Extracellular Matrix Enterocutaneous Fistula Plugs Show Promise for Low-Flow Colocutaneous and Enterocutaneous Fistulae

Complex intestinal fistula treated with colon‑indwelling drainage stent under prostate resection endoscopy instrumentation guidance: A case report

The treatment of complex intestinal fistulas has been a challenge in general surgery. A complex fistula is defined as a fistula with more than one abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and skin, or a fistula with multiple bowel loops. The present case report describes the minimally invasive treatment of a complex intestinal fistula. Briefly, a 51-year-old man presented with an intestinal fistula. Following adequate anti-infective drainage of the abdominal abscess, transurethral prostate resection instrumentation was used to flush and drain the intestinal drainage tubes. On reduction of leakage, a drainage tube was inserted into the intestinal tract to serve as an internal stent. Imaging confirmed the successful cessation of intestinal leakage and a satisfactory recovery. The drainage tube was removed under colonoscopy, restoring normal small intestine function. To summarize, after sufficient drainage, the leakage gradually decreased, promoting healing; the patient achieved full recovery upon removal of the internal stent via colonoscopy and the establishment of a small intestinal stoma. In conclusion, transurethral prostate resection instrumentation enables safe and minimally invasive placement of intestinal stents, ensuring effective drainage for managing intestinal fistulas.

Treatment of enterocutaneous fistula: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal communication between the gastrointestinal tract and skin, with a myriad of etiologies and therapeutic options. Management is influenced by etiology and specifics of the ECF, and patient-related factors. The aim of this study was to assess overall success, recurrence, and mortality rates of treatment for ECF.

MATERIALS

A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed through October 2021 according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Case reports, reviews, animal studies, studies not reporting outcomes, had no available English text, included patients < 16 years old or those assessing other abdominocutaneous/internal fistulas were excluded.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies, between 1975 and 2020, incorporating 3078 patients were included. Patient age ranged between 16 and 87 years with a male:female ratio of 1.14:1. ECF developed postoperatively in 89.4%. Other common etiologies were inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, malignancy, and radiation. At least 28% of patients had complex fistulae (reported in 18 studies). Most common fistula site was small bowel. In 34 publications, 62.4% (n = 1371) patients received parenteral nutrition. In 45 publications, 72.5% underwent surgery to treat the fistula. Meta-analysis revealed an 89% healing rate; recurrence rate after initial successful treatment was 11.1%, and mortality rate was 8.5%. In a subgroup of patients who underwent combined ECF takedown and abdominal wall reconstructions (n = 315), 78% achieved fascial closure, mesh was used in 72%, hernia, and fistula recurrence rates were 19.7% and 7.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of ECF must be individualized according to specific etiology and location of the fistula and the patient's associated conditions.