Chemoradiotherapy for a patient with a giant esophageal fistula

We describe our experience of treatment for a giant esophageal malignant fistula, which has not been reported previously. A 36-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having massive esophageal small cell carcinoma with metastases was treated with chemoradiotherapy. However, a giant esophagomediastinal fistula appeared due to shrinkage of the massive tumor, and all anti-cancer treatment was suspended. However, chemoradiotherapy was restarted at the request of the patient despite the presence of the fistula. After restarting treatment, the giant esophageal fistula was naturally closed despite intensive chemoradiotherapy, and the patient became able to eat and drink. Although the patient finally died, her QOL and prognosis seemed to be improved by the chemoradiotherapy. Anti-cancer treatment could be safely performed despite the presence of a giant fistula. The giant fistula closed while intensive chemotherapy was administered to the patient. Therefore, the presence of a fistula may not be a contraindication for curative chemoradiotherapy. Completion of treatment with proper management and maintenance of patients would be of benefit to patients with fistula.     

A anorectal fistula treatment with acellular extracellular matrix： A new technique

AIM： To investigate a new technique of the anorectal fistula treatment with acellular extracellular matrix （AEM）. METHODS： Thirty patients with anorectal fistula were treated with AEM. All fistula tracts and primary openings were identified using conventional fistula probe. All tracts were curet-ted with curet and irrigated with hydrogen peroxide and metronidazole. The AEM was pulled into the fistula tract from secondary to primary opening. The material was secured at the level of the primary opening. The excess AEM was trimmed at skin level at the secondary opening. RESULTS： All of the 30 patients had successful closure of their fistula after a 7-14 d follow-up. The healing rate of anal fistula in treatment group was 100%. The ache time, healing time and anal deformation of treatment group were obviously superior to traditional surgical methods. CONCLUSION： Using AEM anal fistula plug in treatment that causes the anorectal fistula is safe and successful in 100% of patients. It can reduce pain, shorten disease course and protect anal function.     

Iatrogenic esophago-tracheal fistula:Challenges in diagnosis and management

Esophageo-tracheal fistula is a rare condition,and in most cases such fistulas are caused by malignant disease or emergency endotracheal intubation.A case where a wrapped tablet produced a fistula between the esophagus and trachea is described.The patient is a male born in 1938 who swallowed a tablet without unwrapping it.The patient was treated with selfexpanding metal stents(SEMS),but closure of the fistula was not achieved.Different examinations and treatment options are discussed.Surgical treatment for this condition has demonstrated considerable mortality and morbidity.In some cases closure of the fistula can be achieved by use of SEMS.Although we advise treatment of such cases with SEMS,in some cases treatment with stents will prove troublesome and the risk/benefit analysis will have to be reevaluated.     

Transanal approach in repairing acquired rectovestibular fistula in females

AIM:To summarize the operative experience of the transanalapproach in acquired rectovestibular fistula repair.METHODS:Ninety-six cases of acquired rectovestibularfistula in young females were analyzed retrospectively.Theetiology and operative procedure were discussed.Operativeessential points were,the patient was laid in prone frogposition,with the knees and hips flexed at 90°;the perineumwas elevated;and the anal opening was exposed.Fourstay sutures were applied to the margin of the fistularorifice in the anal opening at points 3,6,9 and 12 o'clock.A circular incision of mucosa surrounding the stay sutureswas made.The fistula was dissected from its anal opening toits vestibular opening.The wound of vestibule was sutured,and the rectoanal wound was then sutured transversely.RESULTS:All the 96 patients recovered uneventfully fromoperation with a successful rate of 93.75%.CONCLUSION:The transanal approach in the treatmentof the acquired rectovestibular fistula is a simple andfeasible technique.     

Transanal approach in repairing acquired rectovestibular fistula in females

AIM: TO summarize the operative experience of the transanal approach in acquired rectovestibular fistula repair.METHODS: Ninety-six cases of acquired rectovestibularf istula in young females were analyzed retrospectively. The etiology and operative procedure were discussed. Operative essential points were, the patient was laid in prone frog position, with the knees and hips flexed at 90~; the perineum was elevated; and the anal opening was exposed. Four stay sutures were applied to the margin of the fistular orifice in the anal opening at points 3, 6, 9 and 12 o‘clock.A circular incision of mucosa surrounding the stay sutures was made. The fistula was dissected from its anal opening to its vestibular opening. The wound of vestibule was sutured,and the rectoanal wound was then sutured transversely.RESULTS: All the 96 patients recovered uneventfully from operation with a successful rate of 93.75%.CONCLUSION: The transanal approach in the treatment of the acquired rectovestibular fistula is a simple and feasible technique.     

Development of enterohepatic fistula after embolization in ileal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)is a rare mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract that has been associated with the formation of fistulas to adjacent organs in few case reports.However,GIST with enterohepatic fistula has not been reported.Here we report the case of an enterohepatic fistula that occurred after embolization of a liver mass originating in the distal ileum.An 87-year-old woman was hospitalized for melena.On initial conventional endoscopy,a bleeding focus in the gastrointestinal tract was not found.Because of massive hematochezia,enteroscopy was performed through the anus.A protruding,ulcerative mass was found in the distal ileum that was suspected to be the source of the bleeding;a biopsy sample was taken.Electrocoagulation was not successful in controlling the bleeding;therefore,embolization was performed.After embolization,the patient developed a high fever and severe abdominal tenderness with rebound tenderness.Follow-up abdominopelvic computed tomography revealed an enterohepatic fistula between the liver and distal ileum.The fistula was treated surgically by segmental resection of the distal ileum and unlooping of the liver mass.     

Histological changes at an endosonography-guided biliary drainage site： A case report

Endosonography-guided biliary drainage （ESBD） is a new method enabling internal drainage of an obstructed bile duct. However, the histological conditions associated with fistula development via the duodenum to the bile duct have not been reported. We performed ESBD 14 d preoperatively in a patient with an ampullary carcinoma and histologically confirmed changes in and around the fistula. The female patient developed no complications relevant to ESBD. Levels of serum bilirubin and hepatobiliary enzymes declined quickly, and pancreatoduodenectomy was carried out uneventfully. The resected specimen was sliced and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histological evaluation of the puncture site in the duodenum and bile-duct wall, and the sinus tract revealed no hematoma, bile leakage, or abscess in or around the sinus tract. Little sign of granulation, fibrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Although further large-scale confirmatory studies are needed, the findings here may encourage more active use of ESBD as a substitute for percutaneous transhepatic drainage in cases with failed/difficult endoscopic biliary stenting.     

Rectal arterio-portal fistula: An unusual cause of persistent bleeding per rectum following a proximal spleno-renal shunt

Gastrointestinal arterio-venous malformations are a known cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a rare case of persistent rectal bleeding due to a rectal arterio-portal venous fistula in the setting of portal hypertension secondary to portal vein thrombosis. The portal hypertension was initially surgically treated with splenectomy and a proximal splenorenal shunt. However, rectal bleeding persisted even after surgery, presenting us with a diagnostic dilemma. The patient was re-evaluated with a computed tomography mesenteric angiogram which revealed a rectal arterio-portal fistula. Arterio-portal fistulas are a known but rare cause of portal hypertension, and possibly the underlying cause of continued rectal bleeding in this case. This was successfully treated using angiographic localizationand super-selective embolization of the rectal arterioportal venous fistula via the right internal iliac artery. The patient subsequently went on to have a full term pregnancy. Through this case report, we hope to high-light awareness of this unusual condition, discuss the diagnostic workup and our management approach.     

Pneumobilia, chronic diarrhea, vitamin K malabsorption： A pathognomonic triad for cholecystocolonic fistulas

Cholecystocolonic fistula （CF） is an uncommon type of internal biliary-enteric fistulas, which comprise rare complications of cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis, with a prevalence of about 2% of all biliary tree diseases. We report a case of a spontaneous CF in a 75-year-old diabetic male admitted to hospital for the investigation of chronic watery diarrhea and weight loss. Massive pneumobilia demonstrated on abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography, along with chronic, bile acid-induced diarrhea and a prolonged prothrombin time due to vitamin K malabsorption, led to the clinical suspicion of the fistula. Despite further investigation with barium enema and magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography, diagnosis of the fistulous tract between the gallbladder and the hepatic flexure of the colon could not be established preoperatively. Open cholecystectomy with fistula resection and exploration of the common bile duct was the preferred treatment of choice, resulting in an excellent postoperative clinical course. The incidence of biliary-enteric fistulas is expected to increase due to the parallel increase of iatrogenic interventions to the biliary tree with the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography and the increased rate of cholecystectomies performed. Taking into account that advanced imaging techniques fail to demonstrate the fistulas tract in half of the cases, and that CFs usually present with non-specific symptoms, our report could assist physicians to keep a high index of clinical suspicion for an early and valid diagnosis of a CF.     

Early Failure of Dialysis Access among the Elderly in the Era of Fistula First

Background and objectives

Recent evidence indicates that fistula maturation and patency may be compromised in the elderly dialysis population compared with younger patients. The objective of this study was to characterize the short-term outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis access in the Medicare population.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This was a retrospective cohort study performed using Medicare Part A and B claims data from 2006 through 2011. The study population included 16,464 dialysis-dependent patients age ≥66 years undergoing arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft creation. The primary outcome measure was incidence of repeat fistula/graft creation and tunneled catheter placements in the 12 months after arteriovenous fistula and graft creation.

Results

In the 12 months postindex fistula/graft, the mortality in the fistula group was 28.2% versus 29.9% in the graft group (P=0.03). A repeat fistula/graft creation was required in 26.9% of patients in the fistula group and 16.7% in the graft group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who required a tunneled hemodialysis catheter in the 12 months after an index fistula creation (fistula 28.4% versus graft 27.3%, P=0.19). In the index fistula group, 44.4% of patients required a repeat fistula/graft creation and/or a tunneled catheter, compared with 33.7% in the graft group (P<0.001). At 365 days after the index fistula/graft, the repeat fistula/graft/catheter-free survival was 39.7% in the fistula group versus 46.0% in the graft group (P<0.001). Index fistula was associated with a higher risk of loss of repeat fistula/graft/catheter-free survival with an odds ratio of 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 1.24).

Conclusions

Fistulas were associated with a somewhat lower mortality than grafts in the first 12 months after creation. However, the incidence of repeat fistula/graft creation and tunneled catheter placement is substantially higher in the first 12 months after fistula creation compared with grafts. One-year repeat fistula/graft/catheter-free survival is lower after fistula creation than grafts.     

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula and tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia.

A case of initial esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula in a female newborn, later complicated by pneumonia and a second bronchoesophageal fistula, is reported. She was treated surgically by closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula and by end-to-end esophago-esophageal anastomosis. An esophagram at 1 month of age was normal. Three months later she developed severe, persistent right lower lobe pneumonia that required intensive antibiotic therapy and respiratory support. Esophagography was repeated and revealed a second fistula between the right main-stem bronchus and the lower esophagus. The bronchoesophageal fistula was repaired, and a right lower lobectomy was performed. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated. Histologic examination indicated that the fistula was congenital in origin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a congenital bronchoesophageal fistula coexisting with a tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia.     

Colonic and peritoneal tuberculosis associated with coloduodenal fistula

We report a very rare case of tuberculous colitis that showed relatively long-segment involvement of the colon near the hepatic flexure with coloduodenal fistula that caused severe malnutrition. The formation of fistula in abdominal tuberculosis is very rare. This is the eighth reported case of abdominal tuberculosis with fistula and the first reported case with a coloduodenal fistula.     

Surgical repair of esophagobronchial fistula caused by radiation injury

We present an unusual case of a benign esophagobronchial fistula caused by radiotherapy to treat esophageal carcinoma which was closed successfully. A 62-year-old man with superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus underwent radiotherapy, including 60 Gy externally and 10 Gy intraluminally from January to March 1995. Esophagography revealed a fistula between the esophagus and left main stem bronchus on January 14, 1996. No residual cancer existed. Neither stenting with a silicone tube nor with a covered flexible metallic stent occluded the fistula. Thoracic esophagectomy, closure of the esophagobronchial fistula using a 2-cm nubbin of esophageal wall, surrounding the orifice of the fistula and antesternal gastric pull-through reconstruction with mediastinal lymphadenectomy were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and there is no evidence of recurrence of the fistula or the cancer 5 years postoperatively. Radiotherapy may cause esophagobronchial fistula even in cases of superficial esophageal cancer. Bypass surgery should be considered because stenting is not effective for benign fistula without stricture.     

Rectovaginal fistula following double-stapling anastomosis in low anterior resection for rectal cancer

The rectovaginal fistula is a rare complication after low anterior resection for rectal cancer, but its management is difficult and the result is often unsatisfactory. Herewith, we report one patient with rectovaginal fistula as a postoperative complication. Rectovaginal fistula appeared on the 23rd day after low anterior resection. Flatus and feces through the vagina were present, but the fistula was too small to be elucidated by gastrografin enema. After 22 days of fasting therapy under total parenteral nutrition, this fistula was closed. The rectovaginal fistula is very rare but is a possible complication after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Therefore, this complication must be kept in mind, and a minimal-sized fistula can be treated conservatively without a diverting colostomy or other surgical procedures.     

Noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery fistula by Doppler color flow mapping

Sixteen patients with coronary artery fistula proved by coronary angiography or surgery were studied using two-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler color flow mapping. The coronary artery fistula drained into the right atrium in 4 patients, the right ventricle in 2 and the pulmonary artery in 10. The dilated coronary artery was visualized in 7 of the 16 patients with a fistula, as compared with none of the 40 control subjects. These 7 patients included 5 of 6 patients with a fistula draining into the right atrium or right ventricle and only 2 of 10 patients with a fistula draining into the pulmonary artery. Abnormal flow signals in the dilated coronary artery were visualized with Doppler color flow mapping in five of these seven patients. Color flow imaging visualized abnormal flow signals with mosaic appearance in the pulmonary artery in eight patients, the right atrium in four and the right ventricle in two. The chamber in which abnormal signals were detected corresponded with the entry site of the fistula by angiography. Intraoperative imaging during surgical repair was needed in two cases to confirm ligation of all arteries feeding into the fistula network. In conclusion, Doppler color flow imaging is diagnostically useful to visualize shunt flows originating from the opening or exit of a coronary artery fistula. Furthermore, intraoperative use of this technique may provide confirmation of successful surgical ligation of the fistula.     

Measurements of the circulation in a patient with multiple arteriovenous connections

Observations on the circulation of a 19-year-old boy with an arteriovenous fistula in his forearm are presented. These demonstrated an increase in the cardiac output and the blood volume, an increase in the oxygen content of venous blood near the fistula, a rapid circulation time in the arm containing the fistula, a normal circulation time in the normal arm, and an increase in the volume of the arm containing the fistula. Data concerning the amount of blood flowing through the fistula are presented and discussed. The work of the heart was calculated and was found to be increased about 25 per cent by the fistula.     

Assessment and classification of fistula-in-ano in patients with Crohn's disease by hydrogen peroxide enhanced transanal ultrasound

Crohn's disease is well known for its perianal complications, among which fistulas-in-ano are the most common abnormalities. Fistulas-in-ano in Crohn's disease tend to be complex and have a high recurrence rate. Therefore the role of surgery is generally more conservative. Hydrogen peroxide enhanced transanal ultrasound has proven superior to physical examination, fistulography, computed tomography, and conventional ultrasound in demonstrating the fistula tract. This study examined the fistula tracks in patients with Crohn's disease. Forty-one patients with Crohn's disease and fistula-in-ano were investigated using physical examination, sondage of the fistula, proctoscopy and transanal ultrasound. Hydrogen peroxide was infused via a small catheter into the fistula. The main track and the ramification of the fistula were classified according to the anatomical Parks' classification. Only 9 (22%) patients had a single inter- or transsphincteric fistula. In 5 (12%) patients a single supra- or extrasphincteric fistula (high fistula) was found, in 14 (34%) more than one fistula track (ramified), and in 13 (32%) an anovaginal fistula. Thus 78% of patients had a surgically difficult to treat fistula. In the ramified fistula the main track follows the Parks' classification, but ramifications can have a bizarre pattern which is not in agreement with this classification. Optimal documentation by means of hydrogen peroxide enhanced transanal ultrasound is therefore mandatory before surgery or before other therapies such as anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment.     

Excision of a haeophilic pseudotumour of the ilium, complicated by fistulation

We report the case of a patient with a haeophilic pseudotumour of the ilium who developed chronic fistulation, 6 months after en - bloc resection. During the initial resection, the large defect in the iliac wing was filled with bone cement, which may have contributed to fistula formation. A second surgical procedure consisted of excision of the fistula and bone cement and the dead space was obliterated by bringing the gluteus medius muscle into the defect. The fistula recurred, however. Re-excision of the fistula and obliteration of the dead space by a pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap resulted in eradication of the fistula. We emphasize the importance of obliteration of dead space, resulting from large pseudotumour resection. The use of bone cement is not advocated. If a fistula does occur, a pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap may be considered.