Small Fistula Research Articles

Endoscopic management of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula with trichloroacetic acid in pediatric patients.

Surgical repair of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula has a high risk of complications. Therefore, various endoscopic techniques have been used to avoid complications. To understand the usefulness of trichloroacetic acid endoscopic application for the treatment of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. An observational, descriptive, retrospective, case-series-based study was carried out in a tertiary pediatric hospital. Records of patients with recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula from 2015 to 2021 were reviewed. All patients within this period underwent brushing and trichloroacetic acid application. Mean time of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula occurrence was 4.8 months (range: 1-19.2). Two patients had a small fistula (less than 4 mm), three patients had a medium fistula (4 mm), and two patients had a large fistula (more than 4 mm). Mean sessions for fistula closure were 2.2 (range: 1-4). Mean time between procedures was 22 days (range: 14-30). Mean follow-up since fistula closure confirmation was 33 months (range: 9-72), during which no recurrences were noted. Endoscopic management of recurrent transesophageal fistula with trichloroacetic acid is a safe and effective procedure. Brushing and trichloroacetic acid combined improve success rates. Fistulas over 4 mm in diameter require more procedures. However, a larger patient cohort and a longer follow-up period are needed to confirm this.

External Small Intestine Fistula as a Rare Complication of Total Infralevatory Pelvic Evisceration

External Small Intestine Fistula as a Rare Complication of Total Infralevatory Pelvic Evisceration

Surgical Outcomes After Treatment of Urethral Complications Following Metoidioplasty in Transgender Men

BackgroundSeveral treatment options for urethral complications following metoidioplasty in transmen are described in the literature, yet little is known with regard to the surgical outcomes. AimThe aim of this study was to analyze the surgical outcomes after treatment of urethral strictures and urethral fistulas following metoidioplasty. MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted with transmen treated for strictures and fistulas after metoidioplasty in 3 tertiary referral centers. OutcomesThe primary outcome was the recurrence-free rate after surgical treatment of urethral strictures and urethral fistulas over a time period of 3 years postoperatively. ResultsOf 96 transmen included in this study with a urethral complication, 44 (46%) experienced a urethral fistula, 31 (32%) a urethral stricture, and 21 (22%) both complications simultaneously. The recurrence-free rate for urethral strictures following endoscopic management (ie, urethral dilation or direct visual internal urethrotomy) was 61% after 1, 50% after 2, and 43% after 3 years, compared to 82% following open treatment options after 1, 2, and 3 years (P = .002). Open treatment options were Heineke-Mikulicz procedure (7/9, 78% success), excision and primary anastomosis (3/3, 100%), 2-stage without graft (9/9, 100%), pedicled flap urethroplasty (1/1, 100%), and buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (2/4 [50%] single-stage, 1/1 [100%] 2-stage). The recurrence-free rate for small urethral fistulas located at the pendulous urethra was 79% after 1, and 72% after 2 and 3 years, compared to 45% after 1, and 41% after 2 and 3 years for large fistulas, generally located at the urethral anastomoses of the fixed urethra. Treatment options for urethral fistulas were fistulectomy (26/48, 54%), fistulectomy & (redo) colpectomy (7/11, 64%), buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (1/1, 100%), and retubularization of the urethral plate (3/4, 75%). A colpectomy before or during reoperation of a urethral fistula at the proximal urethral anastomosis showed higher success rates compared to without a colpectomy (7/11 [64%] vs 2/13 [15%] respectively, P = .03). Clinical ImplicationsThis study provides insight in the treatment possibilities and corresponding outcomes of urethral complications following metoidioplasty in transmen. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths were the relatively large sample size and the overview of multiple treatment options available. Limitations were the heterogeneity of the cohort, underexposure of some surgical modalities, and absence of patient-reported outcomes. ConclusionOpen surgical techniques show better long-term outcomes in the management of urethral strictures compared to endoscopic options, and a colpectomy is beneficial before or during urethral fistula repair at the proximal urethral anastomosis.de Rooij FPW, Falcone M, Waterschoot M, et al. Surgical Outcomes After Treatment of Urethral Complications Following Metoidioplasty in Transgender Men. J Sex Med 2022;19:377–384.

Surgical Repair of Fistula Between Right Coronary Artery and Main Pulmonary Artery: Case Report

Coronary artery fistulas (CAF) are uncommon cases. They may cause myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. Treatment options are controversial and not clear. In this article we report surgical management of a case with right coronary artery fistula and concurrent coronary artery disease. A sixty-years-old male patient with stable angina symptoms admitted to our medical center. Coronary angiography examination showed a right coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula and significant right coronary artery lesion located after the fistula's origin. CAF ligated epicardially and right coronary revascularization was performed. Coronary arterial fistulas cause important hemodynamic problems. Surgical and transcatheter interventional treatments are treatment options. Therefore indications for treatment are very important for these patients. The best therapeutic strategy (surgery or transcatheter intervention) is debatable. The surgical treatment is controversial especially for asymptomatic and small fistulas. However, there is consensus that large and symptomatic fistulas should be treated. Further research is necessary to deepen these observations.

Urethrocutaneous fistula repair following hypospadias surgery using the PATIO technique for small fistulae: A single centre experience

Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) development following primary hypospadias repair is a common complication with high rates of recurrence despite attempts at repair. A novel technique for the management of these fistulae, the PATIO (preserve the tract and turn it inside out) repair, has been described and has shown encouraging outcomes in previous reports. The aim of this study was to evaluate fistula repair outcomes in patients undergoing the PATIO technique compared with standard repair. A retrospective chart-based review was performed for pediatric patients undergoing UCF repair from January 2005 to July 2018. Data including: age, follow-up, meatal location, meatal stenosis, number of fistulae and repairs, UCF location, complications, and outcomes was obtained. Cases were categorized into PATIO repair, standard repair, and PATIO repair following prior standard repair. Surgical outcome with respect to freedom from fistula recurrence was determined. In total, 586 patients underwent hypospadias surgery with 44 patients developing 52 UCF cases that required repair during the study period for a fistula rate of 8.9%. Mean age at repair was 19 months. Median follow-up time was 28 months. For PATIO repair alone, 21/26 (81%) had success. For standard repair alone, 8/18 (44%) had success and for standard repair followed by PATIO repair, 8/8 (100%) were successful. A statistically significant difference was noted for success when comparing standard repair with PATIO repair (p=0.023, p<0.05) and PATIO repair following standard repair (p=0.010, p<0.05). There was a statistically non-significant difference between PATIO repair and PATIO repair following standard repair (p=0.309, p<0.05). Failure following PATIO repair was found in cases where the procedure was early in implementation and experience was limited. UCF repair using the PATIO technique has shown encouraging results in the short-term, with a majority of patients achieving a successful outcome compared with standards techniques. As this procedure continues to be used and experience develops, a larger sample of cases will become available for analysis and longer follow-up will prove necessary in examining the long-term outcomes of this procedure. The outcomes examined have demonstrated consistency with previously reported outcomes in the literature. Limitations include small sample size, short-term follow up, and the retrospective nature of the review. The findings of this study have provided further support to the use of this technique in conventional UCF repair as a means to decrease the risk of recurrence and provide durable results in the short-term. Ongoing follow up will prove necessary to examine success in the long-term.

Coronary Artery Fistulae in Adult: Two Decades of Experience in Clinical Presentation, Angiographic Feature, and Management.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) in adults is a rare but significant coronary artery anomaly. Main data on that rare disease were mostly obtained from case reports and small studies. In presented study, we share our two-decade experience on the clinical and angiographic characteristics of CAF. The data were collected retrospectively by analyzing the angiographic data between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019. Demographic data, clinical data, laboratory, and cardiac catheterization reports were reviewed. CAFs were found in 40 patients (0.06%). There were 22 male (55%) patients. The mean age was 61.2 years. Twenty-nine patients (72.5%) had small, 4 patients (10%) had medium, and 7 patients (17.5%) had large CAFs. The majority of study population had solitary CAF ( n = 31, 77.5%). The pulmonary artery is the major side of fistula drainage ( n = 20, 50%). The study population was divided into two groups as follow: group 1-small CAFs 29 (72.5%), group 2-medium and large CAF (MLCAF) 11 (27.5%). Patients with MLCAFs had more atrial fibrillation, abnormal coronary morphology, and multiple fistulae. In patients with hemodynamically significant CAFs, 7 (17.5%) patients had surgical ligation and 3 (7.5%) patients had transcutaneous closure. Three patients died during mean follow-up period of 5 years. The incidence and the pattern of CAFs in our study were similar to previous studies. Clinical course of small fistulae was benign. Symptomatic MLCAFs need to be treated by transcatheter or surgical way and should be individualized per patient.

Changes in adult home parenteral nutrition practice over 25 years

Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) is the established treatment of intestinal failure. This study considers the changes in practice in a single UK centre over the past twenty-five years. Data was culled from a database used for clinical care and maintained prospectively. Two hundred and five patients were included from 1993 to 2018. Patient numbers increased from 22 during 1999-2003 to 158 during 2014-2018. The median age at discharge increased from 52 years during 1999-2003 to 59 years during 2014-2018. Thirty percent of patients discharged during 1999-2003 had Crohn's disease, reducing to 14% during 2014-2018. Fifteen percent of patients discharged during 1999-2003 had small bowel fistula or obstruction in comparison to 44% during 2014-2018. Only 18 patients were treated with palliative intent, the majority in recent years. An increasing number of patients required help with HPN care over the years. Survival in non-palliative patients was 85% at 1 year, 67% at 3 years, 53% at 5 years and 42% at 10 years. The majority of deaths were due to underlying disease and only 5 of 55 deaths were attributed to HPN alone. HPN dependence in non-palliative patients was 73% at 1 year, 59% at 3 years, 56% at 5 years and 43% at 10 years. Fifty eight patients stopped HPN after reconstructive surgery. Patients experienced 5.1 admissions/1000 HPN days (64.7 admission days/1000 HPN days). Admission rate did not change over the years though the percentage due to catheter problems fell from 52% to 40% while the percentage due to underlying disease or unrelated cause rose. The increase in numbers, age and dependency of HPN patients requires increasing resource and consideration of new models of service. Many patients with short bowel syndrome now survive to old age and the care needs of the HPN patient who has become elderly can be complex. A significant proportion of patients are being referred for HPN as a bridge to reconstructive surgery after surgical complication and this requires close involvement of gastrointestinal surgeons in HPN teams. The need for hospital admissions remains a burden for HPN patients and there is scope for changes in service provision to try to reduce hospital days.

The Utility of Covered Self Expanding Metal Stents in the Management of Complex Small Bowel Fistula

The Utility of Covered Self Expanding Metal Stents in the Management of Complex Small Bowel Fistula

The Novel Use of Flexible Endoscopic Techniques in the Management of Pharyngocutaneous Fistulas

AbstractPharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a complication of laryngectomies in 14 to 23% of patients. The rate of spontaneous resolution of small and low-output fistulas has been shown to be 65 to 94% in those who are radiation-naive, with a reduced rate of resolution in patients who were previously radiated as low as 33%. Two patients are presented who underwent total laryngopharyngectomy and anterolateral thigh free flap reconstruction at our institution eventually complicated with PCF. All the pertinent patient data were retrieved through chart review from the records of our institution. The cases presented had a prior history of radiation or chemoradiation complicating the spontaneous resolution of the PCF. Both patients had successful resolution of PCF with the flexible endoscopic techniques presented. This case series highlights the management of small PCFs using flexible endoscopic techniques including over-the-scope clips and Vicryl mesh plugs.

Compared With a Nasointestinal Route, Pre-operative Enteral Nutrition via a Nasogastric Tube Reduced the Incidence of Acalculous Acute Cholecystitis After Definitive Surgery for Small Intestinal Fistula

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the difference in the efficacy of pre-operative enteral nutrition (EN) via a nasogastric tube (NGT) and pre-operative EN via a nasointestinal tube (NIT) in reducing the incidence of post-operative acalculous acute cholecystitis (AAC) after definitive surgery (DS) for small intestinal fistulas.Methods: Patients with a small intestinal fistula, who had a DS for the disease between January 2015 and March 2021, were enrolled in this study. They were divided into the NIT group and the NGT group based on the pre-operative routes of feeding they received. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were analyzed, and the incidences of post-operative AAC in the two groups were evaluated.Results: A total of 200 patients were enrolled in the study, 85 in the NGT group and 115 in the NIT group. Thirty-one patients developed post-operative AAC (8 in the NGT group and 23 in the NIT group). The incidence of post-operative AAC was 15.5%. EN via the NGT route was associated with a reduction in the incidence of post-operative AAC (adjusted HR = 0.359; 95% CI: 0.139–0.931; P = 0.035).Conclusion: Pre-operative EN via the NGT may reduce the incidence of post-operative AAC in patients who received a DS for small intestinal fistulas.

Effects of different preoperative enteral nutrition feeding routes on the duration of gastrointestinal decompression after definitive surgery for small intestinal fistula.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different preoperative enteral nutrition feeding routes on the duration of gastrointestinal decompression after definitive surgery for small intestinal fistula. From January 2015 to June 2019, patients with small intestinal fistula and receiving a definitive surgery were enrolled. According to the feeding route, patients were divided into a nasointestinal tube group and a nasogastric tube group. Clinical characteristics of the two groups were analyzed, and the influence of the two route on the recovery of gastrointestinal function was evaluated. A total of 151 patients were enrolled in our study. There were 49 patients in the nasogastric tube group, and 102 patients in the nasointestinal tube group. Enteral nutrition via nasogastric feeding route had a positive effect on shortening the duration of gastrointestinal decompression (adjusted HR = 2.488, 95% CI: 1.692-3.659, P < 0.001). After propensity matching (PM), 44 patients were enrolled (22 vs 22). EN via nasogastric tube was a positive factor for getting rid of gastrointestinal decompression (adjusted HR = 3.563, 95% CI: 1.639-7.746, P = 0.001). Preoperative enteral nutrition via nasogastric route can reduce the duration of gastrointestinal decompression after definitive surgery for small intestinal fistula.

Enterocutaneous fistula; Management Challenges,Areterospective Review of 11 Patients Treated in our Institute

Enterocutaneous fistula is a local pathology and systemic disorder. OBJECTIVES: To analyze postoperative outcomes, morbidity, and mortality in patients treated for enterocutaneous fistula in our institute for past 18 months. DESIGN, SETINGS AND PATIENTS: Reterospective review of records of patients presented to Liaquat national university hospital Karachi, Pakistan between Jan 2010 to June 2011 with diagnosis of EC fistula. RESULTS: A total of eleven patients presented with diagnosis of enterocutaneous fistula in our institute in specified duration. Mean age at presentation was 33 years with amle to female ratio of 3:1.72.7 % had high output fistula and 27.2 % had low output fistula. Small bowel was involved in 72.7%, large bowel in 18.18% and 9.0% had both small and large bowel fistula.45.45% patients had single fistula while 54.55 had multiple fistula. Total length of stay varied between 22-150 days .6/11 (54.54%) had nosocomial infection, 3/11(27.27%) had bed sores.2/11(18.18%) had TPN related complications.Spontaneous closure occurred in 8/11(72.77) patients and definitive surgical closure was performed in one patient. Mortality rate was 18.8 %. CONCLUSION: Enterocutaneous fistula is a devastating outcome for both surgeons and patients, sytemetic timely multidisciplinary approach can save lives.

"Fistula Zero" Project After Total Laryngectomy: The Candiolo Cancer Institute Experience.

ObjectivesPharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a troublesome complication after total laryngectomy. The “Fistula zero” project aims to reduce the number of PCF by following a detailed protocol based on three fundamental key points.Materials and MethodsThe Fistula zero project included 77 patients who underwent total laryngectomy in the period from January 2019 to December 2020. The protocol consisted of three main aspects: the systematic placement of a Har-El salivary bypass tube, the continuous horizontal watertight pharyngeal suture using a barbed suture, onlay insetting of a pedicled flap in pre-treated patients.ResultsOne case of PCF (1.3%) and three small blind fistulas (3.9%) were observed in this series. The mean length of hospitalization was 18 days.ConclusionPharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) prolongs hospitalization and delays adjuvant treatments. Thanks to a strict adherence to the protocol, it was possible to reduce PCF rates, avoiding lengthy hospitalization and additional surgical procedures.

Application of platelet-rich plasma in rectovaginal fistulas in the patients with ulcerative colitis

BackgroundThere is a need for other than surgical methods of therapy for small and low rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as application of fibrin sealants, stem cells, biological therapy, or platelet-rich plasma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the treatment after local application of PRP in aforementioned fistulas, exclusively in the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).Patients and methodsMedical records of 13 patients with small and low-lying, active RVF in the course of UC, and after restorative proctocolectomy for UC were evaluated. Curettage of fistulous tracts was performed with the following application of PRP in all patients.ResultsComplete closure of RVF was achieved after the first injection in 4 patients, 3 women healed their fistulas following the second application, and two of them closed RVF after 3 injections. To sum up, the complete closure of RVF was achieved in 9 (69%) patients. Fistulas remained closed from 6 to 12 months.ConclusionsThe application of PRP in small, low, and recurrent IBD anal fistulas is effective, simple, and safe with an acceptable rate of healing. This therapy might also precede any further, surgical methods of treatment.

Tuberculosis as a Cause of Broncho-esophageal Fistula

We report a case of broncho-esophageal fistula associated with tuberculosis. A 29-year-old female diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis on anti-tuberculosis treatment for 2 months presented with complaints of cough on food intake with food particles present in the expectorant. Radiological examination revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple fistulous tracts in the esophagus. Small fistulae were treated by clipping and large fistulae were treated with self-expandable metallic stents which resulted in the alleviation of symptoms.

Small bowel fistula caused by ingested magnetic beads

Foreign body(FB) ingestion poses a serious challenge to children from the age of 6 months to 3 years worldwide. Most of the Foreign Bodies will spontaneously pass through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) without any serious consequences, however, a subset of the FB ingestion may cause serious life-threatening complications. Amongst the Foreign Bodies that may serious systemic issues are the button battery, long sharp objects, magnetic beads, and sharp bones. Serial abdominal x-rays and conservative management of a patient who swallowed multiple magnetic beads are not advisable because of the strong attraction from magnets that can cause entrapping of the bowel with subsequent necrosis and a bowel perforation. We present a case of unwitnessed ingestion of magnetic beads with small bowel perforation.

Carinal sleeve resection: last exit for bronchial insufficiency-a 17-year, single-centre experience.

Bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy and dehiscence of an anastomosis after sleeve lobectomy are severe complications. Several established therapeutic options are available. Conservative treatment is recommended for a small fistula without pleural infection. In patients with a bronchopleural fistula and subsequent pleural empyema, surgical management is the mainstay. Overall, the associated morbidity and mortality are high. Carinal sleeve resection is the last resort for patients with a short stump after pneumonectomy or anastomotic dehiscence after sleeve resection near the carina. All patients with bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy or sleeve resection who underwent secondary carinal sleeve resection between 2003 and 2019 in our institution were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with anastomotic dehiscence after sleeve lobectomy underwent a completion pneumonectomy. The surgical approach was an anterolateral thoracotomy; the anastomosis was covered with muscle flap, pericardial fat or omentum majus. In case of empyema, povidone-iodine-soaked towels were introduced into the cavity and changed at least twice. A total of 17 patients with an initial sleeve lobectomy in 12 patients and pneumonectomy in 5 patients were treated with carinal sleeve resection in our department. Morbidity was 64.7% and 30-day survival was 82.4% (n = 14). A total of 70.6% of the patients survived 90 days (n = 12). Median hospitalization was 17 days and the median stay in the intensive care unit was 12 days. Carinal sleeve resection is a feasible option in patients with a post-pneumonectomy fistula or anastomotic insufficiency following sleeve lobectomy in the absence of alternative therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, postoperative morbidity is high, including prolonged intensive care unit stay.

Risk Factors and Outcomes for Postoperative Ileus After Small Intestinal Fistula Excision in Patients With Diffuse Extensive Abdominal Adhesions.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative ileus (POI) after small intestinal fistula excision (SIFE) in patients with diffuse extensive abdominal adhesions.Methods: From October 2010 to December 2019, we enrolled patients who underwent SIFE and had diffuse extensive abdominal adhesions. Patients were divided into the POI group and the non-POI group according to its occurrence. We then investigated and analyzed the clinical characteristics of both groups.Result: A total of 247 patients were enrolled into the study. There were 100 patients in the POI group, and 147 patients in the non-POI group. A multi-variable logistic regression analysis revealed that blood loss during SIFE (OR = 1.001; 95% CI: 1.000–1.259; P = 0.012), postoperative lactate(OR = 1.212; 95% CI: 1.001–1.304; P = 0.015), grade V abdominal adhesions (OR = 2.518; 95% CI: 1.814–3.44; P = 0.024), and time for recovery of lactate <2 mmol/L (OR = 2.079; 95% CI: 1.599–3.616; P = 0.026) were associated with POI. Moreover, POI was also associated with prolonged postoperative stay in the hospital (HR = 3.291; 95% CI: 2.511–4.172; P = 0.014).Conclusion: Blood loss during operation, grade V abdominal adhesions, positive fluid balance within 48 h of operation, and time for recovery of lactate were the risk factors for POI after SIFE in patients with diffuse extensive abdominal adhesions.

Emergency Endovascular Treatment of Recurrent Internal Carotid Artery False Aneurysm Complicated By Carotid-Cutaneous Fistula and Life-Threatening Bleeding

Background: Carotid pseudoaneurysms can generally be the result of arterial wall degeneration developed after carotid endarterectomy, previous spontaneous carotid dissection, post-traumatic neck injuries, non-vascular procedures and, rarely, infections. The ideal surgical management of extracranial carotid artery false aneurysms is still controversial and treatment should be tailored to the aneurysm’s aetiology, anatomy and presentation. Case presentation: We describe the case of an 81-year-old man presented with an enlarged pulsatile cervical mass coupled with a small cutaneous fistula, which had developed in roughly 1 year. He had undergone several carotid operations over the last 15 years (endarterectomy, venous-patch-angioplasty for restenosis and bovine-pericardial patch-angioplasty for a pseudoaneurysm). Methods: A CT-Scan revealed a recurrent pseudoaneurysm. Due to the previous multiple cervicotomies, the aneurysm wall was very closely adjacent to the skin plane; no gas bubbles or cervical fluid collections were evident. The patient rejected treatment at first, but six months later suffered major bleeding from the fistula. Results: The pseudoaneurysm was emergency excluded with a Viabhan-Stent-graft while the external carotid artery was occluded via vascular-plug. The fistula healed spontaneously in four months. There was no pseudo-aneurysm recurrence, endoleak or any sign of graft infection at 36-month follow-up. Conclusion: We present a singular case of emergency endovascular treatment of recurrent post-surgical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm complicated by a carotid-cutaneous and life-threatening bleeding. In these cases emergency endovascular treatment via covered-stent-graft represents the most effective, definitive or “bridge” management option. Carotid sheath protection via a myo-cutaneous flap could be considered in cases of previous multiple cerivcotomies.

ROLE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE ENTEROGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSTICS OF ACTIVE CROHN’S DISEASE IN CHILDREN

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It is more common in the developed and industrialized countries, particularly in the Western Europe and North America. Up to 20–30% of patients present first symptoms during childhood or adolescence. Traditionally it is diagnosed by clinical indicates, endoscopy and histological findings. Assessment of the disease activity and location along the gastrointestinal tract are of crucial importance for diagnosis and implementation of the proper treatment. Active inflammation can manifest as mural thickening, edema, ulcerations, abscesses or fistulas. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is the most modern radiological method in depicting all of these manifestations of CD. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the value of MRE in evaluation of Crohn’s disease in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods 18 children (8 boys, 10 girls) with confirmed diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, were included in the study. Each patient underwent MR enterography with intravenous administration of a contrast agent. All studies were performed using a 1.5T scanner according to a local study protocol. Results All MRE findings were associated with small bowel inflammation. All patients showed asymmetric ileal wall thickening and edema. Edematous ileocecal valve was visible in 8 patients. In 7 cases reactive lymphadenopathy was detected (lymph nodes ≥ 10 mm in short axis). In 4 patients small intestine fistulas were found, whereas abscess was observed in another 4 patients. In contrast-enhanced images, a vivid enhancement of the affected bowel section was revealed in all patients and in 10 children inflammatory infiltration of periintestinal fat was depicted. Conclusion MRE is a reliable tool in diagnosis, evaluation of the disease activity and assessment of potential complications of Crohn’s disease. Due to the lack of ionizing radiation MRE exhibits beneficial safety profile and can be offered to patients who repeatedly require follow-up examinations, especially in pediatric patients.