Successful treatment of enteroatmospheric fistulas in combination with negative pressure wound therapy: Experience on 3 cases and literature review

Enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAF) are rare but challenging and morbid complications of abdominal surgery and require time‐ as well as resource‐consuming management. Furthermore, they severely affect patients' quality of life. Several treatment modalities for EAF management are described in the literature. We describe 3 consecutive cases of EAF treatment by employing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) along with either a special silicone fistula adapter or a Silo‐Vac‐like system in another case to isolate the fistula from the remaining abdominal wound. Spontaneous fistula closure was achieved in 2 of the 3 cases, and surgical resection of the small bowel segment harbouring EAF opening was possible in a third case after wound conditioning. The rate of fistula closure was 100% (n = 3/3). Compartmentalisation of the contaminated area using NPWT accelerated healing of the open abdominal wound remarkably. In summary, we present a useful tool for the challenging management of EAF and review the literature on different treatment options of EAF available today.     

Management of enteroatmospheric fistula with negative pressure wound therapy in open abdomen treatment: a multicentre observational study

The management of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in open abdomen (OA) therapy is challenging and associated with a high mortality rate. The introduction of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in open abdomen management significantly improved the healing process and increased spontaneous fistula closure. Retrospectively, we analysed 16 patients with a total of 31 enteroatmospheric fistulas in open abdomen management who were treated using NPWT in four referral centres between 2004 and 2014. EAFs were diagnosed based on clinical examination and confirmed with imaging studies and classified into low (<200 ml/day), moderate (200–500 ml/day) and high (>500 ml/day) output fistulas. The study group consisted of five women and 11 men with the mean age of 52·6 years [standard deviation (SD) 11·9]. Since open abdomen management was implemented, the mean number of re‐surgeries was 3·7 (SD 2·2). There were 24 EAFs located in the small bowel, while four were located in the colon. In three patients, EAF occurred at the anastomotic site. Thirteen fistulas were classified as low output (41·9%), two as moderate (6·5%) and 16 as high output fistulas (51·6%). The overall closure rate was 61·3%, with a mean time of 46·7 days (SD 43·4). In the remaining patients in whom fistula closure was not achieved (n = 12), a protruding mucosa was present. Analysing the cycle of negative pressure therapy, we surprisingly found that the spontaneous closure rate was 70% (7 of 10 EAFs) using intermittent setting of negative pressure, whereas in the group of patients treated with continuous pressure, 57% of EAFs closed spontaneously (12 of 21 EAFs). The mean number of NPWT dressing was 9 (SD 3·3; range 4–16). In two patients, we observed new fistulas that appeared during NPWT. Three patients died during therapy as a result of multi‐organ failure. NPWT is a safe and efficient method characterised by a high spontaneous closure rate. However, in patients with mucosal protrusion of the EAFs, spontaneous closure appears to be impossible to achieve.     

Treatment of small-bowel fistulae in the open abdomen with topical negative-pressure therapy

Background

An open abdomen (OA) can result from surgical management of trauma, severe peritonitis, abdominal compartment syndrome, and other abdominal emergencies. Enteroatmospheric fistulae (EAF) occur in 25% of patients with an OA and are associated with high mortality.

Methods

We report our experience with topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy in the management of EAF in an OA using the VAC (vacuum asisted closure) device (KCI Medical, San Antonio, TX). Nine patients with 17 EAF in an OA were treated with topical TNP therapy from January 2006 to January 2009. Surgery with enterectomy and abdominal closure was planned 6 to 10 weeks later.

Results

Three EAF closed spontaneously. The median time from the onset of fistulization to elective surgical management was 51 days. No additional fistulae occurred during VAC therapy. One patient with a short bowel died as a result of persistent leakage after surgery.

Conclusions

Although previously considered a contraindication to TNP therapy, EAF can be managed successfully with TNP therapy. Surgical closure of EAFs is possible after several weeks.     

Management of fistula of ileal conduit in open abdomen by intra-condoit negative pressure system

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to present the management of a patient with fistula of ileal conduit in open abdomen by intra-condoid negative pressure in conjunction with VAC Therapy and dynamic wound closure system (ABRA).

PRESENTATION OF CASE

65-Year old man with bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit operation. Fistula from uretero-ileostomy anastomosis and ileus occurred. The APACHE II score was 23, Mannheim peritoneal index score was 38 and Björck score was 3. The patient was referred to our clinic with ileus, open abdomen and fistula of ileal conduit. Patient was treated with intra-conduid negative pressure, abdominal VAC therapy and ABRA.

DISCUSSION

Management of urine fistula like EAF in the OA may be extremely challenging. Especially three different treatment modalities of EAF are established in recent literature. They are isolation of the enteric effluent from OA, sealing of EAF with fibrin glue or skin flep and resection of intestine including EAF and re-anastomosis. None of these systems were convenient to our case, since urinary fistula was deeply situated in this patient with generalized peritonitis and ileus.

CONCLUSION

Application of intra-conduid negative pressure in conjunction with VAC therapy and ABRA is life saving strategies to manage open abdomen with fistula of ileal conduit.     

When the bowel meets the bladder: Optimal management of colorectal pathology with urological involvement

Fistulae between the gastrointestinal and urinary systems are rare but becoming increasingly more common in current surgical practice. They are a heterogeneous group of pathological entities that are uncommon complications of both benign and malignant processes. As the incidence of complicated diverticular disease and colorectal malignancy increases, so too does the extent of fistulous connections between the gastrointestinal and urinary systems. These complex problems will be more common as a factor of an aging population with increased life expectancy. Diverticular disease is the most commonly encountered aetiology, accounting for up to 80% of cases, followed by colorectal malignancy in up to 20%. A high index of suspicion is required in order to make the diagnosis, with ever improving imaging techniques playing an important role in the diagnostic algorithm. Management strategies vary, with most surgeons now advocating for a single-stage approach to enterovesical fistulae, particularly in the elective setting. Concomitant bladder management techniques are also disputed. Traditionally, open techniques were the standard; however, increased experience and advances in surgical technology have contributed to refined and improved laparoscopic management. Unfortunately, due to the relative rarity of these entities, no randomised studies have been performed to ascertain the most appropriate management strategy. Rectourinary fistulae have dramatically increased in incidence with advances in the non-operative management of prostate cancer. With radiotherapy being a major contributing factor in the development of these complex fistulae, optimum surgical approach and exposure has changed accordingly to optimise their management. Conservative management in the form of diversion therapy is effective in temporising the situation and allowing for the diversion of faecal contents if there is associated soiling, macerated tissues or associated co-morbidities. One may plan for definitive surgical intervention at a later stage. Less contaminated cases with no fibrosis may proceed directly to definitive surgery if the appropriate expertise is available. An abdominal approach with direct repair and omentum interposition between the repaired tissues has been well described. In low lying fistulae, a transperineal approach with the patient in a prone-jack knife position provides optimum exposure and allows for the use of interposition muscle grafts. According to recent literature, it offers a high success rate in complex cases.     

人体生物敷料在腹腔开放治疗中的临床疗效

目的 探讨人体生物敷料（灭活的同种异体皮肤）作为腹腔开放临时覆盖物的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2011年1月至2014年1月南京军区南京总医院收治的44例因外伤行腹腔开放治疗患者的临床资料.所有患者腹腔开放后以改良三明治法作为临时关腹技术.2011年1月至2012年12月共33例行腹腔开放治疗患者采用凡士林纱布为腹腔临时覆盖物,设为凡士林纱布组（33例）;2013年1月至2014年1月共11例行腹腔开放治疗患者采用人体生物敷料为腹腔临时覆盖物,设为人体生物敷料组（11例）.采用门诊和电话随访,随访时间截至2014年10月.比较两组患者肠道空气瘘发生率、植皮时间、术前和术后2周内血液感染学指标（WBC、中性粒细胞所占比例、降钙素原及C反应蛋白）,住院时间、住院费用以及总体预后.计量资料比较采用独立样本t检验和重复测量方差分析;率或构成比的比较采用Fisher确切概率法.结果 凡士林纱布组患者中,肠道空气瘘发生率为42.4％（14/33）,人体生物敷料组患者中无一例出现肠道空气瘘,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.凡士林纱布组植皮时间为（15±6）d,人体生物敷料组为（11±3）d,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（t =2.10,P＜0.05）.凡士林纱布组患者术前、术后第1、3、7、14天降钙素原分别为（1.20±0.60） μg/L、（2.50±0.90） μg/L、（1.70±0.30） μg/L,（1.90±0.40） μg/L、（2.70±0.60）μg/L,显著高于人体生物敷料组的（0.90 ±0.30） μg/L、（1.80±0.60） μg/L、（1.30 ±0.50） μg/L、（0.60±0.20） μg/L、（0.30±0.07） μg/L,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（F=8.50,P＜0.05）;两组患者WBC、中性粒细胞所占比例和C反应蛋白分别由术前的（13.8±2.4）×10^9/L和（12.9±2.1）×10^9/L、0.90±0.09和0.88 ±0.06、（81±19） mg/L和（136±28） mg/L变化为术后第14天的（16.2±3.3）×10^9/L和（7.9±3.0）×10^9/L?     

Open abdomen and entero-atmospheric fistulae: An interim analysis from the International Register of Open Abdomen (IROA)

Introduction

No definitive data describing associations between cases of Open Abdomen (OA) and Entero-atmospheric fistulae (EAF) exist. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the Panamerican Trauma Society (PTS) thus analyzed the International Register of Open Abdomen (IROA) to assess this question.

Metabolic and Nutritional Support of the Enterocutaneous Fistula Patient: A Three-Phase Approach

Background  

The care and outcome of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) have improved greatly over several decades due to revolutionary advances in nutrition, along with dramatic improvements in the treatment of sepsis and the critically ill. However, as the collective experience with damage control surgery has matured, the frequent development of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in the “open abdomen” patient has emerged as an even more vexing problem. Despite our best efforts, ECF and especially EAF continue to be highly morbid conditions, and sepsis and malnutrition remain the leading causes of death. Aggressive nutritional and metabolic support is the most significant predictor of outcome with ECF and EAF.     

内口接力高位变低位肛瘘术治疗高位复杂性肛瘘临床分析

为探讨内口接力高位变低位肛瘘术在治疗高位复杂性肛瘘方面的临床应用效果,将69例高位复杂性肛瘘患者分为治疗组35例与对照组34例,治疗组患者采用内口接力高位变低位肛瘘术治疗,对照组患者采用传统切开挂线术治疗。结果显示,两组患者在创面大小、瘢痕面积、肛门失禁、肛门畸形等方面治疗组优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。结果表明,与传统治疗方法比较,内口接力高位变低位肛瘘术在治疗高位复杂性肛瘘方面具有较好的临床疗效。     

Endovascular treatment for secondary aortoduodenal fistula

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is an uncommon condition, but carries high mortality, with increasing incidence. Conventional treatment of AEF by open debridement and bypass grafting has high mortality and morbidity rates. In the present study, we report on a patient with a history of open repair of impending ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, who presented with aortoduodenal fistula 9 years after the index operation. The patient was treated with endovascular stenting and recovered well afterwards. We also reviewed previous reports on the use of endovascular stents for the treatment of secondary AEF.     

开放式瘘管全剔除术治疗高位肛瘘的临床疗效

为探讨开放式瘘管全剔除术治疗高位肛瘘的临床疗效,证实瘘管盲端处理不到位也是高位肛瘘复发的原因,回顾2011年6月至2013年6月我科采用开放式瘘管全剔除术（31例,治疗组）或切开挂线术（40例,对照组）治疗的高位肛瘘患者资料,并就术后复发情况进行对比分析。结果显示,治疗组中1例患者切除的瘘管组织病理切片发现已经恶变,为黏液腺癌。其余均随访6个月以上,治疗组复发1例（1／30,3．3％）,对照组复发5例（5／40,12．5％）,两组比较差异有统计学意义,P〈0．05。结果表明,开放式瘘管全剔除术治疗高位肛瘘疗效优于切开挂线术,进一步说明瘘管盲端处理不到位也是高位肛瘘术后复发的原因。     

Operative Management of Enteroatmospheric Fistula in Björck 4 Open Abdomen Patients by the Help of Laparoscopic Lateral Approach

As the open abdomen (OA) management increases, the number of fistula formation has also been increasing during the last two decades. These fistulas in OA have been defined as enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF). EAF occurring in a frozen OA is classified as Björck 4 OA. Management of Björck 4 OA patient is not easy and mortality of these patients is very high in spite of the presence of modern treatment modalities. There are a few surgical approaches for treatment of Björck 4 OA patients. One of them is excising the hostile segment by lateral abdominal approach from the healthy side or entering from lateral border of OA wound after enough time intervals for subsiding of the edematous intestine in acute inflammatory reaction in the hostile environment. In this case, we present a newly developed surgical technique, called laparoscopic lateral approach which was applied to Björck 4 OA patient for excising hostile intestinal segment and management of the abdominal wall defect.     

Use of jet ventilation in thoracoscopic tracheo‐esophageal fistula repair—can both surgeons and anesthesiologists be happy?

Laparoscopic and open thoracic surgery in the neonate typically results in hypercapnea and low cardiac output with often poor surgical visualization as the anesthesiologist attempts to correct the respiratory derangements usually seen. We describe three cases in which jet ventilation provided not only superior ventilation with a return to normocapnea but also ideal operating conditions. In addition, jet ventilation utilizes lower mean airway pressures which typically results in improved cardiac output.     

Arteriovenous access fistulae diminish cardiac reserve, anaerobic threshold and work capacity: A case for fistula closure in stable renal transplant recipients

Summary: A patent arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in stable renal transplant recipients may be viewed as 'insurance' against late graft failure and a return to haemodialysis. A patent AVF may, however, exert significant chronic demands on cardiac output (CO) which may in turn adversely affect the prognosis of patients already at risk of cardiac disease. Doppler echocardiography and anaerobic threshold (AT) assessment were used to measure the CO and the work capacity of nine stable renal transplant recipients > 15 months post transplantation who had patent AVF. Cardiac output fell from 6.9 ± 1.48L/min with the AVF open to 6.0 ± 0.97L/min with the AVF closed ( P < 0.002). the AT rose from 14.1 ± 5.67 with the AVF open to 16.5 ± 6.72 with the AVF closed ( P < 0.002). the work capacity to reach the AT improved from 68.7 ± 30.8 watts with the AVF open to 84.6 ± 38.0 watts with the AVF closed ( P < 0.004). This study suggests that a significant and chronic increase in left ventricular work-load accompanies a patent AVF resulting in a markedly reduced exercise efficiency. A patent AVF is ideal where graft survival is doubtful but, where long-term graft function is expected, the adverse effects of AVF patency, a chronic elevation in CO and reduced exercise capacity make a strong case for considering AVF closure. the prognostic advantage for left ventricular function may outweigh AVF preservation in stable renal transplant recipients.     

Hemoptysis is frequently fatal if blood comes directly from the aorta commentary

Physicians throughout the world, across various specialties, are faced with diagnostic challenges of appropriately identifying the source of hemotosysis, which could range from a simple treatable infection, to the more ominous massive hemorrhage from the aorta requiring emergency, life saving surgery. Aortobronchopulmonary fistula, which is an abnormal communication between the thoracic aorta and the pulmonary tree, is an uncommon but often lethal condition if not promptly surgically intervened. Over the decades, the underlying cause has shifted, from primarily due to an aortic infection, such as tuberculosis, to now secondarily as a result of endovascular repair of the intrathoracic aorta. The best treatment modality, whether open surgical repair, endovascular management, or hybrid approach continues to be debated given the high operative morbidity and mortality of open repair and need to address the pulmonary communication, with optimal management still undetermined.     

Haemodynamic and metabolic response to endovascular repair of infra- renal aortic aneurysms

We have examined whether or not endovascular insertion of a bifurcated aorto-iliac graft resulted in greater intraoperative haemodynamic and metabolic stability than that achieved during conventional open graft placement. We studied 20 patients prospectively during surgery for asymptomatic infra-renal aortic aneurysm. All patients received the same anaesthetic technique. Haemodynamic data were collected continuously using indwelling radial artery and pulmonary artery catheters, allowing calculation of mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Blood samples were obtained for measurement of serum lactate concentrations. Variables were compared within each group before and after specific critical events, namely occlusion of femoral or aortic blood flow, or both, and sequential reperfusion of each lower limb. Patients undergoing open repair showed significant changes in CO, MAP and SVR related to aortic cross-clamping and lower limb reperfusion, and a significant increase in blood lactate concentration after distal tissue reperfusion. The only significant changes during endovascular repair were a transient increase in SVR secondary to application of the femoral artery clamps, and sequential decreases when each limb was reperfused. Endovascular aneurysm repair imposed significantly less intraoperative haemodynamic and metabolic stress on the patient compared with conventional open surgery.      

Arteriovesical fistula as a complication of a gunshot wound to the pelvis: Treatment dilemma

The case is reported of an arteriovesical fistula after a gunshot wound to the pelvis in a 29-year-old man. It developed 20 days after an exploratory laparotomy with primary suture of the bladder. The patient presented with intermittent gross hematuria and diagnosis was made through cystoscopy and arteriogram. Treatment was initially performed through open embolization. Re-treatment with endovascular procedures was twice necessary. Further evolution led to complete recovery from symptoms after an open procedure. Virtually all forms of treatment were tried and the resolution was finally achieved after more than 7 months.     

Octreotide administration in the treatment of pancreatic fistulae after pancreas transplantation

Among the surgical complications of pancreas transplantation are pancreatic fistulae, which arise rather frequently. Suppression of exocrine secretion with polymers has succeeded in reducing the rate of this complication. Nevertheless, in some instances, pancreatic fistulas may occur. Thirty pancreas transplantations were performed in 27 diabetic patients. In 5 cases a pancreatic fistula occurred and was drained after the insertion of a catheter for the collection of secretions. A serous liquid was collected with a high concentration of amylases (61604±19562 IU/24h). Fistula output was 280 ±87 ml/24 h. Patients were treated with octreotide, administered subcutaneously in a dose of 300–750 g/day. In all patients a progressive reduction in fistula output was observed after a mean of 16+2 days. Fistula flow rate dropped to 24±10 ml/24 h-areduction of 95%±5% and drainage was subsequently stopped. Sonographic followup did not show recurrence of peripancreatic collections in these patients. All patients were insulin-independent up to 12–44 months after surgery.     

Development of a Gastric Pouch-Aorto-Colic Fistula as a Complication of a Revisionary Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

A 45-year-old female presented with an enterocutaneous fistula and intraabdominal abscesses weeks after undergoing an open roux-en-y gastric bypass 20 years after a previous bariatric procedure. Initial management consisted of exploration with resection of the fistula, open abscess drainage, percutaneous drains, and culture-directed intravenous antibiotics. Months later, the patient developed a gastrocolic fistula and massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding from a gastro-aortic fistula. The patient underwent resection of the gastrocolic fistula followed by a damage control operation including a left thoracotomy with aortic cross-clamping for the gastro-aortic fistula. Final reconstruction necessitated an extra-anatomic opening in the diaphragm for creation of an intrathoracic esophagojejunostomy and marsupialization of the distal esophagus and gastric pouch with concomitant mucusectomy. This rare but devastating complication requires prompt surgical management. In the appropriate setting, a high suspicion must be maintained in order to act swiftly for the patient’s benefit Neither author has any commercial interest to disclose.     

Staging rectourinary fistulas to guide surgical treatment

PURPOSE: Surgical management for rectourinary fistulas remains a reconstructive challenge. There are few guidelines to direct the surgeon to the most successful and least morbid technique. We developed a rectourinary fistula staging system that allows selection of the most appropriate technique for the patient. We present the details of the staging system and surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1999 to July 2005 we treated 14 male patients with rectourinary fistula. Mean patient age was 68 years (range 62 to 73). Etiology was rectal injury during open radical prostatectomy in 5 patients, laparoscopic prostatectomy in 1, radiation induced fistula for prostate cancer treatment (brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy) in 2, neoadjuvant external beam radiation therapy in 2, ischial decubitus ulcer in 3 with spinal cord injury, and cryotherapy and external beam radiation therapy in 1. Cases were staged as stage I--low (less than 4 cm from anal verge and nonirradiated), stage II--high (more than 4 cm from anal verge and nonirradiated), stage III--small (less than 2 cm irradiated fistula), stage IV--large (more than 2 cm irradiated fistula) and stage V--large (ischial decubitus fistula). Diverting colostomy was performed for stages III to V 6 weeks before definitive therapy. RESULTS: Patients were discharged home after 48 hours. A 22Fr urethral catheter maintained bladder drainage for 3 weeks until cystogram confirmed rectourinary fistula closure. Complications were superficial wound infection and postoperative reexploration of the gracilis flap due to bleeding in 1 case each. All patients were cured after a single operation. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical challenges of a variety of rectourinary fistula repairs can be managed with minimal morbidity and a high success rate using proper staging to guide urinary tract reconstruction.