How I do it: gastrointestinal cutaneous fistulas

Update on surgical management of enteroatmospheric fistulae in intestinal failure patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The surgical management of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in patients with intestinal failure represents a major challenge for a surgical team and requires proficiency in sepsis management, nutritional support and prehabilitation, beside expertise in visceral and abdominal wall surgery. This review provides an update on the current recommendations and evidence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Reconstructive surgery should be performed at a minimum of 6-12 months after last laparotomy. Isolation techniques and new occlusion devices may accelerate spontaneous EAF closure in selected cases. Chyme reinfusion supports enteral and parenteral nutrition. Stapler anastomosis and failure to close the fascia increase the risk of EAF recurrence. Posterior component separation, intraoperative fascial tension and biological meshes may be used to accommodate fascial closure.

SUMMARY

Timing of reconstructive surgery and previous optimal conservative treatment is vital for favorable outcomes. Wound conditions, nutritional support and general patient status should be optimal before attempting a definitive fistula takedown. Single stage procedures with autologous gut reconstruction and abdominal wall reconstruction can be complex but well tolerated.

Enterocutaneous fistula resulting from the drainage of a contained appendiceal perforation secondary to a partially obstructing low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm

We report a case of an enterocutaneous fistula resulting from drainage of a contained appendiceal perforation secondary to an obstructing appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. A 66-year-old otherwise healthy female patient proceeded to laparoscopic appendicectomy with resection of the fistula tract. Histopathology demonstrated a mid-appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, with a benign enterocutaneous fistula tract communicating with the distal, non-malignant portion of the appendix. We provide an overview of the literature and highlight the need to consider appendiceal mucinous neoplasm as a differential in the management of spontaneous right iliac fossa collections and fistulae.

Experiences with intestinal failure from an intestinal rehabilitation unit in a country without home parenteral nutrition

OBJECTIVE

For the first time, we reported experiences with an intestinal rehabilitation unit (IRU) from a country without home parenteral nutrition (HPN).

METHODS

We included patients with a diagnosis of intestinal failure (IF) since the establishment of our IRU from February 2018 to February 2020. We further report on our protocols for management of enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs), short-bowel syndrome (SBS), chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and motility disorders.

RESULTS

Among a total of 349 patients who have been admitted, 100 patients had IF and were included . Mean (SD) age of patients was 46.3 ± 16.1 years. Most common cause of IF was ECFs (32%), SBS (24%), and SBS + fistula (22%). Most common causes of SBS were mesenteric ischemia (63.3%) and repeated surgery (22.4%). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) for patients was 32 (18-60) days. The most common reconstructive surgery performed was resection and anastomosis (75.4%), followed by serial transverse enteroplasty procedure (10.5%) and closure of ostoma (7%). Patients were hospitalized for a median (IQR) of 33 (17.5-61) days. Most common complications were sepsis (45%), catheter infections (43%), and catheter thrombosis (20%), respectively. At the final follow-up, 61% stopped receiving PN, 23% became candidates for transplantation, and 16% died.

CONCLUSION

Considering that most countries lack facilities for HPN, by establishing IRUs using specific treatment protocols and autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction techniques will provide a means to manage patients with IF, thus decreasing death rates and number of patients who require intestinal transplantations due to IF.

Nutrition Management of the High-Output Fistulae

Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECFs) are commonly encountered complications in medical and surgical practice. High-output fistulae are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, poor quality of life, and a substantial healthcare burden. An interdisciplinary team approach is crucial to prevent and mitigate the adverse clinical consequences of high-output ECFs including sepsis, metabolic derangements, and malnutrition. Patients with ECFs are at a significantly higher risk of developing malnutrition and close monitoring by nutrition support professionals and/or a nutrition support team is an essential component of their medical management. High-output ECFs often require the initiation of nutrition support through either enteral or parenteral routes. Historically, parenteral nutrition (PN) has been the primary method of nutrition support in these patients. However, oral and enteral nutrition (EN) should remain viable options if an evaluation of the location of the ECF, amount of remaining functional bowel, and volume of ECF output identifies favorable conditions. Additionally, in contrast to PN, oral nutrition and EN are the preferred method of feeding because of the maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. The inclusion of pharmacological interventions can greatly assist with the reduction and stabilization of ECF output and thereby permit sustained enteral feeding. Initiation of supplemental or full PN will be required if oral nutrition and EN lead to metabolic derangements, fail to meet energy requirements, or do not maintain or improve the patient's nutrition status. The main focus of this review is to discuss the nutrition management of patients with high-output ECFs.

The Importance of Abdominal Wall Closure After Definitive Surgery for Enterocutaneous Fistula

INTRODUCTION

The coexistence of an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) with large abdominal wall defects represent one of the most demanding situations seen by a surgeon. Simultaneous treatment of ECF closure with abdominal wall defect closure has been widely debated. Our objective was to determine if the type of abdominal wall closure was associated with fistula recurrence after definitive surgery for ECF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients submitted to fistula resection with primary anastomosis for ECF closure. Among several variables, total abdominal wall closure (primary independent variable) was assessed as a factor related to the recurrence of the ECF (dependent variable). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

One-hundred and fourteen patients were included. Fistula recurred in 39 patients (34%). Total abdominal wall closure was done in 37 patients (32%). ECF recurred in 16% (6 of 37 patients) when abdominal wall closure was performed, compared to 43% (33 of 77 patients) when this was not (p < 0.02). After multivariate analyses, abdominal wall closure was found as a protective factor against recurrence (p < 0.02). Patients with total abdominal wall closure had one-fourth of risk for recurrence compared to patients without it. Other factors associated to recurrence of ECF were multiple fistulas (p < 0.05), intraoperative blood loss >325 mL (p < 0.05) and preoperative C-reactive protein >0.5 mg/dL (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that total abdominal wall closure is a protective factor against fistula recurrence after definitive surgery for ECF.

Conservative treatment of early postoperative small bowel obstruction with obliterative peritonitis

AIM: To investigate the effect of somatostatin and dexamethasone on early postoperative small bowel obstruction with obliterative peritonitis (EPSBO-OP).

METHODS: This prospective randomized study included 70 patients diagnosed with EPSBO-OP from June 2002 to January 2009. Patients were randomized into two groups: a control group received total parenteral nutrition and nasogastric (NG) tube feeding; and an intervention group received, in addition, somatostatin and dexamethasone treatment. The primary endpoints were time to resolution of bowel obstruction and length of hospital stay, and the secondary endpoints were daily NG output and NG feeding duration, treatment-related complications, postoperative obstruction relapse, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were allocated to the intervention group and 34 to the control group. No patient needed to undergo surgery. Patients in the intervention group had an earlier resolution of bowel obstruction (22.4 ± 9.1 vs 29.9 ± 10.1 d, P = 0.002). Lower daily NG output (583 ± 208 vs 922 ± 399 mL/d, P < 0.001), shorter duration of NG tube use (16.7 ± 8.8 vs 27.7 ± 9.9 d, P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (25.8 vs 34.9 d, P = 0.001) were observed in the intervention group. The rate of treatment-related complications (P = 0.770) and relapse of obstruction (P = 0.357) were comparable between the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative satisfaction at 1, 2 and 3 years between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Somatostatin and dexamethasone for EPSBO-OP promote resolution of obstruction and shorten hospital stay, and are safe for symptom control without increasing obstruction relapse.

Radiographic and endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas

The management of enterocutaneous fistulas continues to be a challenging postoperative complication. Understanding the anatomy of the fistula optimizes its evaluation and management. Diagnostic radiology has always played an important role in this task. The use of plain radiography with contrasted studies and fistulograms is well documented in the earliest investigations of fistulas and they continue to be helpful techniques. The imaging techniques have evolved rapidly over the past 15 years with the introduction of cross-sectional imaging, ultrasound and endoscopy. The purpose of this chapter is to review both the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of fistulograms, small bowel follow-through, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and endoscopy in the setting of acquired enterocutaneous fistulas.

Historical perspectives in the care of patients with enterocutaneous fistula

Evidence can be found throughout surgical history of how devastating an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) can be for both patient and surgeon. From antiquity, this complication of abdominal surgery, malignancy, radiation, trauma, or inflammatory processes has been a significant challenge to surgeons due to high associated mortality and significant morbidity. An ECF causes dehydration, malnutrition, skin excoriation, and sepsis, and has profound psychological effects on the patient. Recent mortality rates of patients suffering an ECF approach 20%. The authors illustrate the history of management of patients with ECF and discuss advances in perioperative care including parasurgical care, nutrition, wound care, and the history of surgical techniques.

Enterocutaneous fistulas in the setting of trauma and critical illness

One of the most devastating complications to develop in the general surgical patient is an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF). Critically ill patients suffering trauma, thermal injury, infected necrotizing pancreatitis, and other acute intraabdominal pathology are at unique risk for this complication as well. By using decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome and leaving the abdomen open temporarily for other acute processes, survival in some instances may be improved. However, the exposed viscera are at risk for fistulization in the presence of an open abdomen, a newly defined entity termed the enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF). The purpose of this article is to describe the epidemiology of ECF in the setting of trauma and critical illness, nutrition in injured/critically ill patients with ECF, pharmacologic adjuncts to decrease fistula effluent, wound care, surgical management of the EAF/ECF, and techniques for prevention of these dreaded complications in patients with an open abdomen.

Uncommon acquired fistulae involving the digestive system: summary of data

PURPOSE

Most gastrointestinal fistulae commonly occur following surgery. A minority is caused by a myriad of other etiologies and is termed by some as "uncommon fistulae". The aim of this study was to review these fistulae and their treatment.

METHODS

A literature review was carried out. Searches were conducted in Pubmed and related references reviewed.

RESULTS

Except for Crohn's disease and diverticulitis, "uncommon fistulae" are described in case reports or very small case series. Most of the patients were treated by surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomic features of the fistula and the etiology usually dictate the approach. Most patients will eventually need surgery to resolve this pathology.