Cecocutaneous fistula diagnosed by computed tomography fistulography: A case report

BACKGROUND

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal communication between the skin and the gastrointestinal tract and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. To diagnose ECF, X-ray fistulography and abdominal computed tomography (CT) with intravenous or oral contrast are generally used. If the anatomic details obtained from CT are insufficient, CT fistulography may help diagnose and determine the extent of the abnormal channel. However, CT fistulography is seldom performed in patients with insufficient evidence of a fistula.

CASE SUMMARY

A 35-year-old man with a prior appendectomy presented with purulence over the abdominal wall without gastrointestinal tract symptoms or a visible opening on the abdominal surface. His history and physical examination were negative for nausea, diarrhea, muscle guarding, and bloating. Local abdominal tenderness and redness over a purulent area were noted, which led to the initial diagnosis of cellulitis. He was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of cellulitis. We performed a minimal incision on the carbuncle to collect the pus. The bacterial culture of the exudate resulted positive for Enterococcus sp. ECF was thus suspected, and we arranged a CT scan for further investigation. CT images before intravenous contrast administration showed that the colon was in close contact with the abdominal wall. Therefore, we conducted CT fistulography by injecting contrast dye into the carbuncle during the CT scan. The images showed an accumulation of the contrast agent within the subcutaneous tissues, suggesting the formation of an abscess. The contrast dye tracked down through the muscles and peritoneum into the colon, delineating a channel connecting the subcutaneous abscess with the colon. This evidence confirmed cecocutaneous fistula and avoided misdiagnosing ECF without gastrointestinal tract symptoms as cellulitis. The patient underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with re-anastomosis of the ileum and transverse colon.

CONCLUSION

CT fistulography can rule out ECF in cases presenting as cellulitis if examinations are suggestive.

Management Approaches for Enterocutaneous Fistulas

There are very few clinical studies that highlight a definitive and comprehensive guideline for the management of enterocutaneous fistulas. Most accepted guidelines are found in textbooks and are taken from expert advice and case reports. The goal of this review is to highlight advancements relevant to the management of enterocutaneous fistulas from the recent two to three years. Although strong evidence-based guidelines are lacking, the consensus is that a multidisciplinary team working with a clear treatment plan targeting multiple aspects of management can maximize patient outcomes.

Interventional radiologic management and treatment of enterocutaneous fistulae

Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECFs) are abnormal sinus tract communications between the alimentary system and skin surface that can cause significant management problems and cost to the health care system. Interventional radiology can play an important role in diagnosis and treatment when conventional measures fail and additional surgery is difficult or poses a high risk. The management of patients with fistulae requires operator ingenuity and dedication, a multidisciplinary team approach, and an understanding of the pathophysiology. This article reviews the major issues in ECF management and the role of interventional radiology.