Management Of Fistula Research Articles

Combined endoscopic management of a postoperative rectocutaneous fistula after cystectomy using modified percutaneous endofistular and transanal endoluminal vacuum therapy.

Combined endoscopic management of a postoperative rectocutaneous fistula after cystectomy using modified percutaneous endofistular and transanal endoluminal vacuum therapy.

Health-care Professionals' Perspectives on Ultrasound Evaluation of Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Fistula: A Narrative Review.

Arteriovenous hemodialysis fistulas play a critical role in maintaining life on hemodialysis. With the growing use of Doppler ultrasound in nephrology, its utility has expanded to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients receiving hemodialysis. On a fistula care team, different health-care professionals, including nephrologists, dialysis technicians, and surgeons or vascular interventionalists, require different information. This review article comprehensively explains how Doppler ultrasound evaluation can be beneficial in the management of arteriovenous fistulas from different perspectives of health-care professionals. The article also introduces the pathophysiology of arteriovenous fistula disease and provides a thorough introduction to the use of Doppler ultrasound for the evaluation of arteriovenous fistulas and their associated diseases, addressing the need for a comprehensive understanding among ultrasound practitioners.

Surgeon's point of view in vesico-vaginal fistula management.

Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are the most commonly acquired fistulas of the urinary tract. The management of VVF is mainly based on expert opinion and surgeon experience. This study aims to provide the practice patterns and outcomes of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) management in Indonesia. This study utilizes the results of a survey among the surgeons who performs VVF repair in referral hospitals throughout Indonesia between June and July of 2021. Data analysis was carried out with SPSS descriptively by displaying the relative frequency of the answers to each question of the questionnaire form. We collected responses from 93 respondents consisting of 68 urologists and 25 gynecologists. The most commonly reported cause of VVF was obstetric (50.5%). Most respondents confirmed the diagnosis of VVF by cystoscopy (81.7%). Waiting time to repair VVF was generally 12 weeks (79.6%), while the transvaginal approach repair was more often performed (77.4%). An additional procedure, such as tissue interposition was performed in 50.5% of cases. Tissue interposition was mostly indicated in recurrent VVF (81%), with omentum being the most selected tissue interposition (71%). When indicated, the most selected method of transabdominal approach was open transvesical (54,84%). A laparoscopic approach was performed only in 7.5% of cases. Overall, the success rate for VVF repair in Indonesia was 70-100% at first attempt. The transvaginal approach is preferred, either with or without an interposition tissue flap. The success rate at the first attempt is satisfactory.

Management of traumatic recurrent arteriovenous fistula of the lower extremity: Open versus endoscopic repair

Background: Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistula (TAVF) and traumatic artery aneurysms are the late complications of vascular injuries. Complications arise from neglected or undetected cases of TAVF, hence the need to promptly diagnose and manage them. Aims/Objective: this is to highlight the principles and challenges of managing traumatic recurrent AVF of the lower extremities in a low-income setting like ours. We present a 43- year man with traumatic recurrent AVF of the lower extremity, associated with chronic venous disease and ankle ulcer dating 17 years, who underwent successful treatment via open repair, in our facility, through the combined efforts of a multidisciplinary team involving vascular and plastic surgeons as well as a physiotherapist.

Combined Endovascular and Endoscopic Management of a Secondary Aortoesophageal Fistula after Open Surgical Aortic Repair in a Giant Descending Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Secondary aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is defined as a communication between the aorta and the esophagus, occurring after aortic disease treatment or esophageal procedures, associating very high mortality rates with treatment and being fatal without it. Several treatment strategies have been described in the literature, combining open surgery or endovascular aortic repair with surgical or endoscopic management of the esophageal lesion. We present the case of a 53-year-old patient with a history of open aortic surgery for a giant descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm complicated with secondary AEF, successfully managed using emergency transiliac TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair), extensive antibiotic therapy associated with nutritional replenishment, and rehabilitation therapy. Novel endovascular and endoscopic devices have been developed, offering less invasive treatment strategies with improved outcomes, especially for high risk surgical patients. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to personalized medicine to manage such complex situations.

The Efficacy of Vibhithaki Ksharasutra in the Management of Bhagandhara (Fistula In Ano) A Controlled Clinical Trail

Bhagandara (Fistula-In-Ano) is one of the Astamahagadha disease mentioned in Susrutha Samhitha, which is difficult to cure. Fistula-In-Ano is an abnormal communication between two epithelial-lined surfaces in the anorectal region. Various operative procedures (fistulectomy, etc.) often lead to complication ns like recurrence, incontinence of the anal sphincter, and other infections resulting from surgery. The Kshara Sutra is a parasurgical procedure that is found to be more effective in the management of fistulas in ano. The Apamarga Ksharasutra is widely used and is made up of Apamarga Kshara, Snuhi Kshira and Haridra. The preparation process for Apamarga Kshara can be difficult and time-consuming. If we turn to the classics, we find the reference to Vibhithaki, mentioned under Kshara Dravys, which are used to prepare Ksharasutra. Vibhitaki is cost-effective and easily available as it is a big tree. The properties of Vibhitaki are favourable to Kshara qualities The present clinical study deals with the efficacy of Vibhitaki and Apamarga Kshara Sutras in the management of Bhagandara.

Rectal Injury During Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty

ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence, management and outcomes of rectal injury (RI) and subsequent rectovaginal fistula (RVF) during gender-affirming vaginoplasty (GAV) at a high-volume transgender surgery center. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative findings of all patients with RI during GAV from January 2016-September 2022. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Microsoft Excel. ResultsRI occurred in nine of 1011 primary GAV and colorectal surgery (CRS) consulted in five cases, which included sigmoidoscopy with an air leak test in four and with temporary bowel diversion in two. Of the nine, six proceeded with full depth GAV, and three were converted to minimal depth vaginoplasty. Two had bulbospongiosus muscle interposition and none had a concomitant urethral injury. 1/9 with RI developed a RVF which occurred in a patient with prior perineal surgery and no intraoperative sigmoidoscopy. Three (50%) with full depth GAV developed vaginal stenosis postoperatively. ConclusionsRI during primary GAS in experienced hands is uncommon with an incidence of 0.89% in our series of 1011. Unusual tissue dissection planes were a risk factor. If injuries were identified intraoperatively, repaired with multilayer closure and evaluated by CRS, patients did well without the development of RVF despite completion of full depth GAV. It is reasonable to complete the full depth vagina, but patients should be advised of a significant risk of post-operative vaginal stenosis.

Three-Decade Experience With Management of Coronary Artery Fistulas in Children

BackgroundThe treatment approach for coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) is debatable, and long-term outcomes are unknown. MethodsThis was a retrospective institutional data review of children in whom echocardiographically suspected CAFs were confirmed during cardiac catheterisation from 1997 to 2023. Treatment approach and outcomes were assessed. ResultsWe identified 94 CAFs in 78 patients (42.3% male), median age 3.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.9-6.6 y). Twenty-five patients (32%) had other congenital anomalies; 41 (78.8%) of the 52 patients with isolated CAFs were asymptomatic. The most common site of CAF origin and drainage was the left system (62.8%) and right cardiac cavities (80.8%). Overall median follow-up was 101 months (IQR 41-185 mo); 23 patients (29.5%) with 35 (37.2%) small or nonshunting CAFs had conservative management, and 20 (87%) of those 23 patients had an uneventful follow-up; 8 patients (10.2%) with 9 (9.6%) complex CAFs were directly sent for surgery; 1 patient had early surgical patch failure needing surgical reintervention; 47 patients (60.3%) had catheter closure of 50 (53.2%) medium- or large-sized CAFs with the use of coils (30%), vascular plugs (20%), nitinol duct occluders (40%), or material combination (10%). Six serious complications occurred. Two of the 3 patients with unsuccessful catheter procedures had subsequent surgeries. Two of the 3 patients with mild shunts had successful redo closures. One asymptomatic patient had recanalisation after 12 years and is under watchful observation. ConclusionsCAFs have various anatomies and clinical presentations. Transcatheter closure is effective in carefully selected patients but is not complication free. Surgery is a valuable up-front option in complex CAFs or bailout of unsuccessful transcatheter closures, although it is not frequently used.

Loose Seton Technique in the Management of Complex High Anal Fistula: Enhancing Outcomes with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Complex high anal fistulas challenge treatment efforts, necessitating innovative approaches that balance healing with sphincter preservation. Methods and Results: In a prospective study at Tikrit Teaching Hospital, 39 patients with complex high anal fistulas underwent treatment with loose silicone setons, guided by preoperative MRI mapping. The efficacy of this method was evaluated through follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months, focusing on fistula healing, recurrence rates, continence preservation (assessed by the Wexner Continence Score), and patient satisfaction. Complete healing was achieved in 31 patients (79.5%), with a recurrence rate of 7.7%. There was a significant improvement in continence, with the mean Wexner score reducing from 3.5 to 1.2 (P<0.001). Moreover, 85% of patients expressed satisfaction with their treatment outcomes. Conclusion: The combined use of loose silicone setons and MRI mapping presents an effective, satisfactory method for managing complex high anal fistulas. This technique ensures high healing rates, significantly preserves sphincter function, and achieves high patient satisfaction.

Virtual Education in Urogynecology: Enhancing Understanding and Management of Pelvic Fistulas.

Pelvic fistulas affect a significant number of patients globally, with a relatively low prevalence in the United States. Virtual education offers an effective, scalable solution to bridge this educational gap and lead to a deeper understanding of more common conditions, such as urinary and fecal incontinence. We developed two virtual cases on rectovaginal and vesicovaginal/ureterovaginal fistulas to enhance medical students' exposure, knowledge, and confidence regarding assessment of pelvic fistulas. The cases could be completed in approximately 30 minutes, asynchronously, and at students' own pace. The cases were integrated into an OB/GYN clerkship. We conducted a survey among students receiving the cases to gather feedback on usability, acceptability, and educational value, which guided subsequent improvements. Forty medical students, ranging from first to third year, participated in the urogynecology elective; 21 (53%) completed the survey. Ninety-one percent agreed or strongly agreed they were satisfied with the cases. All respondents found the format easy to use and appropriate for their level of learning. Most reported the cases improved their confidence in nonsurgical and surgical management options for pelvic fistulas. Offering virtual and interactive patient cases on e-learning platforms represents an innovative approach to increasing clinical exposure to urogynecologic disorders. By providing medical students with the opportunity to interact with pelvic fistulas virtually, these cases can help bridge a gap in clinical education. Future exploration is valuable for examining knowledge deficiencies and developing cost-effective, self-paced, easily accessible educational resources to advance medical training and optimize patient care.

Direct carotid cavernous fistula treated with transvenous approach: a case report

Introduction: Carotid cavernous fistulas are uncommon vascular abnormalities marked by anomalous connections between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The authors present a case of a direct carotid cavernous fistula and its successful treatment in a 42-year-old female. Case presentation: A 42-year-old female presented with right eye painful swelling and visual disturbance. She had no known comorbidities or history of injury. Examination showed proptosis, chemosis, and orbital bruit. Carotid angiography confirmed a carotid cavernous fistula, which was managed endovascularly. The patient fully recovered after treatment. Discussion: Carotid cavernous fistula occurs spontaneously or as a result of trauma or other vascular abnormalities. Common clinical manifestations include proptosis, chemosis, and orbital bruit, with vision loss being a feared complication. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through angiography, with digital subtraction angiography being the gold standard. Endovascular treatment is usually effective, although surgical management may be necessary in certain cases. Conclusion: Carotid cavernous fistula is a rare but potentially sight-threatening neurological condition. Treatment with a transvenous approach is effective for the management of direct carotid cavernous fistula.

Endoscopic versus surgical treatment for the management of oesophageal fistula after atrial fibrillation ablation - a subanalysis of the worldwide POTTER-AF study

Abstract Background Oesophageal fistula (OF) is considered the most dreadful complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. The endoscopic and surgical treatment of OF has been proposed to improve the prognosis of these patients, but the data on the individual impact of each treatment technique are scarce. Methods The POTTER-AF study is a worldwide, multi-centre registry conducted under the auspices of the Working Group of Cardiac Electrophysiology of the German Cardiac Society (AGEP, DGK) which evaluated the incidence, management, and outcome of post-procedural OF following catheter ablation of AF [1]. A total of 553 729 patients underwent ablation procedures for AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) in 214 electrophysiological centres from 35 countries between 1996 and 2022. Of them, 138 (0.025%) patients experienced postprocedural OF and data regarding the therapeutical approach were available in 116 patients. Of them, 78 underwent surgical or interventional treatment. Herein we conducted a therapy- based analysis of the patients exhibiting OF. Purpose To assess the impact of each therapeutical approach on the prognosis of patients developing OF after AF or AT ablation. Results A total of 23 (29.5%) patients were treated using endoscopic interventions only (Endoscopy group), while 55 (70.5%) patients underwent surgical procedures (Surgery group). Of the latter, 8 (14.5%) underwent previous endoscopic treatment. The endoscopic therapy consisted of oesophageal stenting (n = 28), clipping (n = 2), or vacuum-assisted-closure therapy (n = 1). There was no difference between the Endoscopy and Surgery groups regarding the demographic characteristics and comorbidities. The energy sources used were also similar between the groups (Figure 1). There was a trend towards a higher use of an oesophageal thermal probe in the Endoscopy group (43.5% vs. 21.8%; p=0.096). The duration until symptoms onset was 10 (5.5; 18.5) days in the Endoscopy group and 18.0 (10.0; 22.0) days in the Surgery group (p=0.081), while the time to OF diagnosis was 18.0 (10.0; 26.0) days and 20.0 (15.0; 29.25) days respectively (p=0.10; Figure 2). The symptoms at presentation were similar between the two groups. Endoscopy was the diagnostic method in 45.5% of the patients in the Endoscopy group and in 16.7% in the Surgery group (p=0.017). The subsequent complications of the OF were also similar between groups. The mortality was 56.5% in the Endoscopy group and 51.9% in the Surgery group (p=0.805), while minor sequalae occurred in 8.7% patients in the former group and 16.7% in the latter (p=0.490) and major sequalae in 4.3% and 16.7% respectively (p=0.266). Conclusion There was no clinical or paraclinical parameter associated with the choice of the therapeutical approach. Patients diagnosed by means of endoscopy were more likely to undergo exclusively endoscopic interventions. The mortality, incidence of minor and major sequalae were similar between the groups.

Impact of age on the management and prognosis of oesophageal fistula after atrial fibrillation ablation - a subanalysis of the worldwide POTTER-AF study

Abstract Background Oesophageal fistula (OF) is a rare but devastating complication following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The data regarding the impact of age on the management and prognosis of OF are scarce. Methods The POTTER-AF study is a worldwide, multi-centre registry conducted under the auspices of the Working Group of Cardiac Electrophysiology of the German Cardiac Society (AGEP, DGK) which evaluated the incidence, management and outcome of post-procedural OF following catheter ablation of AF. A total of 553 729 patients underwent ablation procedures for AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) in 214 electrophysiological centres from 35 countries between 1996 and 2022. Of them, 138 (0.025%) patients experienced postprocedural OF and data regarding the management and prognosis were available in 113 patients. The median age was 63 years. Results A total of 54 (47.8%) patients experiencing OF were younger than 63 years old (Group 1), while 59 (52.2%) patients were at least 63 years old (Group 2). No difference was noted between the groups regarding the incidence of atrioesophageal fistula, oesophageal perforation, and oesophageal-pericardial fistula. Almost half of the patients in each group were females (44.4% vs. 48.3%; p=0.813). As expected, a CHA2DS2-VASc score higher than 3 was more frequent in the older population (61% vs. 17.3%; p<0.001). Regarding the comorbidities, the patients in Group 2 were more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease (25% vs. 9.8%; p=0.046) and hypertension (72.9% vs. 42.6%; p=0.001). The two populations were similar in terms of sedation type, energy source and ablation techniques used, as well as in terms of oesophageal temperature probe utilization. Interestingly, the older population had a shorter median time to symptoms onset (15 (6, 21) vs. 21 (10, 25.3) days; p=0.031). Fever, chest pain and neurological signs as first manifestations of OF showed similar incidences between the groups. When analysing the diagnostic method, the patients from Group 2 were less likely to receive a cranial computed tomography (cCT) or cranial magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) (25.9% vs. 45.3%; p=0.046). The older population was more likely to receive a direct endoscopic treatment, without surgery (27.6% vs. 11.3%; p=0.035), while there was no difference regarding the rate of surgical treatment. The conservative treatment was used in similar proportions (37.7% in Group 1 vs. 29.3% in Group 2; p=0.421). A clear trend towards a higher mortality was noted in the older population (72.9% vs. 56.6%; p=0.078). The incidence of major and minor sequalae was similar for both groups. Conclusion The median age of the OF population was 63 years. The older population had a shorter time to symptoms onset, was less likely to receive cCT/cMRI as diagnostic method and more likely to be treated by direct endoscopic treatment. The patients older than 63 years showed a trend towards a higher mortality.Time to symptoms onsetOutcome

Cutting seton is an inferior version of fistulotomy and is associated with increased morbidity in the management of anal fistulas.

Cutting seton is an inferior version of fistulotomy and is associated with increased morbidity in the management of anal fistulas.

Incidence and Management of Pharyngo Cutaneous Fistula Following Total Laryngectomy - A Single Institutional 10 Years Experience.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a common postoperative complication in patients undergoing laryngectomy. Many studies have focused on the predisposing factors and their treatment, but there is still controversy on how to identify high-risk patients.PCF is associated with delay in adjuvant treatment, prolonged hospital stay, and the requirement for additional surgical procedures. The increased incidence of post-laryngectomy PCF in the modern era of organ preservation therapy has driven considerable efforts to develop techniques to avoid and treat this complication. The study aims to analyze the incidence, predisposing factors, management, and outcome of PCF in post laryngectomy patients. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 72 patients who underwent total laryngectomy during the period from 2013 to 2022 at our institute. Details regarding age, gender, tumor site, comorbidities, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, duration of nasogastric tube feeding, the incidence of PCF and its management, and length of hospital stay. In our analysis of 72 patients, with 38 undergoing upfront laryngectomy and 34 salvage laryngectomy post-chemoradiation, we observed a 23% incidence of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula (PCF). Our univariate analysis revealed that low pre-op albumin levels and advanced stage significantly increased the risk of PCF. Specifically, PCF occurred in 16% of upfront laryngectomy patients and increased to 32% in salvage laryngectomy patients, though there was no significant association with pre-operative radiotherapy (RT).Among PCF cases, those from upfront laryngectomy had a mean onset time of 12 days, while salvage laryngectomy cases had a mean onset time of 8 days. The majority of PCF cases (64%) were managed conservatively, with 11% resolving through secondary suturing and 25% requiring surgical repair using local flaps. Notably, 80% of upfront laryngectomy PCF cases were managed conservatively, compared to 54% in salvage laryngectomy cases.The average hospitalization time for PCF patients was significantly longer at 35.6 days, compared to 12 days for non-PCF patients. Importantly, there were no fatal complications related to PCF in either group. Our study found that Pharyngocutaneous Fistula (PCF) occurs in both irradiated and non-irradiated patients, with T staging and pre-op albumin levels being significant risk factors. While PCF in non-irradiated patients can be treated conservatively, those in chemoradiation patients often require surgical intervention. Postoperative nutritional support like Feeding jejunostomy or Peg tube insertion aids in patient recovery from PCF.

Characteristics and management of post-circumcision Urethrocutaneous Fistula: a retrospective study in surgical units in Cameroon.

Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) is one of the major complications of circumcision. The risk factors associated with UCF are not clear-cut but its repair remains a challenge for urological surgeons. The aim of this study was to highlight the epidemiological, and clinical features and outcomes obtained from the management of UCF in the context of a country with limited medical resources where ritual circumcision is widely practiced. From February 2010 to December 2022, 35 patients underwent surgical repair for post-circumcision UCF in two tertiary hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon. Simple closure, Thiersch-Duplay-Snodgrass and Mathieu techniques were performed. The mean age of patients was 7.4 ± 4.1 years with a range of 2 to 21 years; the median age at circumcision was 24 months (12; 48). Most (95%) of circumcisions were performed by paramedical staff. The majority of patients (n = 26) consulted for a bifid stream, Three-quarters of fistulae were located at the corona. Small fistulae represented 74.28% (n = 26) of cases as opposed to large fistulae (25.71%). More than 70% of patients underwent a simple closure. The therapeutic results were satisfactory in 91.4% of cases (n = 32) after an average follow-up of 91.85 ± 51.92 months. There were no statistically significant differences between the patients with coronal fistula and patients with distal penile fistula concerning demographic, clinical and surgical characteristics. Urethrocutaneous fistula is a major and frequent complication of circumcision mostly practiced by non-qualified personnel on children aged 24 months. The usual presentation is micturition with a bifid stream occurring on average 3 months after circumcision. Coronal fistulas are the commoner location. Simple closure, Thiersch-Duplay-Snodgrass and Mathieu technique appear to be safe with the advantages of low recurrence rate. An accurate diagnosis with a timeframe respecting the principles of fistula surgery combined with regular follow-up is mandatory for good long-term results with a low recurrence rate. Further prospective studies on the factors affecting the formation of urethrocutaneous fistula should be performed to prevent this complication of circumcision.

Impact of gender on the management and prognosis of oesophageal fistula after atrial fibrillation ablation - a subanalysis of the worldwide POTTER-AF study

Abstract Background Oesophageal fistula (OF) is a rare but devastating complication following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The data regarding the impact of gender on the management and prognosis of OF are scarce. Methods The POTTER-AF study is a worldwide, multi-centre registry conducted under the auspices of the Working Group of Cardiac Electrophysiology of the German Cardiac Society (AGEP, DGK) which evaluated the incidence, management, and outcome of post-procedural OF following catheter ablation of AF. A total of 553 729 patients underwent ablation procedures for AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) in 214 electrophysiological centres from 35 countries between 1996 and 2022. Of them, 138 (0.025%) patients experienced postprocedural OF and data regarding the gender, management and prognosis were available in 117 patients. Herein we conducted a gender- based analysis of the patients exhibiting OF. Purpose To evaluate the impact of gender on the management and prognosis of OF. Results Females represented 47% of the study population, which is a notable finding considering that the female population represents only a minority of the patients receiving AF/AT ablation. They were less likely to have atrioesophageal fistula (90.9% vs. 100%; p=0.021). Oesophageal-pericardial fistula occurred solely in females (7.3% vs. 0%; p=0.046). Congestive heart failure was significantly less frequent in the female population (7.4% vs. 26.7%; p=0.012). No other difference was seen between genders regarding the baseline characteristics and comorbidities (Table1). The energy source, ablation technique and utilization of oesophageal temperature probes were similar for males and females. Significantly less women received proton pump inhibitors (PPI) postprocedural (64.8% vs. 84.7%; p=0.017). The median duration until onset of symptoms was 20 days for women and 16.5 days for men (p=0.14), while the median duration until OF diagnosis was 22.5 days and 19.5 days respectively (p=0.217). Significantly more women underwent echocardiography (36.4% vs. 15%; p=0.01) as diagnostic method. More women exhibited stroke (32.7% vs. 14.8%; p=0.040), while there was no significant difference regarding the incidence of septic shock, coma, cardiac arrest, cardiac tamponade, and gastro-intestinal bleeding. Significantly more women than men presented no complications other than OF (9.6% vs. 0%; p=0.026). The females were more likely to undergo endoscopic treatment (35.8% vs. 17.7%; p=0.034), but less likely to undergo direct surgical treatment, without stenting (28.3% vs. 51.6%; p=0.014) (Figure1). The mortality was 63.6% for women and 67.2% for men (p=0.70), with no difference in terms of major and minor sequelae. Conclusion Approximatively half of the patients exhibiting postprocedural OF are females. Women showed a higher rate of endoscopic treatment and a lower rate of direct surgical treatment. The survival, as well as the incidence of minor and major sequelae were similar between genders.

The Treatment and Management of Oroantral Communications and Fistulas: A Systematic Review and Network Metanalysis.

The aim of this work was to systematically review and carry out a statistical metanalysis to identify the best treatment for close oroantral communications and fistulas and to avoid the risk of recurrence. An electronic search was conducted on the MEDLINE database (Pubmed), Scopus, and Google scholar using the following keywords: "oro antral communication (OAC)" OR "oro antral fistula (OAF)" OR "antro-oral communication" OR "communication between maxillary sinus and oral cavity" OR "oro-sinusal communication" OR "oro-sinusal fistula" OR "sinus communication" OR "sinus fistula" OR "antral communication" AND "treatment" OR "management" OR "surgical treatment" OR "surgical interventions". This work was performed in accordance with the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). After article screening, 9 RCTs (randomized controlled trials), comparing two or more techniques, were included in this review. A statistically significant difference was detected in favor of the buccal fat pad compared to the buccal advancement flap and palatal rotational flap. With the limitations of this study, the buccal fat pad showed the best results in terms of communication closure and reducing the risk of relapse.

Endovascular and percutaneous embolization of a giant post traumatic arteriovenous fistula of inferior epigastric vessels

BackgroundArteriovenous fistulas involving the anterior abdominal wall can result from trauma. Such fistulas may remain asymptomatic and undetected for a prolonged duration of time. They tend to recruit multiple arterial feeders with remodelling in the feeding arteries, making them challenging to treat.Case presentationWe discuss a rare case of a 60-year-old male who presented with complaints of a progressive painless swelling in right lower abdomen. There was a history of blunt injury to abdomen at the same site during alleged road traffic accident 3 years ago. On CT angiography, an arteriovenous fistula was localised to the anterior abdominal wall arising predominantly from the right inferior epigastric artery with a giant venous sac and terminating as a tortuous single venous channel into the right external iliac vein. Few other small feeders were also seen arising from branches of right superior epigastric artery along Winslow’s pathway. The main challenge in endovascular management of this patient was embolization of a high flow shunt with a large venous sac and multiple arterial feeders. The dominant arterial feeder was embolized using vascular plug. The superficial location of the lesion offered an additional percutaneous window besides endovascular approach. The venous sac was percutaneously accessed and embolized using n-butyl cyanoacrylate after balloon occlusion of outflow vein. On follow up ultrasonographic evaluation at 3 months, near complete thrombosis of the venous sac was achieved.ConclusionsTraumatic arteriovenous fistulas involving the inferior epigastric vessels are rare clinical entities. CT angiogram and digital subtraction angiography help in the optimal diagnosis and treatment planning. The use of mechanical embolization devices to cause flow arrest offers an opportunity to use liquid embolic agents which offer better percolation within the lesion. Interventional radiology offers an ideal management of these complex high flow fistulas with a good technical success and acceptable safety profile.

Management of uretero-colonic fistulas and ureteral injuries: a comprehensive surgical and endoscopic approach

BackgroundPediatric ureteral injuries can arise from trauma or surgical procedures, and urinary-enteral fistulas, although rare, are both challenging to manage and repair. More information is needed regarding ureteral-enteral fistulas in the general population, and successful treatment options are limited. This case report introduces an innovative approach, treatment, and successful follow-up featuring a novel repair technique designed for pediatric patients.Case presentationAs a result of complicated appendicitis, a 2-year-old male developed a uretero-enteral fistula. A right ureteral-enteral fistula was detected, and because of the persistent metabolic acidosis and deteriorating malnourishment, a percutaneous nephrostomy tube was inserted with the closure of the fistula through a colonoscopy clip. Three months later, with a better patient’s condition, corrective ureteral surgery was performed with total resection of the fistulized ileocolonic segment (an anastomosis previously made because of the ileocecal valve resection secondary to appendiceal process) and total reconstruction of the urinary tract using a Boari vesical flap. The postoperative course was satisfactory.ConclusionManaging the ureteral-enteral fistulas is a surgical challenge due to their diverse etiology and presentation. An effective surgical management plan requires a comprehensive understanding of ureteral injuries and associated conditions and an examination of the patient's urological anatomy and function to tailor the best treatment for each case.