Prevalence, incidence, and treatment patterns of fistulizing Crohn disease: A US population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Population-based studies for patients with fistulizing Crohn disease (CD), a severe complication of CD, are limited. OBJECTIVE: To report estimates of the prevalence and incidence rates of fistulizing CD in the United States and examine associated treatment patterns among incident cases. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study used a US administrative claims database from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019, with at least 365 days' continuous insurance enrollment. The prevalent patient population comprised patients with incident or existing cases of fistulizing CD. Crude, age, and sex-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates of fistulizing CD were estimated. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and CD-related medications and medical procedures were examined for patients with fistulizing CD. RESULTS: The overall crude prevalence (prevalent cases: n = 5,082) and incidence rates (incident cases: n = 2,399) between 2017 and 2019 were 25.2 (95% CI = 24.5-25.9) per 100,000 persons and 6.9 (95% CI = 6.6-7.1) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates were 24.9 (95% CI = 24.2-25.6) per 100,000 persons and 7.0 (95% CI = 6.7-7.3) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Approximately half of all patients with incident fistulizing CD were prescribed biologic therapies within 1 year of an incident fistula diagnosis, with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies the most widely prescribed biologic class; antibiotic and corticosteroid use was also common. Among the incident cases, approximately one-third of patients required surgery during the follow-up period, most of which occurred within 3 months of the index date. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports age- and sex-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates for fistulizing CD of 24.9 per 100,000 persons and 7.0 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. As a concerning complication of CD, first-year treatment of fistulas in the United States commonly includes anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, and there is a considerable surgical burden.

Chronic jejuno-colonic fistula and intestinal malabsorption due to multiple magnet ingestions: A case report and systematic review.

Magnet ingestion in children can lead to serious complications, both acutely and chronically. This case report discusses the treatment approach for a case involving multiple magnet ingestions, which resulted in a jejuno-colonic fistula, segmental intestinal volvulus, hepa-tosteatosis, and renal calculus detected at a late stage. Additionally, we conducted a literature review to explore the characteristics of intestinal fistulas caused by magnet ingestion. A six-year-old girl was admitted to the Pediatric Gastroenterology Department pre-senting with intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea persisting for two years. Initial differential diagnoses included celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and tuberculosis, yet the etiology remained elusive. The Pediatric Surgery team was consulted after a jejuno-colonic fistula was suspected based on magnetic resonance imaging findings. The physical examination revealed no signs of acute abdomen but showed mild abdominal distension. Subsequent upper gastrointestinal series and contrast enema graphy confirmed a jejuno-colonic fistula and segmental volvulus. The family later reported that the child had swallowed a magnet two years prior, and medical follow-up had stopped after the spontaneous expulsion of the magnets within one to two weeks. Surgical intervention was necessary to correct the volvulus and repair the large jejuno-colonic fistula. To identify relevant studies, we conducted a detailed literature search on magnet ingestion and gastrointestinal fistulas according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We identified 44 articles encompassing 55 cases where symptoms did not manifest in the acute phase and acute abdomen was not observed. In 29 cases, the time of magnet ingestion was unknown. Among the 26 cases with a known ingestion time, the average duration until fistula detection was 22.8 days (range: 1-90 days). Fistula repairs were performed via laparotomy in 47 cases.

Concomitant Sigmoid Diverticulitis and Periampullary Duodenal Diverticulitis Complicated by Lemmel Syndrome: A Case Report.

Diverticular disease is a major cause of hospitalizations, especially in the elderly. Although diverticulosis and its complications predominately affect the colon, the formation of diverticula in the small intestine, most commonly in the duodenum, is well characterized in the literature. Although small bowel diverticula are typically asymptomatic, and diagnosed incidentally, a complication of periampullary duodenal diverticulum is Lemmel syndrome. Lemmel syndrome is an extremely rare condition whereby periampullary duodenal diverticula, most commonly without diverticulitis, leads to obstruction of the common bile duct due to mass effect and associated complications including acute cholangitis and pancreatitis. Here, we present the first case, to our knowledge, of periampullary duodenal diverticulitis complicated by Lemmel syndrome with concomitant colonic diverticulitis with colovesical fistula. Our case and literature review emphasizes that Lemmel syndrome can present with or without suggestions of obstructive jaundice and can most often be managed conservatively if caught early, except in the setting of emergent complications.

Cystitis glandularis with concomitant Crohn's disease leading to a paroxysm of Crohn's disease with ulcerated external iliac vessels.

•we report the case of a 36-year-old female patient who presented to our hospital with a diagnosis of cystitis glandularis manifesting as a vesicovaginal fistula. She underwent cystoscopic biopsy at a local hospital, but anti-inflammatory treatment was ineffective, and the patient was experiencing low urination frequency and urgency, as well as pain. The patient underwent laparoscopic repair of a cystoscopy-confirmed vesicovaginal fistula. After surgery, the patient experienced a paroxysm of Crohn's disease with multiple small bowel fistulas and erosion of the external iliac vessels that ruptured to form an external iliac vessel small bowel fistula. The fistula was confirmed by surgical exploration, and the patient eventually died.

[Unformed conglomerate debilitating jejunal fistulas and their two-stage surgical treatment via posterolateral laparotomy]. / Nesformirovannye konglomeratnye istoshchayushchie toshchekishechnye svishchi i ikh dvukhetapnoe khirurgicheskoe lechenie iz zadnebokovogo laparotomnogo dostupa.

OBJECTIVE: To create a method of two-stage repair of high unformed conglomerate delimited debilitating jejunal fistulas via posterolateral laparotomy with low risk of surgical complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Methodology and treatment outcomes were analyzed in 37 patients with unformed conglomerate high debilitating delimited jejunal fistulas. Of these, 22 patients underwent one-stage treatment through 2 converging incisions and/or two-stage treatment through anterolateral access. They made up a control group. Fifteen patients in the main group underwent two-stage treatment via posterolateral left-sided laparotomy with unilateral disconnection of jejunum with fistula. In most patients of both groups, fistulas complicated surgery for acute adhesive intestinal obstruction. Topography of adhesions that caused acute intestinal obstruction in both groups was studied in 172 other patients. Identical jejunal fistulas and two different surgical approaches made it possible to consider our groups representative. RESULTS: Two-stage treatment via posterolateral left-sided laparotomy reduced mortality from 63.6±10.2% to 20.0±10.3% (t=11.8; p<0.001). This approach simplified intraoperative diagnostics that became more informative. Posterolateral access increased the quality of anastomosis and safety of viscerolysis. CONCLUSION: A new two-stage approach with posterolateral left-sided laparotomy allowed atraumatic imposing of inter-intestinal anastomosis with proximal disconnection of jejunal fistula. This exclusion turns the fistula into analogue of the definitive Meidl's jejunostomy, unloads the intestinal anastomosis and increases the quality of suture. New strategy reduced the risk of complications and mortality.

Robotic management of primary cholecystoduodenal fistula: A case report and brief literature review.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF) arises from persistent biliary tree disorders, causing fusion between the gallbladder and duodenum. Initially, open resection was common until laparoscopic fistula closure gained popularity. However, complexities within the gallbladder fossa yielded inconsistent outcomes. Advanced imaging and robotic surgery now enhance precision and detection. METHOD: A 62-year-old woman with chronic cholangitis attributed to cholecystoduodenal fistula underwent successful robotic cholecystectomy and fistula closure. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the symptoms subsided with no complications during the robotic procedure. Existing studies report favourable outcomes for robotic cholecystectomy and fistula closure. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report showcases a rare instance of successful robotic cholecystectomy with CDF closure. This case, along with a review of previous cases, suggests the potential of robotic surgery as the preferred approach, especially for patients anticipated to face significant laparoscopic morbidity.

Colosplenic fistula diagnosis and management: a case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: A colosplenic fistula (CsF) is an extremely rare complication. Its diagnosis and management remain poorly understood, owing to its infrequent incidence. Our objective was to systematically review the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management, and prognosis to help clinicians gain a better understanding of this unusual complication and provide aid if it is to be encountered. METHODS: A systematic review of studies reporting CsF diagnosis in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Wiley Cochrane Library from 1946 to June 2022. Additionally, a retrospective review of four cases at our institution were included. Cases were evaluated for patient characteristics (age, sex, and comorbidities), CsF characteristics including causes, symptoms at presentation, diagnosis approach, management approach, pathology findings, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and prognosis were collected. RESULTS: Thirty patients with CsFs were analyzed, including four cases at our institution and 26 single-case reports. Most of the patients were male (70%), with a median age of 56 years. The most common etiologies were colonic lymphoma (30%) and colorectal carcinoma (17%). Computed tomography (CT) was commonly used for diagnosis (90%). Approximately 87% of patients underwent a surgical intervention, most commonly segmental resection (81%) of the affected colon and splenectomy (77%). Nineteen patients were initially managed surgically, and 12 patients were initially managed nonoperatively. However, 11 of the nonoperative patients ultimately required surgery due to unresolved symptoms. The rate of postoperative complications was (17%). Symptoms resolved with surgical intervention in 25 (83%) patients. Only one patient (3%) had had postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our review of 30 cases worldwide is the largest in literature. CsFs are predominantly complications of neoplastic processes. CsF may be successfully and safely treated with splenectomy and resection of the affected colon, with a low rate of postoperative complications.

Long-term outcomes of intestinal penetrating Crohn's disease following successful nonoperative management.

There is a paucity of data on the surgical or medical treatment for abscess/fistula complicating Crohn's disease after successful nonsurgical management. We conducted a cohort study to investigate the long-term outcomes and the risk factors for the requirement of subsequent surgical intervention in Crohn's disease patients with complicating fistulas/abscess following successful nonsurgical management. Data were collected on penetrating Crohn's disease experiencing successful nonsurgical treatment between December 2012 and December 2021. Long-term outcomes and risk factors of surgery were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis, and subgroup analysis was performed based on penetrating phenotype including abscess, fistula, and phlegmon. A total of 523 penetrating Crohn's disease patients; there were 390, 125, and 60 patients complicated with fistulas, abscess, and phlegmon, respectively. Long-term outcomes showed that BMI < 18.5 (kg/m 2 ), the recurrent abscess, and stricture were independent risk factors of surgery. Biologics and resolution of abscess were independent protective factors of surgery. Furthermore, in 399 patients undergoing early surgery, stricture and BMI < 18.5 (kg/m 2 ) were independent risk factors, and biologics and abscess resolution were protective of the early surgery. Subgroup analysis based on fistula, abscess, and phlegmon phenotype also demonstrated that concomitant stricture was an independent risk factor and the use of biologics was protective of surgical resection. Our data indicate that biologics can delay the requirement of surgery and may be given to patients with penetrating complicating Crohn's disease who have been successfully treated nonoperatively, but surgical resection should be considered in the setting of malnutrition and stenosis formation.

[Stepwise treatment of complex intestinal fistulas and strategies of nutritional support treatment].

Intestinal fistula is one of the common diseases and complications in abdominal surgery. It does not only cause severe abdominal infections but also leads to obstruction, bleeding, malnutrition, and may develop into complex intestinal fistulas, resulting in increased challenges in treatment, elevated treatment costs, and increased risk of patient mortality. At present, the treatment of intestinal fistula mainly adopts a three-stage approach: (1) early diagnosis, (2) mid-term nutritional support treatment, and (3) definitive surgical treatment. Nutritional support treatment can significantly reduce patient mortality and improve recovery. Due to the difficulty, complexity, and diversity of intestinal fistula treatment, and the fact that complex intestinal fistulas are currently a challenge in the treatment of intestinal fistulas, this article will introduce the progress and difficulties at different stages, and explore the future treatment direction of intestinal fistulas from the perspective of interdisciplinary cooperation.

[Evaluation of safety of early enteral nutrition in patients with severe intra-abdominal infection and intestinal fistulas].

Objective: To evaluate the safety of early enteral nutrition (EEN) support in patients with severe intra-abdominal infection and intestinal fistulas. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We collected relevant clinical data of 204 patients with severe intra-abdominal infection and intestinal fistulas who had been managed in the No. 1 Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2020. The patients were allocated to EEN or delayed enteral nutrition (DEN) groups depending on whether enteral nutrition had been instituted within 48 hours of admission to the intensive care unit. The primary outcome was 180-day mortality. Other outcomes included rates of intraperitoneal hemorrhage, septic shock, open abdominal cavity, bloodstream infection, mechanical ventilation, and continuous renal replacement therapy. Risk factors for mortality were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: There were no significant differences in hematological data or other baseline characteristics between the two groups at the time of admission to the intensive care unit (all P>0.05). However, septic shock (31.2% [15/48] vs. 15.4% [24/156], χ2=4.99, P=0.025), continuous renal replacement therapy (27.1% [13/48] versus 9.0% [14/156], χ2=8.96, P=0.003), and 180-day mortality (31.2% [15/48] vs. 7.7% [12/156], χ2=15.75, P<0.001) were significantly more frequent in the EEN than the DEN group (all P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that older age (OR=1.082, 95%CI:1.027-1.139,P=0.003), worse Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (OR=1.189, 95%CI: 1.037-1.363, P=0.013), higher C-reactive protein (OR=1.013, 95%CI:1.004-1.023, P=0.007) and EEN (OR=8.844, 95%CI:1.809- 43.240, P=0.007) were independent risk factors for death in patients with severe intra-abdominal infection and intestinal fistulas. Conclusion: EEN may lead to adverse events and increase mortality in patients with both enterocutaneous fistulas and severe abdominal infection. EEN should be implemented with caution in such patients.

[Gastrocolic fistula as infrequent cause of chronic diarrhea in a patient with percutaneous radiological gastrostomy]. / Fístula gastrocólica como causa infrecuente de diarrea persistente en un paciente portador de gastrostomía radiológica percutánea.

Introduction: Introduction: gastrocolic fistula is an infrequent but severe complication of percutaneous gastrostomy. Clinical suspicion in the presence of chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology manifesting after percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) tube replacement is key to early detection and treatment. Case report: we report the case of a patient with PRG that began with chronic diarrhea after tube replacement and developed severe malnutrition. Initial treatment was not effective, studies were extended with the finding of this complication in a CT image. The use of this tube was discontinued with resolution of diarrhea and a favorable nutritional outcome. Discussion: this case report shows the importance of considering gastrocolic fistula in the differential diagnosis of persistent diarrhea in a patient with a gastrostomy tube.

Introducción: Introducción: la fístula gastrocólica supone una complicación infrecuente pero potencialmente grave de las sondas de gastrostomía. La sospecha clínica ante una diarrea de origen incierto que comienza tras el recambio de la sonda es clave para la detección y el tratamiento precoces. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de un paciente portador de gastrostomía radiológica percutánea (PRG) que comienza con diarrea persistente tras el primer recambio de la sonda y desnutrición grave secundaria. Tras el fracaso de las medidas terapéuticas iniciales se amplían los estudios, con hallazgo de esta complicación en la imagen de TC. Se suspende el uso de esta sonda con resolución de la diarrea y evolución nutricional favorable. Discusión: este caso pone de manifiesto la importancia de incluir la fístula gastrocólica en el diagnóstico diferencial de la diarrea persistente en un paciente portador de sonda de gastrostomía.

A method for treatment of deep and superficial enteroatmospheric fistulas in an open abdomen, ChimneyVAC: Ten years experience.

BACKGROUND: Leakage of intestinal fluid is a challenging event when it appears in an open abdomen (OA) and surgical deviation does not seem possible. Intestinal contents in the abdominal cavity maintain inflammation and drainage is there for essential. We have developed a method, ChimneyVAC, to treat both deep and superficial enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAF) AIMS: To describe this innovative surgical technique and our 10-year experience. MATERIAL & METHODS: This single-center observational cohort study included all 16 consecutive patients treated with ChimneyVAC. Seven women and 9 men; median age: 47; (interquartile range [IQR]:39-63) years, 15 with a small bowel fistula and 1 with a large bowel fistula. All except of the colonic fistula were classified as a high output fistula; 14 were deep and 2 superficial. In this technique, a negative-pressure source is applied directly above the fistula opening, in addition to negative pressure wound therapy for the OA. This controls the leakage of intestinal fluid by direct drainage into a vacuum system, thereby avoiding contamination of the abdomen. A controlled enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) then forms as the traction from the ChimneyVAC brings the fistula opening to skin level. RESULTS: In 14 patients, an ECF formed after a median of 42 (IQR:28-55) days and 12 (IQR:7-16) dressing changes. The median length of hospitalization was 103 (IQR:58-143) days. Two patients died of multiorgan failure and 14 initially survived. DISCUSSION: This study showed that 14 out of 16 patients survived the initial treatment for enteric leakage with the ChimneyVAC method. The outcome of ChimneyVAC treatment is a controlled ECF, which was then corrected after a median of six months. However, hospitalization is lengthy, the patients undergo several dressing changes and many needs additional parenteral nutrition until intestinal continuity is reestablished. CONCLUSION: ChimneyVAC is a feasible method for treatment of EAF in an OA, with favorable survival.

Like a Rolling (Gall)Stone: Optimal Treatment of Gallstone Obstruction of the Sigmoid Colon.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, accounting for 1-4% of all cases of large-bowel obstruction. This is a highly morbid, and often fatal, condition due to its challenging diagnosis and late presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 90-year-old woman admitted to Emergency Department with abdominal pain and large-bowel obstruction due to a 6 cm gallstone lodged in a diverticulum of the proximal sigmoid colon as a consequence of a cholecysto-colonic fistula. Colonoscopy was deferred due to gallstone size carrying a high possibility of failure. The patient underwent urgent laparotomy with gallstone removal via colotomy. The cholecystocolonic fistula was left untreated. The post-operative course was uneventful; the patient was discharged on 6th post-operative day. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary discussion between endoscopists and surgeons is often needed to choose the best therapeutic option, especially in high-risk patients.

Heterotopic Ossification of the Abdomen: A Rare Sequela Following Trauma and Damage Control Laparotomy.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) of the abdomen is a rare yet highly morbid complication following blunt and penetrating trauma requiring damage control laparotomy. We present the case of a 22-year-old man, 20 months after life-threatening motor vehicle crash with major vascular injury requiring multiple abdominal surgeries. The patient was initially treated at a community hospital and subsequently developed a chronic left lower quadrant enterocutaneous fistula, accompanied by a gradually worsening diffuse abdominal pain. He was referred to our tertiary care center with extensive skin breakdown and an inability to control the fistula despite numerous wound care consultations. He also had severe abdominal deformities due to HO in the abdominal wall, peritoneum, paraspinal muscles, and parapelvic regions. As HO is largely underreported, it is crucial to refer those patients, once medically stabilized, to tertiary care centers for surveillance and possible treatment when symptomatic.

Current fistula management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) pose a significant impact in the healthcare system, both financially and in resource utilization. Delivery of optimal care is complex and involves intensive wound care, complex nutritional delivery and multidisciplinary care teams for optimization. Recently, there have been pushes to modernize the traditional approach to ECF care to a new paradigm of protocol-based individualized delivery of care. RECENT FINDINGS: There is an increased trend towards pushing enteral nutrition for the management of ECF patients. Adjuncts, including improved fistuloclysis devices, supplements and absorptive aides have challenged the conventional dogma of ECF treatment. There has also been increased focus on surgical prehabilitation and the ability to improve patient outcomes. SUMMARY: ECF care is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach focused on source control, nutritional optimization with focus on enteral nutrition, wound care and prehabilitation.

Management of a Complex Fistula Involving Abdominal Wall, Small Bowel, Colon, and Bladder.

Successful surgical management of a chronic complex abdominal fistula requires thoughtful pre-operative evaluation and planning and often benefits from a multi-disciplinary approach. Initially, attention is focused on controlling sepsis and ensuring adequate hydration and electrolyte replacement. Next, efforts to optimize nutrition and engage the patient in prehabilitation are prioritized. Simultaneously, imaging is used to gain detailed assessment of anatomy. We present a challenging case involving a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain from prior surgery causing a complex intra-abdominal fistula. The JP drain traversed multiple small bowel loops and the sigmoid colon before terminating in the bladder. Management required multi-disciplinary coordination involving colorectal surgery and urology. The patient's definitive surgery included anterior resection, colostomy takedown, right colectomy, three small bowel resections, and bladder repair. The use of JP drains after abdominal surgery is not without risk. Clinicians should have standardized indications for placement of JP drains and consistent protocols regarding timing of removal.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary ileal pouch leaks: a 27-year experience at a referral center.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is considered the preferred restorative surgical procedure for patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis requiring proctocolectomy. Unfortunately, postoperative leaks remain a complication with potentially significant ramifications. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the evaluation, management, and outcomes of leaks after primary IPAA procedures. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2022, a total of 4058 primary IPAA procedures were performed at Cleveland Clinic. From a prospectively maintained pouch registry, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 237 patients who presented to the pouch center for management. Of these, 114 (3%) had undergone the index IPAA procedure at our clinic (de novo cases), whereas 123 patients had their index IPAA performed elsewhere. Data were missing for 43 patients, resulting in a final cohort of 194 patients. RESULTS: Our cohort had an average age of 41 years (range, 16-76) at the time of leak diagnosis. Overall, 55.2% were males, average body mass index was 24.4 kg/m2, and pain was the most prevalent presenting symptom (61.8%), followed by fever (34%). Leaks were confirmed through diagnostic testing in 141 cases, whereas 27.3% were detected intraoperatively. The most common initial diagnoses were pelvic abscess (47.4%) and enteric fistulas (26.8%), including cutaneous (9.8%), vaginal (7.2%), and bladder fistulas (3.1%). By location, leaks occurred at the tip of the "J" (52.6%), at the pouch-anal anastomotic site (35%), and in the body of the pouch (12.4%). A nonoperative management approach was initially attempted in 49.5% of cases, including antibiotic therapy, drainage, endoclip, and endo-sponge, with a success rate of 18.5%. Surgery was eventually required in 81.4% of patients, including (1) sutured or stapled pouch repair (52.5%), with diversion performed in 87.9% of these cases either before or during the salvage surgery; (2) pouch excision with neo-IPAA (22.7%), including 9 patients from the first group; and (3) pouch disconnection, repair, and reanastomosis (9.3%). Pouch failure occurred in 8.4%, with either pouch excision (11.1%) or permanent diversion (4.5%). Ultimately, 12.4% of patients (24 of 194) required permanent diversion, with all necessitating pouch excision. In the 30-day follow-up after salvage surgery, short-term complications arose in 38.7% of patients. The most common complications observed were ileus, pelvic abscess/sepsis, and fever. CONCLUSION: Leaks after primary IPAA procedures represent an infrequent, yet challenging, complication. Despite attempts at nonoperative management, the success rate is limited. Salvage surgery is associated with a high pouch retention rate, underscoring its importance in the management of post-IPAA leaks.

Injectable Nanoengineered Adhesive Hydrogel for Treating Enterocutaneous Fistulas.

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is a severe medical condition where an abnormal connection forms between the gastrointestinal tract and skin. ECFs are, in most cases, a result of surgical complications such as missed enterotomies or anastomotic leaks. The constant leakage of enteric and fecal contents from the fistula site leads to skin breakdown and increases the risk of infection. Despite advances in surgical techniques and postoperative management, ECF accounts for significant mortality rates, estimated between 15-20%, and causes debilitating morbidity. Therefore, there is a critical need for a simple and effective method to seal and heal ECF. Injectable hydrogels with combined properties of robust mechanical properties and cell infiltration/proliferation have the potential to block and heal ECF. Herein, we report the development of an injectable nanoengineered adhesive hydrogel (INAH) composed of a synthetic nanosilicate (Laponite®) and a gelatin-dopamine conjugate for treating ECF. The hydrogel undergoes fast cross-linking using a co-injection method, resulting in a matrix with improved mechanical and adhesive properties. INAH demonstrates appreciable blood clotting abilities and is cytocompatible with fibroblasts. The adhesive properties of the hydrogel are demonstrated in ex vivo adhesion models with skin and arteries, where the volume stability in the hydrated internal environment facilitates maintaining strong adhesion. In vivo assessments reveal that the INAH is biocompatible, supporting cell infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition while not forming fibrotic tissue. These findings suggest that this INAH holds promising translational potential for sealing and healing ECF.

Endoscopic Treatment of Duodenocolic Fistula Caused by Migrating Biliary Stents.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic biliary stent implantation is a recognized and effective method for the treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the bile duct and pancreas, ensuring smooth bile drainage. Currently, stent migration is considered a long-term and complex process, and in most cases, stents are removed through endoscopy or expelled from the body through the intestinal cavity. In rare cases, stents lead to formation of duodenocolic fistulas. CASE REPORT We report a case of duodenal colon fistula caused by a biliary stent penetrating the duodenum and entering the ascending colon. We removed the stent through endoscopy and clamped the fistulas of the colon and duodenum separately with titanium clips. Due to the presence of large common bile duct stones, nasobiliary drainage was performed again. Later, laparoscopic choledocholithotomy was performed, and the patient was discharged after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS ERCP endoscopy must consider the possibility of stent displacement in patients with biliary stents. In the case of CBD biliary stent dislocation in the patient, continuous abdominal plain films and physical examinations are required until spontaneous discharge is confirmed. In addition, for patients with benign bile duct stenosis undergoing biliary drainage, doctors should urge them to return to the hospital on time to remove the stent. For patients with postoperative abdominal pain or peritonitis symptoms, abdominal CT scan confirmation is required and early intervention should be considered.