Total Transperineal Laparoscopic Proctectomy for the Treatment of Crohn's Proctitis.

INTRODUCTION: Completion proctectomy is traditionally performed using a combination of abdominal and perineal approaches. Access to and exposure of the pelvis through the abdominal cavity can be limited in patients with prior surgery or inflammatory conditions. We describe a novel technique for a total transperineal approach for proctectomy for Crohn's proctitis, avoiding technical challenges, risks, and recovery associated with abdominal surgery. TECHNIQUE: We utilized the skills and expertise acquired from our experience with transanal total mesorectal excision to perform a total transperineal laparoscopic proctectomy in a male patient with medically refractory proctitis. He previously underwent an anterior resection, drainage of a chronic presacral abscess, omental pedicle flap transposition to the pelvis, and end colostomy for severe Crohn's colitis. The total transperineal laparoscopic proctectomy approach avoids the need for abdominal access, including the risks associated with abdominal entry, adhesiolysis, pelvic access and visualization, and wound-related issues. Following an initial intersphincteric perineal dissection, the GelPOINT Path minimal access platform is utilized to perform a total transperineal proctectomy. RESULTS: The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged to home 2 days after surgery. At 1-month postoperative follow-up, the patient is recovering well with complete healing of the perineal wound. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and technical steps of a minimally invasive completion proctectomy for fistulizing Crohn's proctitis by using a total transperineal approach. This approach allowed us to utilize direct, inline, high-definition visualization to access and safely operate in the distal aspects of a narrow, scarred, and fibrotic pelvis while avoiding the need for any abdominal access. Advanced experience with redo pelvic and minimally invasive transanal surgery is critical. See Video at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B664.

A rare postoperative complication after a step-up approach for walled-off pancreatic necrosis: locating a difficult digestive duct fistula.

We present the case of a gallbladder-abscess cavity fistula in a 46-year-old male with walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). A step-up approach was used for two months, which consisted of a minimally invasive necrosectomy followed by postoperative percutaneous lavages with two drainage tubes. The range of the abscess was significantly reduced, as shown by the computerized tomography scan (Fig. 1). However, a substantial amount of odorless, pale yellow, feculent fluid (almost 1,000 ml daily) was discharged from the drainage tubes over the following days, without lavages.

Chinese expert consensus on interventional diagnosis and management of acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas (second edition).

Acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas occur with abnormal communication between the respiratory tract and digestive tract caused by a variety of benign or malignant diseases, leading to the alimentary canal contents in the respiratory tract. Although various departments have been actively exploring advanced fistula closure techniques, including surgical methods and multimodal therapy, some of which have gotten good clinical effects, there are few large-scale evidence-based medical data to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines update the etiology, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas. It has been proved that the implantation of the respiratory and digestive stent is the most important and best treatment for acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas. The guidelines conduct an in-depth review of the current evidence and introduce in detail the selection of stents, implantation methods, postoperative management and efficacy evaluation.

Fibrin glue in the endoscopic treatment of fistulae and anastomotic leakages of the gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Fistulae or leakages of anastomotic junctions of the gastrointestinal tract used to be an indication for surgery. However, patients often are severely ill and endoscopic therapeutic options have been suggested to avoid surgical intervention. PURPOSE: This is a retrospective analysis of fibrin glue application in the treatment of gastrointestinal fistulae or anastomotic leakages. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of fibrin glue in the treatment of gastrointestinal fistulae and leakages. METHODS: From September 1996 to November 2002, 52 patients with gastrointestinal fistulae or insufficiencies have been treated endoscopically including the use of fibrin glue (Tissucol Duo S®, Baxter, Unterschleissheim, Germany). Clinical data comprising concomitant therapies and results were analysed by chart review. RESULTS: Twenty-six lesions were located in the oesophagus or gastroesophageal junction, 4 in the stomach, 7 in the small intestine, 13 colorectal and 2 in the pancreas. The duration of treatment ranged from 12 to 1,765 days. Two to 81 ml fibrin glue (median 8.5) was used in 1-40 sessions (median 4). All patients received antibiotics; additional endoscopic options were frequently applied. Endoscopic therapy cured 55.7% patients (n = 29); 36.5% (n = 19) were cured with fibrin glue as sole endoscopic option. In 23.1% (n = 12), surgical intervention became necessary. Patients without major infectious complications tended to have a higher cure rate without surgery (87.5% vs. 50%). Eleven patients died (21.1%). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic therapy is a valuable option in the treatment of fistulae and anastomotic insufficiencies of the gastrointestinal tract. It usually is applied repeatedly. Fibrin glue is a mainstay of this procedure. Major infectious complications seem to define a subgroup of patients with poorer outcome.

[Pleuro-pulmonary manifestations disclosing hepatic amoebiasis]. / Manifestations pleuropulmonaires révélatrices de l'amibiase hépatique.

During a mission in ex-Yugoslavia between 2001 and 2004, three French soldiers were sent home because of right pneumopathy, right pleurisy after appendicectomy, haemoptysis and liver haematoma, respectively. They previously were stationed in Africa and/or South America. The initial diagnosis was quickly modified: pleuropulmonary manifestations of amoebic hepatic abscess in two cases, and pleuropulmonary amoebiasis in the last case. The outcome was favourable with standard anti-amoebic treatment. The reports illustrate the possibility of hepatic amoebiasis with local pleuropulmonary manifestations and an exceptional case of pleuropulmonary amoebiasis with hepatobronchial fistula. The authors report this experience because it demonstrates that amoebiasis in European countries remains an often forgotten diagnosis. Although known for a long time in developing countries, amoebiasis in the military or in tourists should be systematically considered.

Spontaneous right hepatic artery branch gallbladder fistula revealed by haemobilia and upper cataclysmic gastrointestinal bleeding.

Spontaneous right hepatic artery branch gallbladder fistula is a rare condition. Our case reported a spontaneous fistula between the right branch of the hepatic artery and the gall bladder. It constitutes a rare cause of haemobilia. In fact, the most common aetiology of haemobilia is traumatic or iatrogenic secondary to hepatobiliary surgery or interventions. Diagnosis of vascular-biliary fistula is not easy. The gallbladder endoluminal clot can mimic a mass, as in our patient. Selective arterial angiography is helpful in identifying the source of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It can demonstrate the presence of arteriobiliary fistula. The differential diagnosis is arterial pseudoaneurysm in the vicinity of the vessel. Mini-invasive treatment of this fistula constitutes the best treatment. We here report a case of haemobilia with upper cataclysmic gastrointestinal bleeding revealing a spontaneous fistula between the right branch of the hepatic artery and the gall bladder.

Effect of One-Stage versus Two-Stage Palatoplasty on Hypernasality and Fistula Formation in Children with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Is one-stage or two-stage palatoplasty more effective for preventing fistula formation and hypernasality in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate? METHODS: This parallel blocked randomized controlled trial included 100 patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate with a repaired cleft lip, divided into two equal groups. Group A had one-stage palatoplasty patients at age 12 to 13 months while group B had two-stage palatoplasty patients with soft palatoplasty at age 12 to 13 months and hard palatoplasty at age 24 to 25 months. Presence of a fistula was tested clinically at 3 years and speech was tested using nasometry and perceptual analyses at 6 years. Group C consisted of noncleft controls (n = 20, age 6 years) for speech using nasometry. Fistula rates, hypernasality ratings, and nasalance scores were compared between groups A and B. Nasometry recordings of groups A and B were compared with control group C. RESULTS: There was no difference in fistula rates between groups A and B (p = 0.409; 95 percent CI, 0.365 to 11.9). Mean nasalance scores of group A showed higher nasalance than group B (p = 0.006; 95 percent CI, 1.16 to 6.53). Perceptual analysis showed no difference between groups A and B (p = 0.837 and p = 1.000). Group A showed higher mean nasalance than group C (p = 0.837 and p = 1.000), whereas group B showed no difference (p = 0.088; 95 percent CI, -0.14 to 2.02). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in fistula rates between groups. Nasalance was slightly higher in patients in the one-stage palatoplasty group than two-stage palatoplasty group, but the difference was not clinically significant. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Refractory abdominal-cutaneous fistulas or leaks: percutaneous management with a collagen plug.

BACKGROUND: We report the results of abdominal-cutaneous fistula tract occlusion with a collagen plug in a series of patients with fistulas or leaks refractory to conservative therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Seven patients were found to have persistent fistula or leak after percutaneous drainage of abdominal pelvic fluid collections. All patients but one were refractory to surgical or percutaneous drainage. Under fluoroscopic guidance, modified Vasoseal (Datascope Inc, Montvale, NJ) collagen plugs were deployed into the fistulas using catheter-directed techniques. The plugs were split longitudinally to fit into an 8F or 9F peel-away sheath, placed into the fistula, and deployed. Results were tabulated and patients were followed up. RESULTS: Six of seven patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided, catheter-directed tract occlusion had resolution of the fistula, with no evidence of fistula or abscess recurrence from 30 to 180 days after closure. There were no procedural complications. The technique was unsuccessful in dosing a gastrocutaneous fistula after removal of a large-bore gastrostomy tube; this failure was believed to be secondary to the short length and large caliber of the tract in a patient with hypercortisolemia. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of abdominal-cutaneous fistula tracts by occlusion with a modified Vasoseal collagen plug shows promise in the management of fistulas refractory to catheter drainage.

Decompressive percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in nonmalignant disease.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is the standard for long-term enteral access. It can provide enteral nutrition or gastrointestinal decompression. Utilization of the gastrostomy for decompression has traditionally been reported in the setting of malignant obstruction. However, decompressive gastrostomy can play a role in the treatment of nonmalignant bowel dysfunction as well. METHODS: Over a 2-year period, 20 of 121 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies attempted by this surgical endoscopist were for gastrointestinal decompression. RESULTS: Eleven of 18 gastrostomies successfully placed for decompression were for benign conditions. In 5 patients with fistulous disease, the purpose of decompression was to divert the gastrointestinal tract until operative repair. Four of these patients have since undergone definitive surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This series presents the successful use of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for decompression of nonmalignant conditions. In such scenarios, the drainage gastrostomy can be employed as a bridge to future surgery, or as a means of long-term decompression for bowel dysfunction.

[Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor with pancreatobiliary and pancreatodigestive fistulae: a case report]. / Tumeur intra-canalaire papillaire mucineuse pancréatique fistulisée dans la voie biliaire, le duodénum et l'estomac.

Pancreatobiliary or pancreatodigestive fistulae are rare during the course of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors. The mechanism of the fistula is either malignant involvement or mechanical. We report the case of an 81-year-old patient with intraductal papillary mucinous tumor complicated by fistulae between the main pancreatic duct and common bile duct, duodenum and stomach. These fistulae were treated endoscopically and radiologically by several metallic stents.

[Treatment of fistula of abdominal part of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum]. / Lechenie svishcha briushnoi chasti pishchevoda, zheludka i dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki.

The results of treatment of 142 patients with fistula of the abdominal esophagus, stomach and duodenum were analyzed. Tactic and principles of treatment of different types of the alimentary canal fistulas were elaborated. Mortality was 31.7%.

Efficacy and tolerability of immunoregulators and antibiotics in fistulizing Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of two drug groups (immunoregulators and antibiotics) in the treatment of fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched for clinical trial studies investigated the effects of immunoregulators and antibiotics in the treatment of fistulizing CD. Clinical response and adverse effects were the key outcomes of interest. Data were searched from the time period of 1966 through June 2010. RESULT: Eleven randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials that met our criteria (nine in different immunoregulators and two in antibiotics) were included in the analysis. Pooling of data showed that immunoregulators and antibiotics are significantly effective for at least a 50% reduction from baseline in the number of open actively draining fistulas with relative risk (RR) of 2.57 (95% CI of 1.55-4.25, P=0.0003) in four trials and 2.05 (95% CI of 1.03-4.08, P= 0.0414) in two trials respectively. The summary of RR for complete closure of fistulas in nine trials was 2.65 with a 95% CI of 1.66-4.22 and a significant RR (P < 0.0001). In regard to the tolerability, both immunoregulators and antibiotics showed insignificant adverse effects in comparison to placebo with an RR of 1.11 (95% CI of 0.96-1.27, P= 0.1513) and 0.6 (95% CI of 0.36-1, P= 0.0515), respectively and discontinuation because of these adverse effects in drug-treated groups was the same as placebo. Data about severe adverse effects were only available for immunoregulators that showed a significantly higher incidence when compared to placebo (RR= 2.24 with a 95% CI of 1.05-4.79; significant at P= 0.0374). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates the efficacy of immunoregulators and antibiotics in fistulizing CD. Regarding the safety, mild to moderate adverse effects were the same in both antibiotic and immunoregulators groups in comparison to the placebo but incidence of severe adverse effects in immunoregulator groups was higher than that of antibiotics.