

BACKGROUND

Patients with enterocutaneous fistulas undergo long intensive treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) of these patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients treated for enterocutaneous fistula between 1990 and 2005 were eligible for this retrospective study. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire were used to measure HRQL. The SF-36 was matched with results from healthy controls. Patients also gave information on concurrent medical illnesses.

RESULTS

Of 135 patients, 44 died, 14 were lost to follow-up and 12 refused to participate; of the remaining 65, 62 participated (response rate 81 per cent). HRQL was independent of patient characteristics during treatment. Scores for SF-36 domains were lower than in their matched controls (P < 0.050). Concurrent medical illness (cancer, depression and gastrointestinal disease) significantly reduced HRQL (for example with a 40 per cent reduction in vitality). The median KPS score was 80, indicating that activities could be performed with effort and patients had some signs of disease.

CONCLUSION

HRQL is lower in patients treated for enterocutaneous fistula than in matched controls, particularly in those with concurrent medical illnesses. Patients treated successfully have normal independence in daily functioning.

Systematic management of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas: factors related to outcomes

BACKGROUND

Most enterocutaneous fistulas are postoperative in origin. Sepsis, malnutrition, and hydroelectrolytic deficit are still the most important complications to which patients with postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas (PEF) are exposed. Knowledge of prognostic factors related to specific outcomes is essential for therapeutic decision-making processes.

METHODS

We reviewed files of all consecutive patients with PEF treated in our hospital during a 10-year period. Our aim was to identify factors related to spontaneous closure, need for operative treatment, and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients were treated. The most frequent site of origin was the small bowel (90 patients: 48 jejunal, and 42 ileal), followed in frequency by the colon (50 patients). Postoperative enterocutaneous fistula closure was achieved in 151 patients (86%), being spontaneous in 65 (37%) and surgical in 86 (49%). Factors that significantly precluded spontaneous closure were jejunal site, multiple fistulas, sepsis, high output, and hydroelectrolytic deficit at diagnosis or referral. Origin of PEF at our hospital was the only factor significantly associated with spontaneous closure. The most frequent operative indication was PEF persistence without sepsis. Factors significantly associated with the need for operative treatment were high output, jejunal site, and multiple fistulas. Closure was achieved in 84% of patients who underwent operation. A total of 23 patients died (13%). Factors associated with mortality were serum albumin <3.0 g/dl (at diagnosis or referral), high output, hydroelectrolytic deficit, multiple fistulas, jejunal site, sepsis, and a complex fistulous tract.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of advances in management of PEF, the associated morbidity and mortality remain high. Among several variables influencing outcome, our multivariate analysis disclosed high output, jejunal site, multiple fistulas, and sepsis as independent adverse factors related to non-spontaneous closure, need for operative treatment, and/or death.

Treatment strategies in 135 consecutive patients with enterocutaneous fistulas

Background

Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) pose a major challenge to every gastrointestinal (GI) surgeon. Based on earlier studies, a standardized treatment guideline was implemented. The focus of the present study was to assess that guideline and determine prognostic factors for outcome of patients with ECF, and to define a more detailed therapeutic approach including the convalescence time before restorative surgery.

Methods

All patients with ECF treated between 1990 and 2005 were included. Management consisted of controlling Sepsis, Optimization of nutritional state, Wound care, assessment of fistula Anatomy, Timing of surgery, and Surgical strategy (the SOWATS guideline). Prognostic factors were assessed by way of multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 135 patients were treated at our unit. Overall closure was achieved in 118 patients (87.4%). Restorative operations for fistula closure were performed after a median of 53 days (range: 4–270 days). Restorative operations were successful in 97/107 patients (90.7%). Thirteen patients (9.6%) died. An abdominal wall defect was the most predominant negative prognostic factor for spontaneous closure (odds ratio [OR] = 0.195, confidence interval [CI] 0.052–0.726, p = 0.015). A strong relation was found between preoperative albumin level and surgical closure (p < 0.001) and mortality (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Application of the SOWATS guideline allowed a favorable outcome after a short convalescence period. Abdominal wall defects and preoperative hypoalbuminemia are important prognostic variables.

Treatment of high-output enterocutaneous fistulas with a vacuum-compaction device. A ten-year experience

BACKGROUND

Enterocutaneous fistulas arise as complications in 0.8%-2% of abdominal operations. The global mortality rate is 5%-37%, yet it may exceed 60% in the case of high-output fistulas and when sepsis and malnutrition are involved. The objective of this prospective cohort study with retrospective data analyses was to analyze our ten-year experience with a vacuum-compaction device for the management of high-output, postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas at the Department of General Surgery, E. Tornú Hospital, and the Intensive Care Unit, Churruca Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-one patients presented 179 fistulas; 73 (69.2%) were men whose mean age was 48 years. Sepsis and malnutrition were present in 66 (72.5%). The mean initial fistula output was 1,485 ml/day. Conservative management was carried out according to diagnostic and therapeutic priority staging. A vacuum-compaction system (SIVACO; Spanish acronym) was used to control output.

RESULTS

Output was entirely suppressed in 37 (40.7%) patients after 1-7 days of treatment, and reduced to less than 500 ml/day (average=138) in 52 (57.1%) patients. Spontaneous closure was achieved in 42 (46.2%) patients, whereas 37 (40.7%) patients did not improve after 20-380 (average=111) days of treatment. Those patients required surgical correction, which had an 83.8% success rate. Overall mortality was 16.5% (15 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The vacuum-compaction device proved effective for reducing fistula output in 89 of 91 patients (97.8%).

Percutaneous transhepatic duodenal diversion for the management of duodenal fistulae

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the success of the nonoperative management of persistent duodenal fistulae (DF) with percutaneous transhepatic duodenal diversion (PTDD).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review identified six patients with DF managed by PTDD from 2006 to 2007. Patient outcomes and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

The etiology of DF included pancreatic surgery (three patients), gastrectomy (two patients), and Crohn's disease (one patient). PTDD was performed by interventional radiology at a median time of 37 days after fistula recognition. After PTDD, fistula drainage decreased from 775 cc/day (range 200 to 2,525 cc/day) to <50 cc/day at a median of 8 days. Patients were discharged 32 days (median) after PTDD. One patient with Crohn's disease required definitive surgical treatment. Of the remaining five patients, the PTDD tube was capped at 27 days (median) after placement and was removed on an outpatient basis at 79 days (median) after placement. There was no mortality, no fistula recurrence, or complications associated with PTDD placement.

CONCLUSIONS

We present an algorithm for the nonoperative management of persistent postoperative DF. In this limited series, PTDD was highly effective at definitively treating DF, especially in the acute setting. PTDD should be considered by surgeons facing the management of postoperative DF.

Vacuum Effects over the Closing of Enterocutaneous Fistulae: A Mathematical Modeling Approach

Enterocutaneous fistulae are pathological communications between the intestinal lumen and the abdominal skin. Under surgery the mortality of this pathology is very high, therefore a vacuum applying system has been carried previously on attempting to close these fistulae. The objective of this article is the understanding of how these treatments might work through deterministic mathematical modelling. Four models are here proposed based on several assumptions involving: the conservation of the flow in the fistula, a low enough Reynolds number justifying a laminar flow, the use of Poiseuille law to model the movement of the fistulous liquid, as well as phenomenological equations including the fistula tissue and intermediate chamber compressibility. Interestingly, the four models show fistulae closing behaviour during experimental time (t<60 sec). To compare the models, both, simulations and pressure measurements, carried out on the vacuum connected to the patients, are performed. Time course of pressure are then simulated (from each model) and fitted to the experimental data. The model which best describes actual measurements shows exponential pumping flux kinetics. Applying this model, numerical relationship between the fistula compressibility and closure time is presented. The models here developed would contribute to clarify the treatment mechanism and, eventually, improve the fistulae treatment.

Treatment of high output entero-cutaneous fistulae associated with large abdominal wall defects: single center experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Enteric fistulas are defined by their sites of origin, communication and flow. We evaluate the treatment of complex patients with entero-cutaneous fistulae with large abdominal wall defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective case note review of 19 patients (15 males, median age 46 years) treated at the Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. These were distinguished by multiple/wide gastrointestinal fistula orifices, with total discontinuity of bowel. Fistulas were not covered by abdominal wall thus presenting with a giant abdominal wall defects. Surgery was planned once adequate nutritional status was present.

RESULTS

All fistulas resulted from previous surgery for IBD in 7 cases (37%), abdominal trauma 4 (21%), acute necrotic infected pancreatitis 3 (16%), intra-abdominal malignancy 3 (16%), and diverticular disease 2 (10%). The most common site of presentation was ileum (80%). Median fistula output was 800ml/day (range 400-1600ml/day). Seltzer's prognostic index identified malnutrition in 70% of patients at the time of presentation. The elapsed mean time from onset of fistula and elective time of surgical management were 184 days (range 20-2190 days). The VAC system was used in the last 7 patients preoperatively and in 6 patients with postoperative abdominal wound dehiscences that could not be closed immediately and who were at high risk for healing complications. There were no complications from the VAC therapy. Surgery was successful in 69% of cases. Mortality rate was 21%. Factors related to mortality were persistent malignancy, malnutrition and sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

After optimization of nutritional status surgery with en bloc resection of fistula offers best results. In this series, cancer and sepsis were unfavourable factors for outcome. These fistulas may be successfully managed with a multidisciplinary approach.

The Sandwich Design

Fistulas draining through large abdominal wall defects are exceptionally difficult to treat and are associated with a very high mortality. This case report describes a new method for closure of these fistulas where prior conservative and surgical treatment had failed. Initial use of a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system optimized wound care and led to coverage of the exposed intestines with granulation tissue. The serratus muscle of a composite free latissimus dorsi-serratus flap was used to close the fistula, while the large abdominal wall defect was closed with the musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. Temporary placement of a VAC system between the serratus muscle and the latissimus dorsi muscle immobilized the serratus to the fistula and counteracted changes in abdominal pressure. The layering of muscle, VAC system, and muscle resembles a sandwich. The advantage of the sandwich design is an extraperitoneal approach that provides tension-free closure of the fistula and abdominal wall, with well-vascularized tissue.

Postoperative enterocutaneous fistula: when to reoperate and how to succeed

An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is a potentially catastrophic postoperative complication. Although the morbidity and mortality associated with ECF have decreased over the past 50 years with modern medical and surgical care, the overall mortality is still surprisingly high, up to 39% in recent literature. It seems prudent, then, for every surgeon to have a thorough grasp of optimal treatment strategies for ECF to minimize their patients' mortality. Ultimately, the algorithm must begin with prevention. Once an ECF is diagnosed, the first step is to resuscitate and treat sepsis. The second is to control fistula output. The third step is to optimize the patient medically and nutritionally. The last step is definitive restoration of gastrointestinal continuity when necessary. Special mention is given in this article to exceptionally refractory fistulas such as those arising in the presence of inflammatory bowel disease and irradiated bowel. This plan gives a framework for the difficult task of successfully treating the postoperative ECF with a multidisciplinary approach.

Nutrition and management of enterocutaneous fistula

BACKGROUND

The management of enterocutaneous fistula is challenging, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. This article reviews treatment, with emphasis on the provision and optimal route of nutritional support.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified using Medline searches. Secondary articles were identified from the reference lists of key papers.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Management of enterocutaneous fistula should initially concentrate on correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, drainage of collections, treatment of sepsis and control of fistula output. The routine use of somatostatin infusion and somatostatin analogues remains controversial; although there are data suggesting reduced time to fistula closure, there is little evidence of increased probability of spontaneous closure. Malnutrition is common and adequate nutritional provision is essential, enteral where possible, although supplemental parenteral nutrition is often required for high-output small bowel fistulas. The role of immunonutrition is unknown. Surgical repair should be attempted when spontaneous fistula closure does not occur, but it should be delayed for at least 3 months.

Enterocutaneous fistula: are treatments improving?

BACKGROUND

We studied the etiology, treatment, and outcome of enterocutaneous fistulas in 106 patients to evaluate our current practice and the impact of newer therapies-octreotide, wound vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), and fibrin glue-on clinical outcomes. Review of the literature and our own 1990 study indicate a mortality rate of 5% to 20% for enterocutaneous fistula, and a healing rate of 75% to 85% after definitive surgery.

METHODS

We reviewed all cases of gastrointestinal-cutaneous fistula from 1997 to 2005 at 2 large teaching hospitals. We identified 106 patients with enterocutaneous fistula; patients with irritable bowel disease and anorectal fistulas were excluded.

RESULTS

The origin of the fistula was the small bowel in 67 patients, colon in 26, stomach in 8, and duodenum in 5. The etiology of the fistula was previous operation in 81 patients, trauma in 15, hernia mesh erosion in 6, diverticulitis in 2, and radiation in 2. Of the 106 patients in the study, 31 had a high output fistula (greater than 200 mL/day), 44 had a low output fistula, and, in 31 patients, the fistula output was low but there was no record of volume. Initial treatment was nonoperative except for patients with an abscess who needed urgent drainage. In 24 patients, the effect of octreotide was monitored: in 8 patients, fistula output declined; in 16 patients, octreotide was of no benefit. Fibrin glue was used in 8 patients and was of benefit to 1. The wound VAC was used in 13 patients: 12 patients still required operative repair of the fistula, whereas the fistula was healed in 1 patient. The main benefit of the VAC system was improved wound care in all patients before definitive surgery. Total parenteral nutrition was used in most patients to provide nutritional support. Operative repair was performed in 77 patients and was successful in 69 (89%), failing in 6 patients with persistent cancer or infection. Nonoperative treatment was used in 29 patients and resulted in healing in 60%. Of 106 patients, 7 (7%) died of fistula complications. The cause of death was persistence or recurrence of cancer in 4 patients and persistent sepsis in 3.

CONCLUSION

Enterocutaneous fistula continues to be a serious surgical problem. The wound VAC and fibrin glue had anecdotal successes (n = 2), and one-third of patients responded to octreotide. We believe that octreotide should be tried in most patients and that the wound VAC has a role in selected patients. Although 7% overall mortality is lower than in previous studies, the number managed without operation (27%) remains the same. In addition to early control of sepsis, nutritional support, and wound care, a well-timed operation was the most effective treatment.

Proximal loop jejunostomy is a useful adjunct in the management of multiple intestinal suture lines in the septic abdomen

Background

Bowel repair in the septic abdomen can be problematic. This study investigated the use of a proximal loop jejunostomy to protect injured or fistulated bowel that had been returned to the abdomen after repair and/or anastomosis.

Methods

Ten patients who underwent laparotomy for intra-abdominal sepsis and/or fistulation, followed by distal enteric repair and/or anastomosis and construction of a proximal defunctioning loop jejunostomy, were studied retrospectively. Seven patients had 21 intestinal suture lines returned to the peritoneal cavity in the presence of intra-abdominal sepsis (14 anastomoses, two enterotomy closures and five serotomy repairs). Two patients had a difficult relaparotomy for pelvic abscess (two distal anastomoses, one enterotomy closure and three serotomy repairs). The final patient had pelvic sepsis and radiation enteritis; the distal anastomosis was defunctioned by a loop jejunostomy.

Results

The median distance from the duodenojejunal flexure to the loop stoma was 80 (range 30–170) cm. All jejunostomies were closed via a local approach, a median of 11 (range 9–18) months after formation. There was no significant postoperative morbidity and no postoperative death. At a median follow-up of 7 (range 0·5–56) months eight patients had no requirement for nutritional support.

Conclusion

Use of a loop jejunostomy to protect suture lines in the septic abdomen justifies consideration of this procedure in selected patients.

The Use of Muscle Flaps for the Management of Recalcitrant Gastrointestinal Fistulas

Enterocutaneous fistulas can result from various conditions. Although some heal spontaneously, others persist or recur. This article describes how using muscle flaps may aid in managing recalcitrant gastrointestinal fistulas. Specific cases are cited.