Type Of Fistula Research Articles

Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Surgical Outcome Analysis of Twenty Cases

Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are rare complex spinal vascular shunts, which caninevitably lead to severe disability if remain untreated. Methods: Retrospective analysis of SDAVFs patientsina period of three years (2019 to 2021) who presented with progressive paraparesis, bladder symptoms and/or sensory disturbances. They were evaluated by MRI and localization of the fistula was done by spinal catheter angiogram. Spinal AV fistulas were simply classified as extradural and intradural.They all underwent microsurgical shunt interruption. Neurological function was evaluated by Aminoff-Logue Scale (ALS) consecutively at the day before surgery, 6 months and 1year after surgery. Results: A total of 20 patients (mean age 35 ± 10 years, 16 (80.0%) are male.The mean interval from onset to diagnosis was 6 ± 3 months. Among the anatomical location of fistulas, 1(05.0%) was in cervical, 16 (80.0%)were inthoracic, and 3 (15.0%) were in lumbar. Among the angiographic types of fistulas, 18(90.0%) were intradural and,2(10.0%) were extradural.Mean pre-treatment ALS was 5.3 and mean last examination ALS was 3.9. There was a significant improvement of the ALS between pretreatment and last examination ALS (P = 0.0009). Among 20 surgical procedures there were complications in three cases (15%): epidural hematoma in 1 case, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1 case and post-operative wound infection in 1 case Conclusions: In our study,microsurgical interruption of timely diagnosed SDAVF showed good and stable results over time. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2023; 12(2): 137-141

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for Suspected Mirizzi Syndrome Type IV as Both a Diagnostic and Bridge-to-Surgery Procedure.

Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is a challenging diagnosis due to its similar presentation with other biliary diseases; thus, the role of endoscopy is sometimes unclear, especially in altered anatomy. Radiological examinations may usually suspect it, but deeper examinations could be necessary to confirm it. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) certainly has a therapeutic role in cases of jaundice, cholangitis or concurrent choledocolithiasis, although surgery is without doubt the definitive treatment in most of the cases. Therefore, surgeons may have a clearer picture of the condition of the biliary tree with respect to fistulas thanks to ERCP, particularly in patients with a higher grade of MS (type higher than 2 in the Csendes classification). Therefore, a complete removal of biliary stones is sometimes not possible due to size and location, so biliary stenting becomes the only option, even if transitory. Our brief report is a further demonstration of the fundamental role of ERCP in managing MS, even when it has no long-term therapeutic aim but is performed as bridge-to-surgery, especially in cases with a more difficult biliary anatomy due to the type of fistula. Moreover, we truly suggest discussing patients affected with MS in a multidisciplinary board, preferably in tertiary hepatobiliary centers.

Delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy: an analysis of risk factors

BackgroundDelayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a frequent complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. Preoperative factors are limited and controversial. This study aims to identify associated factors related to this complication in the Colombian population.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was conducted. All patients over 18 years of age who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were included. Associations with DGE syndrome were evaluated with logistic regression analysis, Odds ratio, and b-coefficient were provided when appropriate.Results205 patients were included. Male patients constituted 54.15% (n = 111). 53 patients (25.85%) were diagnosed with DGE syndrome. Smoking habit (OR 17.58 p 0.00 95% CI 7.62–40.51), hydromorphone use > 0.6 mg/daily (OR 11.04 p 0.03 95% CI 1.26–96.66), bilirubin levels > 6 mg/dL (OR 2.51 p 0.02 95% CI 1.12–5.61), and pancreatic fistula type B (OR 2.72 p 0.02 CI 1.74–10.00).DiscussionSmoking history, opioid use (hydromorphone > 0.6 mg/Daily), type B pancreatic fistula, and bilirubin levels > 6 mg/dL should be considered as risk factors for DGE.

Determinants and predictive model of failure of surgical repair of obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

IntroductionSurgical repair of obstetric fistula aims to restore the anatomical and functional integrity of the urinary tract, enabling affected women to regain their dignity and quality of life. However, such repairs can end in a failure. The aim of this study is to develop a predictive score to identify factors influencing failure of surgical repair of obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula (FSROVVF) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study of 318 women with obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula (OVVF) who had undergone surgical management. A bivariate and then a multivariate analysis were performed. Score discrimination was assessed using the ROC curve and C-index, and score calibration using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test.ResultsSurgical repair of OVVF was unsuccessful in 16.98% of cases (54/318). After logistic modeling, six criteria emerged as predictive factors for FSROVVF: the presence of fibrosis (AOR = 5.01; 95% CI:1.73–14.49), the presence of 2 or more fistulas (AOR = 9.04; 95% CI:3.01–27.13), the association of OVVF with another anatomoclinical entity of fistula (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI:1.09–9.13), the fistula size > 3 cm (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI:1.36–9.76), the peri-operative hemorrhage (AOR = 7.01; 95% CI:2.33–21.03), and the post-operative infection (AOR = 178.89; 95% CI:26.09–1226.64). A score ranging from 0 to 13 points was obtained, of which a value ≤ 5 points defines a low risk of FSROVVF, a value between 6 and 8 points defines a moderate risk and value ≥ 9 points corresponds to a high risk of FSROVVF. The area under the ROC curve of the score is 0.925 with a sensitivity of 61.11%, a specificity of 96.59%, a positive predictive value of 78.57% and a negative predictive value of 92.39%.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the number of fistulas ≥ 2, fistula size > 3 cm, fibrosis, association of OVVF with other types of fistulas, peri-operative hemorrhage, and post-operative infection are factors predictive of FSROVVF. These six factors are key contributors to the score used to predict FSROVVF. Once validated, this score will inform and enable preoperative counseling regarding the prognosis and the chances of a successful outcome of surgical repair of OVVF.

Integrative management of high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano with a rectal opening: A case report

Abstract Transsphincteric fistula is a type of complex anal fistula, often considered a refractory surgical condition, which has the potential to produce complications, such as recurrent infections, abscess formation, and incontinence. A 48-year-old male farmer was diagnosed with a high transsphincteric fistula abscess with a secondary rectal opening based on clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Under saddle block, incision and drainage of fistula abscess was performed, followed by threading of Apamarga Kshara Sutra (medicated seton) between the abscess cavity and the primary internal opening at 6 o’clock on the dentate line. Another internal opening was also identified in the lower rectum, left as it is. Panchavalkala Kwatha for sitz bath once a day, Varunadi Kwatha 20 mL twice a day orally, Kachanar Guggulu (500 mg) two tablets three times a day, and Apamarga Kshara Tail (AKT) dressing was prescribed for 124 days to facilitate optimal healing and management. Prophylactic as well as therapeutic antibiotics and analgesics were administered for 7 days. The fistula took 103 days for complete healing with a unit healing time of 0.251 day/cm3. Medicated seton on the dentate line facilitated drainage of the infected gland and healed the secondary rectal opening. Ischiorectal abscess cavity healed by secondary intention. This case report demonstrates that a high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano with a rectal opening can be successfully managed without fistulotomy to treat the secondary rectal opening. Chemical debridement of the infected anal gland was achieved by a medicated seton, and a new seton was replaced every 7 days until the cutting and healing of the fistula track. It also facilitated the drainage of the exudate. Wound management by AKT and adjuvant medicament supported faster recovery.

Evaluation of unenhanced three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound scan in preoperative assessment of perianal sepsis

Background: Perianal sepsis which includes perianal fistula and abscess is a common clinical condition that requires thorough preoperative evaluation to decrease the recurrence rate and to plan relevant surgery according to the anatomy of the fistula. MRI and 3D EAUS are two important preoperative investigations that delineate the anatomy of simple and complex fistula tracts. Due to lower cost and easier use 3D EAUS is a safe and reliable first-line investigation in evaluating perianal abscess. Methods: This is a retrospective and prospective analysis of patients with perianal sepsis who underwent pre-operative unenhanced 3D-EAUS in the departments of Colorectal surgery, Gastrointestinal surgery, and General surgery in our hospital. A B-K medical 2052 transducer was used for the study and the surgical assessment was done by multiple surgeons from multiple departments. Results: A total of 255 patients were assessed. The accuracy for primary fistula tracts and internal opening was 83.53% and 88.62% respectively. The kappa coefficient of correlation was k=0.70 (substantial agreement) for the fistula tract and k=0.81 (near perfect agreement) for the internal opening. The sensitivity, and specificity of primary tracts and internal openings were calculated. Transphincteric fistulas were 57% in our study. Conclusions: Unenhanced 3D EAUS is a reliable first-line investigation in preoperative evaluation of perianal fistula and abscess. Transphincteric fistula is the most common type of fistula. There is a high chance of correlation for the primary tract if a non-colorectal specialist performs the fistula surgery after 3D-EAUS without blinding.

Factors Affecting the Early Maturation of Arteriovenous Fistulae Created at a Tertiary Centre in Oman.

This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with the failure of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) maturation. This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. Patients were followed-up 3 months after surgery, and their electronic medical records were accessed for demographic and clinical data. Univariate analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with early AVF maturation and multivariant analysis was used to determine the predictive factors for AVF failure. A total of 269 patients were included. Female gender was a significant factor affecting AVF maturity (P = 0.049), while age (P = 0.626), diabetes (P = 0.954), hypertension (P = 0.378), dyslipidaemia (P = 0.907), coronary artery disease (P = 0.576), cerebrovascular accident (P = 0.864), congestive heart failure (P = 0.685), previous central venous catheterisation (P = 0.05), fistula type (P = 0.863) and fistula site (P = 0.861) did not affect AVF maturation. Binary logistic regression showed that all the risk factors were insignificant. Failure of early AVF maturation affected 11.5% in the cohort. This study found that the proportion of early AVF maturation at our hospital is at par with that in the international literature. Failure of AVF maturation was significantly associated with the female gender. These findings can help nephrologists and vascular surgeons prognosticate AVF maturation rates. However, a larger study is needed for definitive conclusions.

Carotid-cavernous fistulas

Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are rare but clinically significant vascular anomalies characterized by abnormal connections between the cavernous sinus and arteries. This overview presents acomprehensive analysis of anatomy, classification, clinical presentation, diagnosis, imaging, and therapy of CCFs. The cavernous sinus, acentral venous structure in the brain, is of critical importance for understanding CCFs due to its proximity to key structures such as the internal carotid artery and cranial nerves. CCFs are classified into direct and dural types, with direct fistulas typically being high-flow and dural fistulas being low-flow. The symptomatology varies greatly and can range from noises in the head, diplopia, red eye, tearing, to blurred vision and headaches. The diagnostic assessment requires acombination of detailed medical history, neurological and ophthalmological examination, and the use of imaging techniques. In imaging, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are crucial for depicting the anatomical structures and blood vessels, while digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered the gold standard for accurate representation of the fistula. The treatment of CCFs is complex and depends on the type of fistula, location, and clinical condition of the patient. This overview emphasizes the importance of precise diagnosis and individualized therapy to achieve optimal results and avoid complications. Ongoing developments in medical imaging and treatment techniques will continuously improve the treatment outcomes of patients with CCFs.

Obstetric fistula repair failure and its associated factors among women who underwent repair in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obstetric fistula repair failure can result in increased depression, social isolation, financial burden for the woman, and fistula care programs. However, there is limited, comprehensive evidence on obstetric fistula repair failure in Sub-Saharan African countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of obstetric fistula repair failure and associated factors among women who underwent surgical repair in Sub-Saharan African countries. To identify potential articles, a systematic search was done utilizing online databases (PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA) guideline was used to report the review's findings. I2 test statistics were employed to examine study heterogeneity. A random-effects model was used to assess the pooled prevalence of obstetric fistula repair failure, and the association was determined using the log odds ratio. Publication bias was investigated using the funnel plot and Egger's statistical test at the 5% level of significance. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were done to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. The data were analyzed using STATA version 17 statistical software. A total of 24 articles with 9866 study participants from 13 Sub-Saharan African countries were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of obstetric fistula repair failure in sub-Saharan Africa was 24.92% [95% CI: 20.34-29.50%]. The sub-group analysis by country revealed that the highest prevalence was in Angola (58%, 95% CI: 53.20-62.80%) and the lowest in Rwanda (13.9, 95% CI: 9.79-18.01%). Total urethral damage [OR = 3.50, 95% CI: 2.09, 4.91], large fistula [OR = 3.09, 95% CI: (2.00, 4.10)], duration of labor [OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.76], and previous fistula repair [OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.94, 3.45] were factors associated with obstetric fistula repair failure. Women who received surgical treatment for obstetric fistulas in Sub-Saharan African countries experienced more repair failures than the WHO standards. Obstetric fistula repair failure was affected by urethral damage, fistula size, duration of labor, types of fistula, and history of previous repairs. Therefore, we suggest policy measures specific to each country to provide special attention to the prevention of all risk factors, including poor nutrition, multiparty, obstructed labor, and maternal age, which can result in conditions like large fistulas, urethral damage, and repeat repair, in order to reduce obstetric fistula repair failure.

Efficacy and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing tissue oxygen levels and regulating inflammatory pathways. Mounting evidence suggests that HBOT may be effective for inflammatory bowel disease. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the efficacy and safety of HBOT in fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD). A systematic review was conducted using the EMBASE, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library databases according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses" criteria. Study bias was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. Sixteen studies with 164 patients were included in the analysis. For all fistula subtypes, the pooled overall clinical response was 87% (95% CI: 0.70-0.95, I2 = 0) and the pooled clinical remission was 59% (95% CI: 0.35-0.80, I2 = 0). The overall clinical response was 89%, 84%, and 29% for perianal, enterocutaneous, and rectovaginal fistulas, respectively. On meta-regression, hours in the chamber and the number of HBOT sessions were not found to correlate with clinical response. The pooled number of adverse events was low at 51.7 per 10,000 HBOT sessions for all fistula types (95% CI: 16.8-159.3, I2 = 0). The risk of bias was observed across all studies. HBOT is a safe and potentially effective treatment option for fistulizing CD. Randomized control trials are needed to substantiate the benefit of HBOT in fistulizing CD.

Genitourinary / Fecal Fistulae: Etiology, Types and Surgical Outcomes

Introduction: Genitourinary/ fecal fistula is an abnormal communication between the genital tract and either the urinary tract or the gastrointestinal tract. Among genitourinary fistulae, most common is the vesicovaginal followed by ureterovaginal fistula. Aims & Objectives: The aim of our study is to determine various causes and types of genitourinary/fecal fistulae and their surgical outcome in our setting. Place and Duration of Study: A descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Central Park Teaching Hospital Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from December 2013-December 2021. Material & Methods: Total of 77 patients presented with various types of genitourinary/fecal fistulae during the study period. All details as demographic characteristics, type and cause of fistula, route of repair and surgical outcome were taken on a standardized proforma. All data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis.p-value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: In this study, the age range was from 22 to 62 years with mean age 38.38 + 10.67 years. Mean duration of fistula was computed as 45.47 + 71.31 months with the range of 1 month to 27 years (324 months). Average fistula size was 1.14 + 0.96 cm with the range of 0.25 cm to 3 centimeters. The obstetric causes of fistulae accounted 44% (n=34) while iatrogenic causes were seen in 56% (n=43) of patients. The most common type of fistula was VVF with 53 (69%) patients followed by uretero-vaginal fistula with 08 (10.0%). The least common type of fistula was urethro-vaginal with only 01 (1%) case of 22 years, 05 (7%) patients had RVF and 08 (10%) had vesico-uterine and vesico-cervical fistulae. the overall success rate is 88.3%. Conclusion: The iatrogenic causes of genitourinary/fecal fistulae are more prevalent than obstetric causes. The successful outcome of fistula repair depends on number of previous attempts of repair and outcome of repair worsen with each number of previous attempts.

REAL-WORLD LONG-TERM TREATMENT PERSISTENCE AMONG BIO-NAÏVE PATIENTS WITH CROHN’S DISEASE AND HISTORY OF FISTULA INITIATED ON USTEKINUMAB

Abstract BACKGROUND Fistula is a common complication of Crohn’s disease (CD). Treatment with certain biologics have been associated with fistula healing and closure, reduction of symptoms and need for surgical treatments. In clinical practice, biologic persistence and effectiveness are correlated. This study described long-term persistence among bio-naïve patients with CD and history of fistula who were initiated on ustekinumab (anti-interleukin 12/23 antibody). METHODS Adults with CD and history of intestinal fistula initiated on ustekinumab (index date) between 9/23/2016 and 3/2/2022 were selected from the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database and followed for the maximum of 24 months. Patients were bio-naïve (i.e., no claim for CD-indicated biological agents) in the 12-month baseline period before the index date. Patients with other auto-immune diseases during the baseline period were excluded. Persistence on ustekinumab was defined as the absence of gaps between days of therapy supply of >120 days (i.e., over twice the duration of the US label maintenance cycle of 8 weeks or 60 days). Composite endpoints of being persistent while on monotherapy (no immunomodulators or biologics other than ustekinumab) and persistent while corticosteroid-free (<14 consecutive days of corticosteroid supply after day 90 post-index) were also assessed. Persistence endpoints were assessed from the index date until the earliest of discontinuation (event), immunomodulator or non-index biologic use (event), corticosteroid use (event), 24 months follow-up or data end (censoring) using Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS The sample included 445 patients (mean age: 42.8 years; 56.6% female; Fig. 1). Among these, 63.1% had CD involving the small intestine, and 59.6% had CD involving the large intestine. The most common type of fistula was anal fistula (36.0%). At 24 months after ustekinumab initiation, 64.2% of patients remained persistent (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.8-71.4; Fig. 2a). Furthermore, 53.3% of patients were persistent while on monotherapy (95%CI: 45.1-60.7; Fig. 2b). Finally, 45.6% of patients were persistent while being corticosteroid-free (95%CI: 36.9-53.8; Fig. 2c). CONCLUSIONS This study quantified long-term persistence on ustekinumab among bio-naïve patients with CD and history of fistula. Over half of patients initiated on ustekinumab were persistent and persistent while on monotherapy 24 months after the treatment initiation. These findings support ustekinumab as a treatment option for long-term management of CD with history of fistula. Figure 1 Selected baseline characteristics Figure 2 (a) Persistent on ustekinumab, (b) persistent and on monotherapy, c) persistent and corticosteroid-free

Evolution and Prognosis of Digestif Fistulas in Crohn's Disease (CD) Other Than Ano-Perineal Manifestations (APM)

Background and Objectives: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. It can evaluate by the occurrence of intestinal complications in particular fistulas whose management can be medical or surgical. The objective of our work is to specify the evolutionary modalities, as well as the predictive factors of bad prognosis. Patients and Methods: this is a monocentric, descriptive and analytical retrospective study conducted in a hepato gastroenterology department including patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease, outside ano perineal fistulas from 1990 to 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS22.0 software. Results: Of a total of 960 patients, 38 had fistulizing CD. 65% of our patients were classified as A3 according to the Montreal classification, and 34% as A2. They were 24 women with a sex ratio of 1.71 F/H. The type of fistula was Greco-Greatic in 4 patients (10.5%), Greco-Colic in 5 patients (13%), Entero-Cutaneous in 12 patients (31.5%), Gastro-Colic in 3 patients (7.9%), Interdigestive and Entero-Cutaneous in 10 patients (26%), Interdigestive and Greco-Vesical in 2 patients. All our patients had benefited from a bi-antibiotic therapy, 33 had benefited from surgical resection. Postoperative treatments were based on therapeutic abstention in 5 patients (13.1%), immunosuppressive treatment in 18 patients (47%), anti TNF treatment in 7 patients (18%). The endoscopic recurrence rate 6 months after treatment was 32.5%. In univariate analysis, the factors influencing the evolution of fistulizing crohn's disease were the number of fistulas and age with p values lower than 0.05 (respectively 0.022 and 0.009). Conclusion: Digestive fistulas represent a complication during CD, which pose a problem of medical-surgical management and have an impact on the quality of life of the patients. Our study showed that age (p=0.022) and the number of fistulas (p=0.009) represent the factors influencing the natural history of fistulizing CD.

Outcome and predictors of failure of abdominal surgical repair of high vesico-vaginal and vesico-uterine fistulae at Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery

BackgroundUrogenital fistula can arise from various causes, leading to the development of diverse surgical procedures. The prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula continue to pose challenges in low-income countries.AimTo assess the outcomes and predictors of failure of surgical repair for urogenital fistulas, specifically high vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) and vesico-uterine fistula (VUF), within our context.MethodsConducted a prospective hospital-based study involving 100 female patients with urogenital fistula (95 VVF and 5 VUF) who underwent abdominal surgical repair at Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases and Surgery from 2018 to 2023. Collected data encompassing demographics, obstetric history, fistula etiologies, Swab test, cystoscopy findings, urine diversion, ureteric re-implantation, and repair outcomes.ResultsThe majority of women were aged 20–29 years (39%), illiterate (62%), and had a low socio-economic status (87%). Lack of antenatal care was noted in 77% of patients. Fistula etiologies were predominantly obstetric (70%), mainly due to spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), with the remaining 30% attributed to gynecological causes (hysterectomy). In terms of fistula characteristics, all patients had a high-level fistula, 95% had a single fistula, and 69% had a posterior wall fistula. Successful closure was achieved in 84% of cases, with 11% experiencing ureteric involvements. The analysis of failures pointed to recurrent fistulae (50%), larger fistula size (31%), and the presence of multiple fistulae (19%) as notable predictors of unsuccessful repair.ConclusionVVF was the prevalent type of urogenital fistula in our population. Risk factors included being in the third decade of life, illiteracy, low socioeconomic status, and a lack of prenatal care. Obstetric causes, particularly prolonged and obstructed labor through SVD, dominated the etiology. Surgical procedures resulted in successful closure in 84% of cases. Recurrent fistulae, larger size, and multiple occurrences emerged as predictors of surgical repair failure.

Cholecystocutaneous Fistula Associated with Edwardsiella tarda as a Result of Aggressive Lymphoma Development.

A cholecystocutaneous fistula is a type of external biliary fistula that occurs when there is an abnormal connection between the gallbladder and skin. We report the first case of a cholecystocutaneous fistula that occurred in association with the development of lymphoma in the gallbladder. A 76-year-old woman who was under observation for follicular lymphoma with a low tumor burden presented with fatigue and abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed cholecystitis associated with an abdominal subcutaneous abscess, and lymphoma transformation was confirmed by a lymph node biopsy. Edwardsiella tarda was cultured from both the abdominal subcutaneous abscess and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage, demonstrating cholecystocutaneous fistula, and open cholecystectomy revealed lymphoma cell infiltration into the gallbladder. Our case showed unique complications, and its successful management was associated with aggressive lymphoma development.

Outcomes of cutting Seton in treatment of high peri-anal fistula in Soba University and Ibrahim Malik hospitals, Khartoum, Sudan

Objective: To evaluate and understand the outcomes and efficacy of cutting Seton technique, widely used for high peri-anal fistulas. Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Soba University and Ibrahim Malik hospitals, encompassing 60 patients diagnosed with peri-anal fistulas from July to December 2022. Demographics, comorbidities, incontinence, surgical procedures, and diagnostic modalities were documented and analyzed to understand the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the cutting Seton technique. Results: Out of 60 patients, 83.3% were males and 16.7% females, with an average age of 37.5 years. The majority had discharge history (88.3%), and 40% presented with comorbidities. Park’s classification was used to categorize fistula types, revealing predominance in intersphincteric (36%) and transsphincteric (22%) locations. Cutting Seton success rate of 82%, with discharge duration averaging eight weeks and recurrence at five weeks. No significant differences in postoperative outcomes were found relative to the material used for Seton or the timing of Seton removal. Conclusion: The study affirms the efficacy of the cutting Seton method in managing high peri-anal fistulas with a high success rate and manageable recurrence. The findings necessitate tailored patient selection and underscore the importance of comorbidities and clinical characteristics in determining treatment outcomes.

Diagnosis and Minimally-Invasive Treatment of Posterior Fossa Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting Clinically as A Carotid-Cavernous Fistula

A posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula presenting clinically as a carotid-cavernous fistula is a very rare and relatively unknown situation. They present with several clinical symptoms due to abnormal or excessive blood flowing into the cavernous sinuses. Although abnormal shunts between two vascular domains near each other may be expected (as in carotid-cavernous fistulas), an abnormal shunt from a distant artery to a cavernous venous sinus would be something unusual. Endovascular treatment is now the first-line, safest and cost-effective treatment for this type of fistula. In this paper, we report a very rare situation (a spontaneous posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula presenting clinically as a carotid-cavernous fistula) that is treated with endovenous intervention and coil embolization. The importance of other cavernous sinus-related fistulas, their diagnostic features and therapeutic options will also be discussed in this paper.

Association between heart failure and arteriovenous access patency in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis

BackgroundHeart disease and chronic kidney disease are often comorbid conditions owing to shared risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension. However, the effect of congestive heart failure (CHF) on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and AV graft (AVG) patency rates is poorly understood. We hypothesize preexisting HF may diminish blood flow to the developing AVF and worsen patency. MethodsWe conducted a single-institution retrospective review of 412 patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent hemodialysis access creation from 2015 to 2021. Patients were stratified based on presence of preexisting CHF, defined as clinical symptoms plus evidence of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (<50%) or diastolic dysfunction on preoperative echocardiography. Baseline demographics, preoperative measures of cardiac function, and dialysis access-related surgical history were collected. Kaplan-Meier time-to-event analyses were performed for primary patency, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency using standard definitions for patency from the literature. We assessed differences in patency for patients with CHF vs patients without CHF, patients with a reduced vs a normal EF, and AVG vs AVF in patients with CHF. ResultsWe included 204 patients (50%) with preexisting CHF with confirmatory echocardiography. Patients with CHF were more likely to be male and have comorbidities including, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and a history of cerebrovascular accident. The groups were not significantly different in terms of prior fistula history (P = .99), body mass index (P = .74), or type of hemodialysis access created (P = .54). There was no statistically significant difference in primary patency, primary-assisted patency, or secondary patency over time in the CHF vs non-CHF group (log-rank P > .05 for all three patency measures). When stratified by preoperative left ventricular EF, patients with an EF of <50% had lower primary (38% vs 51% at 1 year), primary-assisted (76% vs 82% at 1 year), and secondary patency (86% vs 93% at 1 year) rates than those with a normal EF. Difference reached significance for secondary patency only (log-rank P = .029). AVG patency was compared against AVF patency within the CHF subgroup, with significantly lower primary-assisted (39% vs 87% at 1 year) and secondary (62% vs 95%) patency rates for AVG (P < .0001 for both). ConclusionsIn this 7-year experience of hemodialysis access creation, reduced EF is associated with lower secondary patency. Preoperative CHF (including HF with reduced EF and HF with preserved EF together) is not associated with significant differences in overall hemodialysis access patency rates over time, but patients with CHF who receive AVG have markedly worse patency than those who receive AVF. For patients with end-stage renal disease and CHF, the risks and benefits must be carefully weighed, particularly for those with low EF or lack of a suitable vein for fistula creation.

Preoperative assessment of fistula-in-ano using SonoVue enhancement during three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound.

Accurate preoperative evaluation of fistula-in-ano can guide the choice of surgical procedure and may improve healing rates. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of conventional 3D transperineal ultrasound (3D-TPUS) compared with SonoVue (SVE)-enhanced 3D-TPUS for the detection and classification of anal fistula. In this prospective study, 3D-TPUS reconstructions were performed before and after SVE enhancement in 60 patients with fistula-in-ano who intended to undergo surgery at the Department of Anorectal Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University (P. R. China) between January 2021 and October 2021. Accuracies of anal fistula classification, complexity classification, detection of anal fistula branches, and detection of internal opening between 3D-TPUS and SVE 3D-TPUS were compared based on a reference standard-intraoperative findings. This study enrolled 60 patients (mean age, 37.1 ± 11.4 years; mean follow-up, 9 ± 3 months). Intraoperative findings showed that the fistula type was intersphincteric in 23 patients (38.3%), trans-sphincteric in 35 (58.3%; 12 high and 23 low), and suprasphincteric in 2 (3.3%). Moreover, 68 internal openings were found. Compared with the accuracy of 3D-TPUS, that of SVE 3D-TPUS was similar in fistula classification [95.0% (57/60) vs 96.7% (58/60), P = 0.392], but significantly higher in internal opening evaluation [80.9% (55/68) vs 97.1% (66/68), P = 0.001], complexity classification [85.0% (51/60) vs 98.3% (59/60), P = 0.018], and detection of fistula branches [70.4% (19/27) vs 92.6% (25/27), P = 0.031]. SVE 3D-TPUS may be a useful examination for patients with perianal fistulae because of its high accuracy and consistency with intraoperative findings, especially in complex fistula-in-ano and difficult cases.

The Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness of Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula Screening in Haemodialysis Patients.

Background Ultrasound (US) monitoring of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) presents contradictory findings. These differences may be attributed to variances in the chosen surveillance strategy, the specific type of fistula being monitored, and the precise technique used for ultrasound scanning. In this study, we are trying to assess the benefits and cost-effectiveness of US scanning of AVF. Patients and methods This was a descriptive, retrospective, and observational study. The study sample consisted of patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis who had AVF for dialysis either by native vein or using prosthetic grafts. We excluded all the patients whose fistula failed to mature, failed to attend the surveillance scan at six weeks, or had absent records or incomplete data. We retrieved the data of the patients who underwent AVF creation at Glan Clwyd Hospital between April 2020 and April 2023. The data was analysed using statistical software (SPSS) version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Ninety-eight patients were studied. Stenosis 43.9% (n = 43) was the predominant complication, followed by thrombosis (15.3%;n = 15)while the remaining complications (bleeding, pseudoaneurysm) were less prominent. On the other hand, a total of 37.8% (n = 37) did not experience any complications. Primary patency ranged from 2 to 87 months with a mean of 9 ± 13.2 months SD, and secondary patency ranged from 1 to 24 months with a mean of 1.3 ± 3.9 months SD. The mean cost of a surveillance scan for AVF is 2520 USD, and the mean cost of intervention is 1332 + 1258 USD SD. Out of all the patients, 52 (53%) underwent intervention to salvage the AVF, 2 (2%) received open surgical intervention, and 50 (51%) underwent endovascular intervention. Considering the AVF failure to work, 29.6% (n = 29) had fistulas that failed to work, and 70.4% (n = 69) were still working. Conclusion Routine duplex scanning in six-month periods to diagnose failing AV fistulas is not cost-effective when compared to diagnosing failing or failed AV fistulas based on clinical symptoms.