The use of negative‐pressure wound therapy to manage enteroatmospheric fistulae in two patients with large abdominal wounds

Enteric fistulae are a relatively common complication of bowel surgery or in surgery where the bowel has been exposed. Fistulae can present a significant threat to patients' well‐being. Changes in surgical techniques and in particular the rise in damage control surgery for emergency patients have led to an increase in open abdominal wounds. The presence of an enteroatmospheric fistula on the surface of a wound can cause a number of distressing symptoms/issues for the patient whilst providing a significant challenge for the clinician. The loss of fluid, proteins and electrolytes will place the patient in danger of becoming hypokalaemic and malnourished. A variety of techniques are available, most refer to a method of isolating the fistula using stoma rings or washers and ostomy paste. The role of negative pressure in the management of wounds with fistula is in its infancy; however, there is evidence to suggest that isolation techniques can be advantageous in managing wounds with fistulae.     

Extreme Small Bowel Enteroatmospheric Fistula

Small bowel enteroatmospheric fistula is a serious and devastating complication of open abdomen. We present an interesting image of a 40-year-old gentleman who developed multiple small bowel enteroatmospheric fistulae following open abdomen management for complicated intra-abdominal peritonitis.     

祛瘀生肌法促进肛瘘术后创面修复临床疗效研究

观察祛瘀生肌法促进肛瘘术后创面修复的临床疗效,为肛瘘术后创面修复寻找有效疗法。将60例肛瘘术后患者随机分为两组,每组各30例。治疗组口服生肌化恭方同时配合外用生肌散创面换药,每日2次,治疗3周;对照组单纯外用生肌散换药,每日2次,治疗3周。观察记录患者创面色泽、创面新生肉芽组织情况、创面大小、愈合率等临床指标。结果显示,生肌化瘀方配合生肌散治疗肛瘘术后创面愈合,具有改善创面色泽,促进新生肉芽生长,加快创面愈合,提高临床疗效的作用,明显优于对照组（P〈0．05）。结果表明,祛瘀生肌法是促进肛瘘术后创面愈合的有效方法。     

Effects of varying levels of subatmospheric pressure on the rate of granulation tissue formation in experimental wounds in swine.

The use of subatmospheric pressure to promote wound healing has increased in popularity during the last several years. The original studies on granulation tissue formation used a 125-mmHg vacuum. The use of alternative sources of subatmospheric pressure has led to many questions regarding efficacy or risk. In this report a swine model is used to quantify and compare the effects of low vacuum suction (25 mmHg) and high vacuum suction (500 mmHg) produced by various vacuum pumps and wall suction systems with the standard 125-mmHg vacuum. Additionally, the effects of an unregulated air leak in the sealing system were examined. All four wound treatments were examined on each of 4 pigs. Wounds were treated until one of the wounds had granulated to a level flush with the surrounding tissue. Wounds treated with the standard 125-mmHg vacuum had filled with granulation tissue by day 8. At this time wounds treated with 25 mmHg had filled 21.2% with new granulation tissue, and wounds treated with 500 mmHg had filled 5.9% with new tissue. Wounds treated with 125 mmHg with a hole in the sealing drape had increased in size 197% because of the debridement of necrotic tissue. In conclusion, wounds treated with a 125-mmHg vacuum exhibited a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the rate of granulation tissue formation compared with treatment at 25 mmHg or 500 mmHg. The presence of an unregulated air leak in the sealing drape results in significant progression (p < 0.0001) of the wound secondary to dehydration and progressive necrosis.     

Pacifying the open abdomen with concomitant intestinal fistula: a novel approach

The management of the open abdomen, particularly when complicated by the presence of intestinal fistula, remains a significant challenge of modern trauma care. Although several approaches have been proposed, these varied and complex cases defy the application of a universal approach to local therapy. Ultimately, abdominal closure is desired but is not always possible. Accordingly, surgeons must be well versed in the application of a number of useful approaches that may serve to facilitate control of fistula drainage while permitting management of the surrounding open wound. We contribute a management approach that is simplistic in design, provides for effective fistula control, and permits the subsequent unhindered granulation of the surrounding wound in abdomens not amenable to delayed closure techniques.     

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??Application of vacum-assisted closure in open abdomen with enteroatmospheric fistulae??A report of 45 cases LI Wu-han, ZHAO Yun-zhao, ZHAO Ri-sheng, et al. Research Institute of General Surgery??Clinical School of Medical College of Nanjing University; Department of General Surgery, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command of PLA??Nanjing 210002??China
Corresponding author: ZHAO Yun-zhao, E-mail??yzzhaomd@gmail.com
Abstract Objective To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of vacum-assisted closure in open abdomen with enteroatmospheric fistulae. Methods The clinical data of 45 cases of intestinal fistulae and complicated intra-abdominal infection received open abdomen from February 2012 to February 2015 in Department of General Surgery, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command of PLA were analyzed retrospectively. Comparison of the effect of vaccum-assisted closure and polypropylene patch for temporary abdomen closure. Results Application of vaccum-assisted closure in open abdomen with enteroatmospheric fistulae shorten the time from opening abdomen to skin grafting, the length of stay in ICU and hospital significantly, and increased the rate of primary fascial closure. Conclusion Vaccum-assisted closure is an effective treatment for open abdomen with enteroatmospheric fistulae.     

负压封闭引流技术辅助组织瓣修复复杂或慢性创面

目的观察负压封闭引流技术应用于术前准备阶段协助组织瓣修复复杂或慢性创面的作用。方法回顾分析近2年来用此方案治疗的8例复杂或慢性创面患者．入院时均存在不同程度的创面血运差、骨或其他深部组织外露和顽固感染,一期先行清创手术后使用VSD持续负压吸引创面治疗,待创面新鲜无感染、肉芽丰富后,二期行组织瓣（包括带蒂组织瓣和游离组织瓣）移植覆盖创面。结果应用VSD技术可有效控制创面感染,促进肉芽组织生长。移植皮瓣全部成活,随访3-16个月,无慢性感染、溃疡和窦道存在,效果满意。结论术前正确应用VSD技术,可使创面准备相对简便和快捷．可有效地协助组织瓣修复复杂或慢性创面．值得临床推广和进一步深入研究。     

Bacteriology of anal fistulae.

Anal fistulae are said to arise from cryptoglandular infection of the anal glands, which lie within the intersphincteric space. The type and virulence of the micro-organism responsible may determine whether an anal fistula develops. The microbiology of chronic anal fistulae has not been reported previously. Twenty-five consecutive anal fistulae were studied prospectively (eight intersphincteric fistulae, 12 trans-sphincteric fistulae, two suprasphincteric fistulae, one extrasphincteric fistula, one superficial fistula, one anovaginal fistula). There were 18 men and seven women, with a median age of 42 (range 22-71) years. Patients with Crohn's disease or acute anorectal suppuration were excluded. In 18 patients, 0.1 ml granulation tissue from the track of the fistula was obtained and processed within 4 h using standard microbiological techniques. Sixty-nine isolates representing at least 17 species were obtained. The predominant organisms were Escherichia coli (22 per cent), Enterococcus spp. (16 per cent) and Bacteroides fragilis (20 per cent). The majority of the growths were obtained only from enrichment. Bacteria from only one patient grew at a dilution of 10(3). Granulation tissue from 25 patients was processed for mycobacterial culture, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was grown from one patient. No other mycobacterium was isolated. The chronic inflammation in anal fistulae does not seem to be maintained by either excessive numbers of organisms or organisms of an unusual type.     

Staged management of the open abdomen and enteroatmospheric fistulae using split-thickness skin grafts

Background

Management of the open abdomen with polyglactin 910 mesh followed by split-thickness skin grafts allows safe, early closure of abdominal wounds. This technique can be modified to manage enteroatmospheric fistulae. Staged ventral hernia is performed in a less inflamed surgical field.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 59 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal skin grafting for open abdominal wounds from 2001 to 2011.

Results

The median length of follow-up was 215 days. Thirty-one percent of patients presented with preexisting enteroatmospheric fistulae, and 41% required polyglactin 910 mesh placement before skin grafting. Partial or complete skin graft failure occurred in 7 patients. Four patients required repeat skin grafting. All patients ultimately achieved abdominal wound closure, and none developed de novo fistulae.

Conclusions

With proper technique, skin grafting of the open abdomen with a planned ventral hernia repair is a safe and effective alternative to delayed primary closure.     

负压辅助临时关腹技术用于腹腔开放合并肠空气瘘临床价值研究（附45例报告）

目的 研究腹腔开放合并肠空气瘘时应用负压辅助关腹（VAC）技术的可行性和对腹腔开放预后的影响。 方法 回顾性分析2012年2月至2015年2月南京军区南京总医院普通外科肠瘘治疗中心收治的45例肠瘘导致严重腹腔感染行腹腔开放治疗病人的临床资料。比较采用负压辅助关腹VAC和聚丙烯补片PPM关腹的治疗效果。结果 腹腔开放合并肠空气瘘时应用VAC技术可以明显缩短从腹腔开放到创面植皮的时间、ICU治疗时间和总住院时间,提高远期筋膜关腹率。结论 VAC技术是腹腔开放合并肠空气瘘的有效处理方式。     

新型湿性敷料在高位肛瘘术后创面中的应用

为探讨新型湿性敷料联合应用对促进高位肛瘘术后创面愈合的疗效,将35例高位肛瘘手术患者随机分为治疗组（新型湿性敷料）和对照组（传统方法）,进行创面愈合疗效的比较。结果显示,治疗组在减轻创面疼痛、渗出及创面愈合率方面均明显优于对照组（P〈0．01）。结果表明,新型湿性敷料联合应用在肛瘘术后的创面,能较好地控制局部感染,促进肉芽组织增生,加速上皮生长,并能缩短创面愈合时间,具有临床应用价值。     

Successful closure of intestinal fistulae in an infant using the somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995

Enterocutaneous and other gastrointestinal fistulae create tough challenges with respect to wound care, nutrition, and strategy for closure. SMS 201-995 is a long-acting somatostatin analogue that has been effective in the treatment of adult enteric fistulae. The use of SMS 201-995 as an adjunct in the successful closure of intestinal fistulae in an infant is reported. This newborn infant developed a high-output enterocutaneous fistula and multiple enteroenteric fistulae after an intestinal resection for necrotizing enterocolitis. Copious fistulae output led to extensive wound breakdown, dehydration, and failure to thrive. Despite traditional management with bowel rest, total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and wound care, the high-output fistulae persisted unabated. On postoperative day 12, SMS 201-995 was started at 0.7 microgram/kg subcutaneously twice daily and gradually increased to 2.5 micrograms/kg. Within 2 days of SMS 201-995 therapy, the fistulae drainage had decreased from 62 mL/kg/d to 36 mL/kg/d, a 42% decrease from pretreatment levels. By day 8 of treatment, all fistulae had closed. After 14 days of treatment, the wound had healed and the infant was gaining weight. An upper gastrointestinal examination showed a patent ileostomy and no fistulae. Feeding was initiated, SMS 201-995 was discontinued without significant ileostomy output increase, and successful ileostomy closure took place 4 weeks posttreatment. Furthermore, the infant had no demonstrable side effects from the drug. Use of this drug should be considered in the treatment of other infants with complex, recalcitrant gastrointestinal fistulae.     

How to isolate a high output enteroatmospheric fistula in the open abdomen with negative pressure therapy: an institution's step by step guide to the VAC donut

There is multiple evidence to suggest that isolation techniques of high output enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAF) in open abdomens can be advantageous in controlling fistula effluent while allowing time for abdominal wall to granulate. The large loss of proteins, electrolytes and fluid, and the distressing nature of the open abdomen for both patients and doctors, make managing these EAFs a clinical challenge. We present our experience with a high output mucosal protruding EAF and the creation of a ‘VAC donut’ allowing a successful diversion of the enteric content whilst promoting granulation of the tissue bed.     

Soft Tissue Management in Open Fractures of the Lower Leg: The Role of Vacuum Therapy

Abstract   The management of severe open fractures of the lower leg continues to challenge the treating surgeon. Major difficulties include high infection rates as well as adequate temporary soft tissue coverage. In the past, these injuries were commonly associated with loss of the extremity. Today, vacuum therapy provides not only safe temporary wound coverage but also conditioning of the soft tissues until definitive wound closure. Amongst other advantages, bacterial clearance and increased formation of granulation tissue are attributed to vacuum therapy, making it an extremely attractive tool in the field of wound healing. However, despite its clinical significance, which is underlined by a constantly increasing range of indications, there is a substantial lack of basic research and well-designed studies documenting the superiority of vacuum therapy compared to alternative wound dressings. Vacuum therapy has been approved as an adjunct in the treatment of severe open fractures of the lower leg, complementing repeated surgical debridement and soft tissue coverage by microvascular flaps, which are still crucial in the treatment of these limb-threatening injuries. Vacuum therapy has in general proven useful in the management of soft tissue injuries and, since it is generally well tolerated and has low complication rates, it is fast becoming the gold standard for temporary wound coverage in the treatment of severe open fractures of the lower leg.     

Tube loop (seton) drainage treatment of recurrent extrasphincteric perianal fistulae

Tube loop seton drainage treatment of multiply recurring high-spreading extrasphincteric perianal fistulae in 19 patients is reported in this study. The drainage loop setons make possible the rinsing of the wound following fistulectomy and also the bidirectional drainage of the wound discharge. Strangulation of the wound and an early closure of the fistula and hence the development of recurrence is prevented by means of controlled formation of scarred tissue. The sphincteral musculature of the anus is also protected from damage. Thirty-five recurring fistulae of 19 patients included in the present study were treated successfully by this method. Two fistula recurred. None of these patients developed incontinence. The use of tube loop setons was found to have advantages over the pull-out method in cases of high-spreading multiply recurring extrasphincteric or suprasphincteric perianal fistulae.     

Endoscopic sealing of infected bronchus stump fistulae with fibrin following lung resections

Summary Bronchus stump insufficiency following lung resection, with an average incidence of 4%, is a serious complication which carries a mortality of up to 90%. Operative transthoracic approaches have been largely unsatisfactory because of the high operative risk and rapidly spreading infection. In an experimental study on 18 pigs, endoscopic occlusion of infected bronchus stump fistulae was achieved with fibrin sealant (1 ml, 500 units/ml thrombin, 3500 units/ml aprotinin) applied via a flexible bronchoscope. During autopsy, all bronchus stump fistulae were found to have healed after the second postoperative week. Transitory local abscesses of the pleura could be prevented by high-dose systemic antibiotic therapy for 5 postoperative days but not by antibiotics added to the fibrin sealant. This endoscopic method has already been performed successfully in 3 clinical cases; additional sclerotherapy with (2–3 ml Ethoxysclerol applied around the fistula orifice was carried out before fibrin sealing to stimulate fibrosis. Endoscopic controls demonstrated fistula closure by granulation tissue after 2 weeks. This procedure could become the method of choice for infected postoperative fistulae of the bronchus stump and should be attempted in any case before operative approaches are considered.     

Preclinical assessment of novel longer-duration wear negative pressure wound therapy dressing in a porcine model

While reticulated open cell foam (ROCF) is a well-established dressing for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), there is the known potential for granulation tissue ingrowth if left in place for longer than 72 h. This may cause wound bed disruption, bleeding, and pain upon dressing removal. In addition, any retained foam fragments may elicit an adverse tissue reaction. A novel, easy to use dressing designed to utilise the advantages of ROCF while addressing its challenges has recently been created. This 7 day study investigated the utility of a novel NPWT dressing under longer-duration wear circumstances while assessing the prevalence of tissue ingrowth and ease of dressing removal in full-thickness excisional wounds utilising a porcine model. Histopathology and morphometry evaluations indicated thicker granulation tissue with, depending on the parameters assessed, either comparable or better tissue quality for wounds treated with the novel dressing. Greater re-epithelialization levels were also evident compared with ROCF. Three-dimensional imaging analysis indicated faster wound fill with a corresponding decrease in wound area with the novel dressing. Furthermore, tissue ingrowth was limited to only ROCF-treated wounds, which was not unexpected in this longer-duration wear study. The force required to remove the novel dressing was considerably lower compared with ROCF, correlating to the tissue ingrowth results. Results of this study illustrate that the novel dressing provided more favourable wound healing results compared with traditional ROCF. In addition, reduction in the risk of tissue ingrowth and low dressing peel force may allow it to be used as a longer-wear dressing.     

Evaluation of vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of poststernotomy mediastinitis

OBJECTIVE: Poststernotomy mediastinitis, although infrequent, is a potentially life-threatening complication of cardiac surgery that continues to have a significant morbidity and mortality despite aggressive therapy. Vacuum-assisted closure uses controlled suction to provide evacuation of wound fluid, decrease bacterial colonization, stimulate granulation tissue, and reduce the need for dressing changes. METHODS: One hundred two patients from Duke University Hospital, The Durham Veterans Administration Hospital, and referring institutions underwent vacuum-assisted closure treatment. There were 63 men and 39 women, with a mean age of 67. The infection was noticed between postoperative days 8 and 34, at which time the wounds were opened and debrided. RESULTS: Ninety-six of the 102 patients received vacuum-assisted therapy while the remaining 6 underwent daily multiple dressing changes without vacuum-assisted therapy. Fifty-three of the 96 patients required only sternal debridement, followed by wound vacuum therapy and closure by secondary intention, while the remaining 43 had an additional procedure. Of these, 33 patients underwent omental transposition and 10 patients had a pectoralis flap. The length of stay for all patients was 27 +/- 12 days. This was related in part to intravenous antibiotics. Hospital mortality for all patients was 3.7% (4 patients). Two of these patients underwent vascular flap and succumbed to multisystemic organ failure, while the other 2 received only wound vacuum therapy following debridement and succumbed to overwhelming sepsis. CONCLUSION: Vacuum-assisted drainage is an effective therapy for mediastinitis following debridement or before placement of a vascularized tissue flap.     

两种手术方式治疗高位肛瘘疗效的比较

目的探讨治疗高位肛瘘较为可靠有效的手术方式。方法对2002年1月至2004年1月收治的117例高位肛瘘患者分别用肛门外瘘管切除缝合加肛管内主管挂线法(切除组,62例)和肛门外瘘管旷置加肛管内主管挂线法(旷置组,55例)治疗;对两组患者的治愈时间、复发情况进行对照分析。结果切除组高位单纯肛瘘37例,高位复杂肛瘘25例;旷置组高位单纯肛瘘39例,高位复杂肛瘘16例。切除组患者的治愈时间为15-20(17±2)d,随访半年以上无复发病例。旷置组患者的治愈时间25-55(35±8)d,6例(10.9%)复发脓肿性肛瘘,其中1例(2.6%)术前诊断为高位单纯性肛瘘,5例(31.3%)为高位复杂性肛瘘。对于治疗高位复杂性肛瘘的疗效,两种方法比较,χ2=6.23,P=0.013;两组总体疗效比较,χ2=5.06,P=0.024;差异均具有统计学意义。结论肛门外瘘管切除缝合加肛管内主管挂线法用于高位复杂性肛瘘的治疗可获得较好的效果。