Fistulas Of Gastrointestinal Tract Research Articles

Endoscopic Treatments in Perforation or Fistula in Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Perforations or fistulas in the gastrointestinal tract constitute serious emergencies and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Such lesions, occurring in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, may arise from noniatrogenic causes (e.g., peptic ulcers, corrosive insults, trauma, malignant tumors) and iatrogenic causes (e.g., endoscopic procedures and surgeries). A prompt diagnosis and an appropriate management strategy are crucial for early recovery before secondary complications occur that may be induced by infection and/or chemical damage from gastric acid or bile. Various endoscopy-based treatment modalities have been developed and play pivotal roles in the management of upper gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas. Through-the-scope clips, self-expanding metallic stents, over-the-scope clips, endoscopic suturing devices, and endoscopic vacuum therapy have significantly improved the success rates associated with treating these types of lesions. However, choosing the optimal modalities that lead to good patient prognoses depends on the lesion characteristics, such as its size, duration, location, and surrounding tissue condition. Thus, gastrointestinal endoscopists have to regularly master and incorporate new endoscopy-based treatment approaches for these complicated conditions.

Validation of an obstetric fistula screening questionnaire: a case\u2013control study with clinical examination

BackgroundObstetric fistula (OF) is a significant cause of maternal morbidity in lower resource settings where women experience obstructed labor without timely access to skilled obstetric care. The true prevalence of OF is unknown; however, it is estimated to affect 2 to 3.5 million women globally. The Demographic and Health Surveys’ (DHS) Fistula Module includes the OF symptom questions most frequently used for prevalence estimates, but these questions have not been validated. The aim of this study is to validate a symptom-based screening questionnaire for OF, including a question in the DHS’ Fistula Module.MethodsWith an international panel of fistula surgeons, we developed and face-validated a screening questionnaire that assessed for symptoms of lower urinary tract fistula (LUTF) and lower gastrointestinal tract fistula (LGTF), as well as urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI). We evaluated the discriminative ability of the questionnaire using a case–control study design in a 1:2:2 ratio: cases were parous women with fistula confirmed on examination, controls included parous women without fistula on examination, with and without UI symptoms. All women underwent screening for fistula symptoms and a physical examination, with examiners blinded to screening results.ResultsOf the 367 Rwandan women who completed the questionnaires and underwent clinical examination, 59 women had LUTFs and 34 had LGTFs, 274 women were classified as controls with and without symptoms of UI. All LUTF screening questions performed well, including the DHS fistula question. The combination of two LUTF screening questions had the highest sensitivity (100%; 95% CI 94%, 100%), specificity (96%; 95% CI 93%, 98%), and area under the curve (AUC) (0.98). The combination of a LGTF screening question and FI question demonstrated the highest sensitivity (97%; 95% CI 85%, 100%), specificity (98%; 95% CI 95%, 99%) and AUC (0.98).ConclusionsOur OF screening questionnaire, including the DHS fistula question, demonstrated high sensitivities, specificities, and AUC.

Validation of an Obstetric Fistula Screening Questionnaire

Background: Most experts believe that obstetric fistula (OF) remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity in lower resource settings in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa; however, the global burden of disease is unknown. We aimed to validate a symptom-based screening questionnaire for OF, including a questionin the Demographic and Health Surveys’ (DHS) Fistula Module. Methods: With an international panel of fistula surgeons, we developed and face-validated a screening questionnaire that assessed for symptoms of lower urinary tract fistula (LUTF) and lower gastrointestinal tract fistula (LGTF), as well as urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI). We evaluated the discriminative ability of the questionnaire using a case-control study design in a 1:2:2 ratio: cases were parous women with fistula confirmed on examination, controls included parous women without fistula on examination with and without UI symptoms. All women underwent screening for fistula symptoms and a physical examination, with examiners blinded to screening results. Findings: Of the 367 women who completed the questionnaires and underwent clinical examination, 59 women had LUTFs and 34 had LGTFs, 274 women were classified as controls with and without symptoms of UI. All LUTF screening questions performed well, including the DHS fistula question. The combination of two LUTF screening questions had the highest sensitivity (100%; 95% CI 94%, 100%), specificity (96%; 95% CI 93%, 98%), and AUC (0.98). The combination of a LGTF screening question and FI question demonstrated the highest sensitivity (97%; 95% CI 85%, 100%), specificity (98%; 95% CI 95%, 99%) and AUC (0.98). Interpretation: Our OF screening questionnaire, including the DHS fistula question demonstrated high sensitivities, specificities, and AUCs. Funding Statement: Maren Foundation, Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health Declaration of Interests: None of the authors have disclosures. Ethics Approval Statement: Institutional review board approval was obtained from both Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore, MD, USA) and the National Research Health Committee and the Rwanda National Ethics Committee (Kigali, Rwanda).

Case report of successful treatment of patient with high gastrointestinal fistulas with tertiary peritonitis and severe abdominal sepsis

This article is about the successful treatment of the patient with such heavy complications of a perforative duodenal ulcer as heavy abdominal sepsis, with the subsequent formation of fistulas of gastrointestinal tract. Application of the technique of «open abdomen» using vacuum assisted closure, allowed in this case to realize the principle of «sourcecontrol» and to achieve stabilization of the condition in multiple organ failure and septic shock. It is worth noting the advantage of stage reconstructive surgical interventions to this category of patients that allows to gradually improve quality of life of the patient without high operational risks of big simultaneous reconstructive operations.

Combination of hypertonic saline and fibrin glue: Another selection to treat chronic enterocutaneous fistula

Gastrointestinal tract fistula is a frequent complication of surgery or disease. In general, cases involving failure to manage fistulae after 5–6 weeks of nonoperative treatment possibly require surgery. Here, we report a case involving a chronic enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) for 24 months that was treated using hypertonic saline injection within the duodenal mucosa and use of fibrin glue as an adhesive to ensure rapid closure. This technique is a simple and effective method for treating an ECF. The procedure is easy to perform, carries minimal surgical risk, and features the advantages of reduced hospitalization or home nursing care and expenses compared with traditional therapy.

Endoscopic treatment of staple line disruption in patient with vertical banded gastroplasty using the over-the-scope-clip system (with video)

Background: scope-clip (OTSC; Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany) system is a newly designed method for the mechanical compression of large areas in the gastrointestinal tract. So far, indications for OTSC application are hemostasis of pri-mary or post-interventional bleeding, closure of iatrogenic full-thickness or covered perforations. Recently closure of gastrointestinal tract fistulas using this device has been described. Objective: In this case, we describe the successful endoscopic closure, using the OTSC system, of a gastrogastric fistula due to staple line disruption in patient with vertical banded gastroplasty. Conclusion: Endoscopic application of the OTSC device is safe and effective for the treatment of a staple line disruption.

Endoscopic Treatment of a Gastrocutaneous Fistula Using the Over-The-Scope-Clip System: A Case Report

The over-the-scope-clip (OTSC; Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany) system is a newly designed method for the mechanical compression of large areas in the gastrointestinal tract. So far, indications for OTSC application are hemostasis of primary or postinterventional bleeding, closure of iatrogenic full-thickness or covered perforations. Recently closure of gastrointestinal tract fistulas using this device has been described. A 44-year-old man developed a gastrocutaneous fistula after surgical treatment for a perforated gastric ulcer. We describe the successful endoscopic closure of the fistula using the OTSC system. The patient's clinical followup was uneventful. Fistula closure was successfully implemented as it was documented by imaging and endoscopic examinations performed on the 2nd day and 6th week after the application of the clip. Endoscopic application of the OTSC device was safe and effective for the treatment of a gastrocutaneous fistula.

Metabolic consequences of patients with gastrointestinal fistulas.

The historical highlights of the management of fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract during the past century are presented briefly, together with the significant lessons learned from the studies published in the literature. The evolution from predominantly operative or technical approaches to comprehensive multidisciplinary management of metabolic and nutritional support, which are essential to optimal fistula closure, and morbidity and mortality outcomes are discussed. The importance of achieving hemodynamic stability, fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, fistula effluent control, protection of the skin, control of infection and sepsis, and cardiopulmonary and major organ support, preferably by specially trained and motivated teams in critical care units of institutions with the interest, resources, and skills in managing the metabolic consequences of gastrointestinal fistula patients, is emphasized. The current status of the nutritional and metabolic support of patients with gastrointestinal tract fistulas is outlined and discussed briefly. The optimal metabolic and nutritional management of patients with gastrointestinal tract fistulas is an extraordinary and daunting challenge which has yet to be perfected, demonstrated, and applied universally. Much education, research, motivation, proficiency, and concerted conscientious effort will be required in order to achieve this elusive but noble goal. Some suggestions for achieving success in this endeavor are proffered, consistent with the senior author's philosophy, which has evolved during a half-century of experience and endeavor in this vital area.

Fístulas digestivas no trauma

Digestive fistulas are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, representing mayor challenges regarding diagnosis and the requiring management according physiopathologic basis, including hydroeletrolytic therapy, antibiotics, nutritional support, selected surgical handling and skin care. Most of these lesions are postoperative complications, especially in urgency and traumatic situations. Our objective is to revise important aspects regarding gastrointestinal tract fistulas secondary to trauma, emphasizing classification, physiopathology, diagnosis, complications and treatment.

Incidence and Management of Pancreatic and Enteric Fistulas After Surgical Management of Severe Necrotizing Pancreatitis

To determine the incidence, type, and outcome of complications of necrotizing pancreatitis. Major tertiary referral center (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn). Sixty-one patients seen from 1985 to 1994 who underwent surgical management of severe necrotizing pancreatitis and who developed pancreatic or gastrointestinal fistulas. Incidence, management, and outcome of pancreatic and gastrointestinal fistulas. Twenty-five patients (41%) developed pancreatic (14 patients) and/or gastrointestinal tract cutaneous (19 patients) fistulas. While three duodenal fistulas and one colonic fistula were recognized at the initial operation for pancreatic necrosectomy, the remainder developed 4 to 60 days after the initial operation. Spontaneous closure occurred in nine of 14 pancreatic, two of two gastric, two of four enteric, two of eight colonic, and four of five duodenal fistulas. Mortality of the group with fistulas was 24% (6/25) and was not different from the mortality of the patients with necrotizing pancreatitis without fistulas (28% [10/36]). Pancreatic and gastrointestinal tract fistulas are common complications of surgical treatment of severe necrotizing pancreatitis. Well-controlled gastric, pancreatic, and enteric fistulas have the greatest likelihood of spontaneous closure. Duodenal and colonic fistulas may need surgical intervention for control or repair. Mortality in these patients parallels the mortality for severe necrotizing pancreatitis.

The use of parenteral nutrition in the management of external gastrointestinal tract fistulae.

Malnutrition is common in patients with gastrointestinal tract fistula, and is an important cause of the high mortality seen with this surgical complication. A prospective review of three years' experience in the management of fistulae with parenteral nutrition was undertaken, and the results obtained were compared with those in a group of patients treated prior to the introduction of this form of therapy. The use of parenteral nutrition resulted in a reduction of the mortality from 63% to 23% in unselected cases. The mortality was zero where parenteral nutrition was used in patients under 65 years of age with non-malignant disease. With parenteral nutrition therapy, the fistulae in almost all cases closed spontaneously, in contrast with a high proportion requiring operation (20 in 38 cases) where parenteral nutrition was not used. It is concluded that all patients with significant gastrointestinal fistula should be given appropriate parenteral nutrition as their prime mode of therapy.

Management of external fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract

Twenty patients, fifteen female and five male, with external gastrointestinal tract fistulas were treated at Freedmen's Hospital from 1965 to 1970. The locations of the fistulas were the colon, seven patients; ileum, six patients; jejunum, five patients; stomach, two patients. There were no duodenal fistulas. Operative injury secondary to lysis of adhesions for intestinal obstruction was the most common cause of these fistulas. There were six deaths. The proper management of complications of fistulas, that is, sepsis, malnutrition, skin excoriation, and fluid and electrolyte imbalance, is discussed. The proper timing of operative correction is emphasized noting that, as a rule, fistulas involving the upper small intestine require early surgery whereas lower small bowel and colonic fistulas may be treated successfully by nonsurgical means.