ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF A BENIGN COLOCUTANEOUS AND ENTEROCOLIC FISTULA BY INSERTION OF OVERLAPPING SELF-EXPANDABLE METAL STENTS

Abstract

We report the successful closure of fistulae at the site of a benign colocolonic anastomotic stricture using self-expandable metal stents (SEMS). The stricture and fistulae developed after sigmoid colon resection for diverticulitis. After closure of the fistulae with a covered stent and resolution of inflammation, 10 months later the patient elected to undergo one-stage resection of the diseased colon and stent. Although there have been previously reported cases of SEMS for closure of malignant colonic fistula, there are limited reports of SEMS for closure of benign colonic fistulae and none demonstrate long-term success. We conclude that this patient exemplifies the potential applications of SEMS as definitive therapy for benign colorectal disease.