Management of Complications in Crohn's Disease.

Complications of Crohn's disease reach far beyond postsurgical leak, infection, and enterocutaneous fistula. Malnutrition, intestinal failure, and recurrent disease all will require ongoing attentions. The management of these patients may further be complicated by the need for chronic immunosuppression. The underlying principles continue to include optimization of nutritional status, and preservation of bowel length when possible. However, there have been several recent advances in both the medical and surgical management of the disease. Understanding the contribution of the mesentery to inflammation, new surgical techniques such as the Kono-S anastomosis and extended mesenteric resection is decreasing the need for repeated resections.

Engineered Regenerative and Adhesive Hydrogel for Concurrent Sealing and Healing of Enterocutaneous Fistulas.

In addressing the intricate challenges of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) treatment, such as internal bleeding, effluent leakage, inflammation, and infection, our research is dedicated to introducing a regenerative adhesive hydrogel that can seal and expedite the healing process. A double syringe setup was utilized, with dopagelatin and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in one syringe and Laponite and sodium periodate in another. The hydrogel begins to cross-link immediately after passing through a mixing tip and exhibits tissue adhesive properties. Results demonstrated that PRP deposits within the pores of the cross-linked hydrogel and releases sustainably, enhancing its regenerative capabilities. The addition of PRP further improved the mechanical properties and slowed down the degradation of the hydrogel. Furthermore, the hydrogel demonstrated cytocompatibility, hemostatic properties, and time-dependent macrophage M1 to M2 phase transition, suggesting the anti-inflammatory response of the material. In an in vitro bench test simulating high-pressure fistula conditions, the hydrogel effectively occluded pressures up to 300 mmHg. In conclusion, this innovative hydrogel holds promise for ECF treatment and diverse fistula cases, marking a significant advancement in its therapeutic approaches.

New application of intestinal obstruction catheter in enterocutaneous fistula: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin. ECF can lead to massive body fluid loss, hypercatabolism, and malnutrition. Therefore, nutritional support plays a crucial role in managing ECFs and promoting the healing of fistulas. For nutritional support, enteral nutrition (EN) is the preferred method when gastrointestinal function is recovering. Currently, various EN approaches have been applied for different anatomical positions of the ECF. However, the effectiveness of administering EN support for treating lower ECFs still needs further exploration and improvement. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 46-year-old male who underwent gastrointestinal stromal tumour resection. Six days after the surgery, the patient presented with fever, fatigue, severe upper abdominal pain, and septic shock. Subsequently, lower ECFs were diagnosed through laboratory and imaging examinations. In addition to symptomatic treatment for homeostasis, total parenteral nutrition support was administered in the first 72 h due to dysfunction of the intestine. After that, we gradually provided EN support through the intestinal obstruction catheter in consideration of the specific anatomic position of the fistula instead of using the nasal jejunal tube. Ultimately, the patient could receive optimal EN support via the catheter, and no complications were found during the treatment. CONCLUSION: Nutritional support is a crucial element in ECF management, and intestinal obstruction catheters could be used for early EN administration.

Protocolized Gastrointestinal Fistula Management is Superior to Historic Data and National Averages: A Retrospective Review of an Enterocutaneous Fistula Registry.

Background: Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) management remains a complex clinical problem. Prehabilitation (prehab) protocols are becoming more popular. The prehabilitation protocol used in this paper was adopted in 2017 at the University of Florida. The Fistula Registry at University of Florida has captured the efforts of the UFAIR (University of Florida Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Intestinal Rehab) service. We analyzed if the prehabilitation program is successful in reducing deaths, length of stay, recurrence of fistula, and readmissions to the hospital in our database.Methods: Charts were queried for patients with ECF/EAF from the UFAIR database from January 1, 2017, until present day. Several factors were recorded including: cause of fistula, recurrence of fistula, wound infection, postoperative sepsis, hospital length of stay, postoperative ICU length of stay, postoperative length of stay, death, discharge disposition, and if taken back to surgery.Results: 31 patients underwent prehabilitation while 30 patients underwent standard nutritional therapy. No deaths were reported in the prehab group, compared to 7 deaths in the standard group (P = .006). The prehab population had an average hospital stay of 15.19 days while the standard group had an average stay of 21.16 days (P = .045). 2/31 in the prehab protocol had a recurrence of ECF while 10/30 in the standard protocol recurred (P = .01). Conclusions: Our study showed promising data for the effects of prehabilitation protocol for patients with ECF. The outcomes of those in the prehab protocol surpassed historical outcomes. Our patients had no deaths, shorter hospital stays, and lower rates of recurrence.

Colocutaneous Fistula Formation Following Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Case Series.

Mesh placement remains the standard of care for inguinal hernioplasty, whether through the classic open approach or the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach. Though both techniques are generally safe, they can occasionally result in visceral injuries, albeit infrequently. Mesh migration into the intestines is a morbid situation requiring emergency treatment. We present two male patients who developed mesh-enterocutaneous fistula several years after inguinal hernia repair. The first patient with a history of a bilateral TAPP hernia repair was admitted to the emergency department and underwent bilateral complete mesh removal, limited right colectomy, and wedge resection of the sigmoid colon, due to mesh erosion. The second patient, with a history of a left inguinal hernia treated by open mesh repair, presented to the emergency department complaining of intense pain in his left inguinal area. Erosion of the prosthetic mesh into the sigmoid and a colo-cutaneous fistula was identified, with sigmoidectomy and en bloc excision of the adherent mesh and end-colostomy being performed. Mesh erosion into the intestinal tract is a rare but serious condition. In patients presenting with a subcutaneous abscess in the inguinal region, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for intrabdominal inflammation arising from mesh erosion into adjacent viscera. Surgical management becomes necessary in symptomatic cases or instances of fistulization.

Tsukamurella Bacteremia in a Surgical Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Tsukamurella species were first isolated in 1941. Since then, 48 cases of Tsukamurella bacteremia have been reported, a majority of which were immunosuppressed patients with central venous catheters.A case is described and previous cases of Tsukamurella bacteremia are reviewed. Patients and Methods: A 70-year-old total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-dependent female with recurrent enterocutaneous fistula (ECF), developed leukocytosis one week after a challenging ECF takedown. After starting broad-spectrum antibiotic agents, undergoing percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscess, and subsequent repositioning of the drain, her leukocytosis resolved. Blood and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) cultures grew Tsukamurella spp. The patient was discharged to home with 14 days of daily 2 g ceftriaxone, with resolution of bacteremia. Conclusions: Tsukamurella spp. are a rare opportunistic pathogen predominantly affecting immunocompromised patients, with central venous catheters present in most cases. However, there have been few reported cases in immunocompetent individuals with predisposing conditions such as end-stage renal disease and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

Small intestine metastasis from endometrial carcinoma initially presented as enterocutaneous fistula: a case report and literature review.

Although endometrial cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women, it rarely metastasizes to the small intestine. Cases of endometrial recurrence to the intestine clinically present with secondary anemia, melena, abdominal cramps, and epigastric pain. Only a dozen cases are reported in the literature, but none presented with an enterocutaneous fistula. In this report, we present a case of an 88-year-old female patient previously treated for endometrial adenocarcinoma with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Fourteen months after the surgery, the patient presented with an enterocutaneous fistula on the anterior abdominal wall, which was confirmed to be a metastasis from the primary tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first case of endometrial cancer metastasizing to the small intestine with involvement of the anterior abdominal wall and the occurrence of an enterocutaneous fistula, which was treated with radical surgery.

Non-surgical Management of a Malecot Tube Migrating From a Small Bowel Fistula.

Foreign bodies are encountered relatively often within the practice of general surgery. We present a unique case of a rubber, self-retaining, radiopaque "mushroom-tip" Malecot tube placed for fistula drainage control due to an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) that became a gastrointestinal foreign body.  A 24-year-old male presented in shock with gunshot wounds to his right chest and right upper abdomen to a Level I trauma center. He required a prolonged hospital stay with additional urological and thoracic procedures and an interventional radiology procedure for hepatic pseudoaneurysm and subsequently developed an ECF. The patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility with a wound management system (WMS) for ECF drainage but returned to the clinic with chemical burns and skin excoriation due to poorly controlled output and suboptimal WMS fit. A better fitting WMS was employed and a 20-French Malecot catheter was placed to assist with drainage control. The patient later returned with abdominal pain reporting the Malecot advanced forward spontaneously and was not externally visible. CT scan revealed the Malecot across the prior ileocolic anastomosis. After considering potential treatment options, we initially proceeded with aggressive bowel stimulation, and saline enemas hoping the tube would pass through his colostomy. He was discharged and the catheter passed at home a few days later via the stoma. Gastroenterological literature recommends invasive management for sharp, corrosive, or elongated foreign bodies exceeding 6cm in length. This unusual case demonstrates a 30-centimeter (cm) blunt object passing through the small bowel and colon in the absence of an ileocecal valve.

Experiencia en el manejo de fístulas enterocutáneas postoperatorias en el Hospital Nacional del 2017 al 2022

Introducción: la mayoría de las fistulas enterocutáneas se producen como complicación de una o varias cirugías previas. La mortalidad sigue siendo muy elevada. Su tratamiento supone un reto para el cirujano y gran uso de recursos humanos, económicos y prolongada estancia hospitalaria. Objetivo: determinar la experiencia del manejo de las fístulas enterocutáneas postoperatorias en el servicio de cirugía general del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá durante el periodo 2017-2022. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal, con muestreo no probabilístico. Solo hubo 30 casos con fichas completas, las cuales sometimos a procesamiento y análisis de las variables de interés. Resultados: de la muestra final 70 % fueron hombres, el promedio de edad fue de 49,6 años y de días de internación 28,6. Solo 5 pacientes consultaron por secreción fecaloide, los demás refirieron secreción seropurulenta por herida o cicatriz operatoria. Del total, 9 fueron de alto débito. El 100 % recibió antibioticoterapia; obitaron 4 de los 14 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente con fin terapéutico. La técnica quirúrgica mayormente utilizada fue: laparotomía + liberación de adherencias e identificación de la fístula + resección intestinal + anastomosis. De los antecedentes la mayoría fueron postoperados de oclusión intestinal mecánica alta o peritonitis aguda de origen apendicular. Conclusión: debido a su alto impacto en la capacidad laboral y social las fístulas enterocutáneas representan patologías quirúrgicas muy complejas y relevantes con bajas tasas de curación definitiva. La mayoría se presentan como complicación de cirugías de urgencia; requiere intervención multidisciplinaria adaptada para cada caso en particular.

Introduction: the occur enterocutaneous fistula as a complication of one or several previous surgeries. Mortality is still very high. Its treatment represents a challenge for the surgeon and great use of human and economic resources and a long hospital stay. Objective: to determine the experience in the management of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulae in the general surgery service of the Itauguá National Hospital during the period 2017-2022. Methodology: retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study with non-probabilistic sampling. There were only 30 cases with complete records, which we subjected to processing and analysis of the variables of interest. Results: of the final sample, 70 % were men, the average age was 49,6 years and 28,6 days of hospitalization. Only 5 patients consulted due to fecaloid discharge, the rest reported seropurulent discharge from wound or surgical scar. Of the total, 9 were high debit. 100 % received antibiotic therapy, 4 of the 14 patients who underwent surgery as therapeutics, died. The most commonly used surgical technique was: laparotomy + release of adhesions and identification of the fistula + intestinal resection + anastomosis. Most of the antecedents were post-operated for high mechanical intestinal occlusion or acute peritonitis of appendiceal origin. Conclusion: due to their high impact on work and social capacity, enterocutaneous fistulas represent very complex and relevant surgical pathologies with low definitive cure rates. Most present as a complication in emergency surgeries; requires multidisciplinary intervention adapted to each particular case.

Open intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with anterior component separation as a bail-out procedure in the management of complex hernias.

PURPOSE: Surgical repair of complex abdominal wall hernias remains technically demanding and is widely recognized as a risk factor for unfavorable outcomes with high recurrence and morbidity rates. The objective is to assess short- and long-term complications after open intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair combined with bilateral anterior component separation (ACS) for large and difficult incisional hernias, alongside evaluating hernia recurrence rates. METHODS: This retrospective analysis utilized data sourced from Hospital electronic health records and a prospective database at an academic tertiary referral center. Data collection was carried out from patients operated between January 2006 and December 2017. Eligible patients had complex incisional hernias measuring at least 10 cm in their transverse diameter and had an open IPOM repair with bilateral ACS. RESULTS: In our study group of 45 patients, the 30-day surgical site occurrence (SSO) rate was high (37.8%), primarily consisting of superficial postoperative complications as seroma (17.8%) and wound dehiscence (6.7%). Among six patients (13.3%), wound complications escalated to chronic infected mesh-related problems, leading to complete mesh removal in four cases (8.9%) and partial mesh removal in two cases (4.4%). Regarding long-term complications, five patients (11.1%) developed enterocutaneous fistula. The recurrence rate was modest [5 out of 41 (12.2%)] over a median follow-up period of 99 months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high SSO rate, application of the open IPOM technique with ACS could serve as a valuable rescue option for managing large and complex hernias, with acceptable hernia recurrence rates at long-term follow-up.

Entero-Cutaneous and Entero-Atmospheric Fistulas: Insights into Management Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

Enteric fistulas are a common problem in gastrointestinal tract surgery and remain associated with significant mortality rates, due to complications such as sepsis, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance. The increasingly widespread use of open abdomen techniques for the initial treatment of abdominal sepsis and trauma has led to the observation of so-called entero-atmospheric fistulas. Because of their clinical complexity, the proper management of enteric fistula requires a multidisciplinary team. The main goal of the treatment is the closure of enteric fistula, but also mortality reduction and improvement of patients' quality of life are fundamental. Successful management of patients with enteric fistula requires the establishment of controlled drainage, management of sepsis, prevention of fluid and electrolyte depletion, protection of the skin, and provision of adequate nutrition. Many of these fistulas will heal spontaneously within 4 to 6 weeks of conservative management. If closure is not accomplished after this time point, surgery is indicated. Despite advances in perioperative care and nutritional support, the mortality remains in the range of 15 to 30%. In more recent years, the use of negative pressure wound therapy for the resolution of enteric fistulas improved the outcomes, so patients can be successfully treated with a non-operative approach. In this review, our intent is to highlight the most important aspects of negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of patients with enterocutaneous or entero-atmospheric fistulas.

Amyand's Hernia: A Rare Case Study of Perforated Appendicitis in an Inguinal Hernia.

Amyand's hernia is defined as the presence of an appendix contained within an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is the protrusion of a small or large bowel through a peritoneal defect of the groin. In rare cases, the appendix can become incarcerated or strangulated within the hernia, cutting off the blood supply to the organ. If incarcerated, the appendix is at risk for strangulation, which can lead to rupture and cause worsening of symptoms and/or collapse. We report a case of a 76-year-old male with a history of inguinal hernia repair 30 years prior, who presented with 30 days of intermittent right lower quadrant pain and unintentional weight loss. He required emergent treatment and management. This case underscores the challenge of diagnosing concurrent inguinal hernia and appendicitis and places an emphasis on timely intervention. Treatment options vary based on the appendix's apparent condition within the hernia sac. Despite the complications, including additional drainage site and enterocutaneous fistula, the patient was discharged in stable condition. This case contributes insights into managing complex inguinal pathologies, particularly in the geriatric population.

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.

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.

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.

Spontaneous Stoma Closure: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Stomas serve various purposes, and surgical closure of temporary stomas is typically performed once the underlying reason for their creation has been resolved. However, spontaneous closure of a stoma without surgical intervention is exceptionally rare. Here, we present a case of spontaneous stoma closure. A 67-year-old female presented with symptoms indicative of partial bowel obstruction. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed circumferential wall thickening involving the transverse, splenic flexure, and proximal descending colon, along with a dilated proximal colon. Urgent intervention led to a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and the creation of a diverting loop ileostomy. Six months later, she was then booked for stoma closure but found that the stoma was already closed, and the patient reported a history of pushing the stoma inside by herself. Spontaneous closure of a stoma is extremely rare. The mechanism behind spontaneous closure is not fully understood. Stoma retraction or the healing process of an enterocutaneous (EC) fistula can be attributable factors. Only six cases of spontaneous stoma closure have been reported in the literature. The technique that has been described by the patient of pushing the stoma inside has not been discussed before. Gradual retraction of the stoma and the healing process of EC fistula are the most common acceptable factors. The technique of pushing the stoma inside could be a helpful factor in spontaneous stoma closure. Long-term follow-up can help in understanding the unclear mechanism of this condition.

Association of COVID 19 pneumonitis and acute mesenteric ischemia.

Key Clinical Message: D. dimer could be useful as an indicator in diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia in COVID patients. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in such patients. Abstract: Bowel ischemia in COVID 19 patients is extremely rare condition results from migrating thrombus formed by a hypercoagulable inflammatory state that is frequently associated COVID 19 infection. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in general especially in those with active COVID 19 infection.

In situ bioprinting of double network anti-digestive xanthan gum derived hydrogel scaffolds for the treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas.

The clinical treatment of enterocutaneous fistula is challenging and causes significant patient discomfort. Fibrin gel can be used to seal tubular enterocutaneous fistulas, but it has low strength and poor digestion resistance. Based on in situ bioprinting and the anti-digestive properties of xanthan gum (XG), we used carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and xanthan gum modified by grafted glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and aldehyde (GCX) as the ink to print a double network hydrogel that exhibited high strength and an excellent anti-digestive performance. In addition, in vitro studies confirmed the biocompatibility, degradability, and self-healing of hydrogels. In our rabbit tubular enterocutaneous fistula model, the in situ printed hydrogel resisted corrosion due to the intestinal fluid and acted as a scaffold for intestinal mucosal cells to proliferate on its surface. To summarize, in situ bioprinting GCX/CMC double network hydrogel can effectively block tubular enterocutaneous fistulas and provide a stable scaffold for intestinal mucosal regeneration.