Malignant colo-duodenal fistula: management based on proposed classification.

Duodenal involvement in colonic malignancy is a rare event and poses challenge to surgeons as it may entail major resection in a malnourished patient. Nine patients with malignant colo-duodenal fistula were reviewed retrospectively. Depending on the pattern of duodenal involvement, it was classified as-type I involving lateral duodenal wall less than half circumference; type II involving more than half circumference away from papilla; type III involving more than half circumference close to papilla. Type I was managed with sleeve resection, type II with segmental and type III with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Median age was 47 years, with male to female ratio of 2:1. Eight patients had anemia and seven had hypoproteinemia. Tumor was located in right colon in eight patients and distal transverse colon in one. Diagnosis of fistula was established by CT abdomen in seven (78%), foregut endoscopy in three and intraoperatively in two patients. Two patients had metastatic disease. Elective resection was done in seven while two required emergence surgery. Five patients underwent sleeve resection of the duodenum, two underwent segmental resection and two required pancreaticoduodenectomy. All patients had negative resection margin. One patient died. Median survival was 14 months in eight survivors. Duodenal resection in malignant colo-duodenal fistula should be tailored based on the extent and pattern of duodenal involvement. Negative margin can be achieved even with sleeve resection. En bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy is sometimes required due to extensive involvement. Resection with negative margin can achieve good survival.

The Management of Intestinal Penetrating Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) leads to the development of complications through progressive uncontrolled inflammation and the transmural involvement of the bowel wall. Most of the available literature on penetrating CD focuses on the perianal phenotype. The management of nonperianal penetrating complications poses its own set of challenges and can result in significant morbidity and an increased risk of mortality. Few controlled trials have been published evaluating this subgroup of patients for clinicians to use for guidance. Utilizing the available evidence, we review the epidemiology, presentation, and modalities used to diagnosis and assess intestinal fistulas, phlegmons, and abscesses. The literature regarding the medical, endoscopic, and surgical management options are reviewed providing physicians with a therapeutic framework to comprehensively treat these nonperianal penetrating complications. Through a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach to the complex sequela of CD outcomes can be improved and patient's quality of life enhanced.10.1093/ibd/izx108_video1izx108_Video5754037501001.

Amended Classification of the Open Abdomen.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, a classification system for the open abdomen was introduced. The aim of such a classification is to aid the (1) description of the patient's clinical course; (2) standardization of clinical guidelines for guiding open abdomen management; and (3) facilitation of comparisons between studies and heterogeneous patient populations, thus serving as an aid in clinical research. METHODS: As part of the revision of the definitions and clinical guidelines performed by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, this 2009 classification system was amended following a review of experiences in teaching and research and published as part of updated consensus statements and clinical practice guidelines in 2013. Among 29 articles citing the 2009 classification system, nine were cohort studies. They were reviewed as part of the classification revision process. A total of 542 patients (mean: 60, range: 9-160) had been classified. Two problems with the previous classification system were identified: the definition of enteroatmospheric fistulae, and that an enteroatmospheric fistula was graded less severe than a frozen abdomen. RESULTS: The following amended classification was proposed: Grade 1, without adherence between bowel and abdominal wall or fixity of the abdominal wall (lateralization), subdivided as follows: 1A, clean; 1B, contaminated; and 1C, with enteric leak. An enteric leak controlled by closure, exteriorization into a stoma, or a permanent enterocutaneous fistula is considered clean. Grade 2, developing fixation, subdivided as follows: 2A, clean; 2B, contaminated; and 2C, with enteric leak. Grade 3, frozen abdomen, subdivided as follows: 3A clean and 3B contaminated. Grade 4, an established enteroatmospheric fistula, is defined as a permanent enteric leak into the open abdomen, associated with granulation tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that, with these changes, the requirements on a functional and dynamic classification system, useful in both research and training, will be fulfilled. We encourage future investigators to apply the system and report on its merits and constraints.

Classification, prevention and management of entero-atmospheric fistula: a state-of-the-art review.

BACKGROUND: Entero-atmospheric fistula (EAF) is an enteric fistula occurring in the setting of an open abdomen, thus creating a communication between the GI tract and the external atmosphere. Management and nursing of patients suffering EAF carries several challenges, and prevention of EAF should be the first and best treatment option. PURPOSE: Here, we present a novel modified classification of EAF and review the current state of the art in its prevention and management including nutritional issues and feeding strategies. We also provide an overview on surgical management principles, highlighting several surgical techniques for dealing with EAF that have been reported in the literature throughout the years. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment strategy for EAF should be multidisciplinary and multifaceted. Surgical treatment is most often multistep and should be tailored to the single patient, based on the type and characteristics of the EAF, following its correct identification and classification. The specific experience of surgeons and nursing staff in the management of EAF could be enhanced, applying distinct simulation-based ex vivo training models.

[Sigmoid diverticulitis: indications and timing of surgery]. / Sigmadivertikulitis: Indikation und Zeitpunkt zur Operation.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease represents a common problem in the clinical routine. In addition to the question of who should be admitted to hospital for treatment and who can be treated as an outpatient, the questions of the indications and timing for surgery are decisive. Because the disease is internationally classified in different ways, the recommendations are also not uniform. OBJECTIVE: In this article the essential aspects of the indications for and timing of surgery are structured and oriented to the new S2K guidelines. RESULTS: The indications and timing of surgery can only be reasonably determined by evaluating all essential information on diverticular disease. A prerequisite is an exact, comprehensive and applicable classification of the disease before treatment. An adequate assessment cannot be made using morphological information obtained by imaging alone. DISCUSSION: The new classification of sigmoid diverticulitis corresponding to the German guidelines for diverticular disease classification (GGDDC) enables an appropriate strategy for evaluating the indications and selection of the time for surgery.

Enteroatmospheric fistula: from soup to nuts.

Enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF), a special subset of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF), is defined as a communication between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the atmosphere. It is one of the most devastating complications of "damage control" laparotomy (DCL) and results in significant morbidity and mortality. The published incidence of EAF ranges from 5%-19% of patients who have undergone DCL and survived long enough to develop complications. Their etiology is complex and ranges from persistent abdominal infection, anastomotic leakage, adhesions of the bowel to itself or fascia, and repeated bowel manipulation during return trips to the operating room or dressing changes. Prevention is clearly the best treatment strategy but may be difficult to achieve. Once an EAF occurs, immediate management consists of treatment of sepsis if present; nutrition, fluid, and electrolyte support in the form of parenteral nutrition (PN); and wound/effluent control and protection of surrounding tissues and exposed bowel. It should be noted that EAF almost never close spontaneously, and definitive repair usually requires major surgical intervention and abdominal wall reconstruction 6 to 12 months after the original insult. Enteral feeding should be attempted once the anatomy of the EAF is defined and reliable enteral access is obtained. Most patients can tolerate some amount of enteral and even oral feeding and do not need to be maintained on PN alone. Professional judgment, experience, and teamwork are key to successfully managing the patient with EAF.

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. RESULTS: Discussion of the historical advances in nutritional therapy and their impact on ECF, as well as review of the classification of ECF and EAF, provides a framework for the suggested phased strategy that specifically targets the nutritional and metabolic needs of the ECF/EAF patient. These three phases include (1) diagnosis, resuscitation, and early interval nutrition; (2) definition of fistula anatomy, drainage of collections, nutritional assessment and monitoring, and placement of feeding access; and (3) definitive nutritional management, including pharmacologic adjuncts. Early nutritional support with parenteral nutrition followed by transition to enteral nutrition is advocated, including the merits of delivery of enteral nutrition via the fistula itself, known as fistuloclysis. CONCLUSION: Aggressive nutritional therapy is necessary to reverse the catabolic state associated with ECF/EAF patients. Once established, it allows proper time, preparation, and planning for definitive management of the fistula, and in many cases provides the support for spontaneous closure.

Management of enterocutaneous fistulas.

Management of enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) involves (1) recognition and stabilization, (2) anatomic definition and decision, and (3) definitive operation. Phase 1 encompasses correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance, skin protection, and nutritional support. Abdominal imaging defines the anatomy of the fistula in phase 2. ECFs that do not heal spontaneously require segmental resection of the bowel segment communicating with the fistula and restoration of intestinal continuity in phase 3. The enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) is a malevolent condition requiring prolonged wound care and nutritional support. Complex abdominal wall reconstruction immediately following fistula resection is necessary for all EAFs.

[Aorto-enteric fistula: an interdisciplinary practical approach]. / Ein praktischer Ansatz zur interdisziplinären Therapie der aorto-enteralen Fistel.

Aorto-enteric fistulas (AEF) are a rare but often -fatal complication. The primary diagnosis of AEF remains difficult. Computed tomography and FDG-PET / CT (fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography) are the diagnostic tools of choice. Therapy consists of an urgent individual interdisciplinary surgical approach with primary axillo-femoral bypass and secondary prosthesis explantation or in situ replacement and consecutive bowel resection. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is reserved for primary -aorto-enteric fistulas in patients without signs of infection or in emergency cases as a bridging meth-od. A systematic review of the literature from 1990 to 2009 was performed by medline -research (pubmed) to analyse diagnostic and treatment strategies for aorto-enteric fistulas. A practical, interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm was created in accordance with the analysed results.

Supporting patients with enterocutaneous fistula: from hospital to home.

The aim of this article is to discuss the care of patients with enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) requiring long-term support in the community. The discussion of what ECF are and aspects of nutrition will support the knowledge required to care for this group of patients effectively in their homes. This article focuses on the management of ECF appliances and gives a basic guide of skin care and how to reduce the prevalence of appliance leaks.

The relationship of Mirizzi syndrome and cholecystoenteric fistula: validation of a modified classification.

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome and cholecystoenteric fistula with or without gallstone ileus are late complications of gallstone disease. We previously suggested that the natural history of Mirizzi syndrome may not end with just a cholecystobiliary fistula and that the continuous inflammation in the triangle of Calot area may result in a complex fistula involving the biliary tract and the adjacent viscera. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship of Mirizzi syndrome with cholecystoenteric fistulas. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients older than aged 18 years submitted to emergency or elective cholecystectomy from 1995 to 2006. Of 5,673 cholecystectomies performed during that period, we found 327 (5.7%) patients with Mirizzi syndrome and 105 (1.8%) patients with cholecystoenteric fistula. Ninety-four (89.5%) patients with cholecystoenteric fistula also had an associated Mirizzi syndrome. RESULTS: Cholecystoenteric fistula was associated with Mirizzi syndrome (p < 0.0001), increased age was associated with Mirizzi syndrome and cholecystoenteric fistula (p < 0.0001), and female gender was associated with Mirizzi syndrome (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: When during surgery for gallstone disease a cholecystoenteric fistula is encountered, the possibility of an associated Mirizzi syndrome must be considered. The findings of this study confirm the association of Mirizzi syndrome with cholecystoenteric fistula.

[Computer tomography appearances of the enterocutaneous fistula classification].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the computer tomography(CT) appearances of the enterocutaneous fistula classification. METHODS: CT scan was performed on 754 patients with enterocutaneous fistula, which were divided into tube fistula and labiate fistula according to clinic classification, and the appearances of CT scan were analyzed respectively. RESULTS: Five hundreds and eighteen patients (68.6%) were diagnosed as tube fistula, and CT appearance of which was a duct formed between internal hole and external hole. Two hundreds and thirty-six patients (31.4%) were diagnosed as labiate fistula,and CT appearance of which was a large external hole like labium.The basic appearance of intestine and celiac cavity in enterocutaneous fistula was inflammatory focus. The incidence of abscesses in tube fistula was higher than that in labiate fistula (P<0.01). The intestinal inflammation was more common in labiate fistula than that in tube fistula (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There are characteristic CT appearances in enterocutaneous fistula and CT scan is useful for classification of enterocutaneous fistula.

[Clinical study of 18 vesicointestinal fistulas].

We studied 18 cases of vesicointestinal fistula surgically treated between January 2001 and July 2005. The underlying'cause was an inflammatory disease in 12 cases, a carcinoma in 5 and injury (post-radiation therapy) in 1 case. The fistula was visualized by cystography in 2 cases and enterography in 4. Surgical procedures were cystectomy with enterectomy in 2 cases, partial cystectomy with enterectomy in 3, bladder wall overlay-suture with enterectomy in 6 and enterectomy alone in 4. In 3 cases, colostomy without enterectomy was performed for palliative surgery. In all cases the postoperative course was good and surgical treatment was effective. Surgical procedures varied in each case depending on the etiology and the patient's condition.

Acquired gastrointestinal fistulas: classification, etiologies, and imaging evaluation.

Fistulas are abnormal communications between two epithelial-lined surfaces. Gastrointestinal fistulas encompass all such connections that involve the alimentary tract, and they can be congenital or acquired in nature. This review focuses on acquired gastrointestinal fistulas. Development of an acquired gastrointestinal fistula can greatly affect patient outcome, yet the clinical manifestations are often protean in nature and the etiology, elusive. Imaging plays an important role in the detection and management of acquired gastrointestinal fistulas. The more routine use of cross-sectional imaging (especially computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) has altered the standard sequence of radiologic evaluation for possible fistulas, but fluoroscopic studies remain a valuable complement, especially for confirming and defining the anomalous communications. In this review, a classification scheme for gastrointestinal fistulas is provided, major causes are discussed, and individual fistula types are elaborated with an emphasis on contemporary imaging approaches.

Tratamiento Quirúrgico de las Fístulas Anorrectales: experiencia de 17 Años en el Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición ®Salvador Zubirán¼ / Surgical treatment of ano-rectal fistule: experience of 17 years at the Instituto Nacional de la Nutricion \"Salvador Zubiran\"

Introducción: el tratamiento quirúrgico para las fístulas anorrectales puede ser difícil por la probabilidad de recurrencias, cicatrización prolongada y/o incontinencia anal postoperatorios.Objetivo: analizar la experiencia de 17 años con el manejo y resultados de las fístulas anorrectales. Pacientes y métodos: se revisaron de forma retrospectiva 105 pacientes consecutivos con fístulas anorrectales y se analizaron los datos demográficos, clínicos, tipo de tratamiento, y resultados posoperatorios. Resultados: hubo 73 por ciento del sexo masculino y 27 por ciento del sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 45 años. Tuvo alguna enfermedad crónica asociada 6 por ciento principalmente diabetes mellitus 21 por ciento y obesidad 14 por ciento. No se consignó en el expediente una clasificación anatómica del trayecto fistuloso en 86 por ciento, los trayectos interesfintéricos fueron los más frecuentes en los casos clasificados. Se realizó fistulectomía en 90 por ciento. Hubo 13 por ciento de complicaciones con predominio de retraso en la cicatrización (6.5 por ciento). Se registraron 11 recurrencias (10 por ciento) y en la mayoría de los casos el tratamiento consistió en nueva fistulectomía. No hubo casos con incontinencia anal posoperatoria.Conclusiones: debe enfatizarse la necesidad de realizar una clasificación anatómica de las fístulas. La operación utilizada con mayor frecuencia fue la fistulectomía

Enterocutaneous fistula in cancer patients: etiology, management, outcome, and impact on further treatment.

Enterocutaneous fistulae that develop in patients with cancer represent a difficult management situation, which is often complicated by prior treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. A fistula may in turn delay potentially beneficial treatment of the underlying malignancy. To provide a better understanding of this problem, we reviewed the National Institutes of Health experience with enterocutaneous fistulae in adult patients with cancer. The medical records of patients with cancer who developed a fistula from the gastrointestinal tract during the period 1980 through 1994 were reviewed. Etiology, management, outcome, and impact on further treatment were assessed. Twenty-five patients with gastrointestinal fistulae were identified. The most common primary tumor site was the colon/rectum in males and the ovary in women. The majority of patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis and a history of prior therapy and presented with anorexia and weight loss. The fistula was usually single, most commonly developed from the jejunum/ileum (13 patients) or colon/rectum (6 patients), and occurred postoperatively after procedures on the small bowel (10 patients) or colon (8 patients). Malnutrition and sepsis developed in 60 per cent of patients. Thirty-day mortality was 16 per cent and correlated with prior radiation therapy, location and output from the fistula, and hypoalbuminemia. An enterocutaneous fistula negatively impacted on the provision of further therapy for the majority of patients (63%). Enterocutaneous fistula in the patient with cancer occurs most frequently in the setting of extensive prior therapy and is associated with prolonged morbidity. Identification of high-risk patients and early management of fistulas once they develop may prevent delays in subsequent cancer therapy and decrease morbidity.