Effect of intestinal pressure on fistula closure during vacuum assisted treatment: A computational approach

Complex intestinal fistula treated with colon‑indwelling drainage stent under prostate resection endoscopy instrumentation guidance: A case report

The treatment of complex intestinal fistulas has been a challenge in general surgery. A complex fistula is defined as a fistula with more than one abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and skin, or a fistula with multiple bowel loops. The present case report describes the minimally invasive treatment of a complex intestinal fistula. Briefly, a 51-year-old man presented with an intestinal fistula. Following adequate anti-infective drainage of the abdominal abscess, transurethral prostate resection instrumentation was used to flush and drain the intestinal drainage tubes. On reduction of leakage, a drainage tube was inserted into the intestinal tract to serve as an internal stent. Imaging confirmed the successful cessation of intestinal leakage and a satisfactory recovery. The drainage tube was removed under colonoscopy, restoring normal small intestine function. To summarize, after sufficient drainage, the leakage gradually decreased, promoting healing; the patient achieved full recovery upon removal of the internal stent via colonoscopy and the establishment of a small intestinal stoma. In conclusion, transurethral prostate resection instrumentation enables safe and minimally invasive placement of intestinal stents, ensuring effective drainage for managing intestinal fistulas.

Use of Vacuum-assisted closure in management of open abdominal wound with multiple enterocutaneous fistulae during chemotherapy: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is useful for treating complex wounds because it promotes granulation. In the present report, a successful case of VAC used for an open abdominal wound with enterocutaneous fistulae after multiple intestinal perforations during chemotherapy is described.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with severe abdominal pain. He underwent surgical resection for ascending colon cancer 4 years ago and was administered chemotherapy with bevacizumab for recurrence. Physical examination and computed tomography revealed perforation of the intestine, and an emergency operation was performed. Following this procedure, other intestinal perforations occurred, resulting in an open abdominal wound at postoperative day (POD) 10. To isolate enteric contents and promote granulation, VAC was applied to the abdominal wound with enterocutaneous fistulae. Oral intake started at POD 21 and the wound size became smaller. Further, an ostomy bag was directly attached to the most oral perforation site. The patient recovered from life-threatening events without severe infection and was transferred to another hospital close to his home at POD 180.

DISCUSSION

Gastrointestinal perforation is known to be one of the fatal adverse events of bevacizumab. In this case four gastrointestinal perforations were observed. Isolation of enteric contents is important to heal the wound and VAC is an effective therapy for the management of open abdominal wounds even with enterocutaneous fistulae.

CONCLUSION

Innovative VAC use for the management of open abdominal wounds can improve the nutritional status and overall wound healing of the patient.

Interventional radiologic management and treatment of enterocutaneous fistulae

Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECFs) are abnormal sinus tract communications between the alimentary system and skin surface that can cause significant management problems and cost to the health care system. Interventional radiology can play an important role in diagnosis and treatment when conventional measures fail and additional surgery is difficult or poses a high risk. The management of patients with fistulae requires operator ingenuity and dedication, a multidisciplinary team approach, and an understanding of the pathophysiology. This article reviews the major issues in ECF management and the role of interventional radiology.