Primary and secondary arterial fistulas during chronic Q fever.

OBJECTIVE: After primary infection with Coxiella burnetii, patients may develop acute Q fever, which is a relatively mild disease. A small proportion of patients (1%-5%) develop chronic Q fever, which is accompanied by high mortality and can be manifested as infected arterial or aortic aneurysms or infected vascular prostheses. The disease can be complicated by arterial fistulas, which are often fatal if they are left untreated. We aimed to assess the cumulative incidence of arterial fistulas and mortality in patients with proven chronic Q fever. METHODS: In a retrospective, observational study, the cumulative incidence of arterial fistulas (aortoenteric, aortobronchial, aortovenous, or arteriocutaneous) in patients with proven chronic Q fever (according to the Dutch Chronic Q Fever Consensus Group criteria) was assessed. Proven chronic Q fever with a vascular focus of infection was defined as a confirmed mycotic aneurysm or infected prosthesis on imaging studies or positive result of serum polymerase chain reaction for C. burnetii in the presence of an arterial aneurysm or vascular prosthesis. RESULTS: Of 253 patients with proven chronic Q fever, 169 patients (67%) were diagnosed with a vascular focus of infection (42 of whom had a combined vascular focus and endocarditis). In total, 26 arterial fistulas were diagnosed in 25 patients (15% of patients with a vascular focus): aortoenteric (15), aortobronchial (2), aortocaval (4), and arteriocutaneous (5) fistulas (1 patient presented with both an aortocaval and an arteriocutaneous fistula). Chronic Q fever-related mortality was 60% for patients with and 21% for patients without arterial fistula (P < .0001). Primary fistulas accounted for 42% and secondary fistulas for 58%. Of patients who underwent surgical intervention for chronic Q fever-related fistula (n = 17), nine died of chronic Q fever-related causes (53%). Of patients who did not undergo any surgical intervention (n = 8), six died of chronic Q fever-related causes (75%). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients with proven chronic Q fever developing primary or secondary arterial fistulas is high; 15% of patients with a vascular focus of infection develop an arterial fistula. This observation suggests that C. burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, plays a role in the development of fistulas in these patients. Chronic Q fever-related mortality in patients with arterial fistula is very high, in both patients who undergo surgical intervention and patients who do not.

Outcome of 132 consecutive reconstructive operations for intestinal fistula--staged operation without primary anastomosis improved outcome in retrospective analysis.

AIM: To study factors that influenced healing and survival after attempted closure of enterocutaneous fistula. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospective data concerning 101 patients operated on 132 instances for 110 enterocutaneous fistulae at two hospitals. RESULTS: In all, 96 (87%) of the 110 fistulae healed and 92 (91%) patients survived. A total of 9 patients with unhealed fistula died. Multivariate analysis revealed jaundice as an independent factor for both death and failed closure and operation without anastomosis as an independent positive factor for healing. Failure rate was lower after an operation with stoma without anastomosis (6 of 43, 14%) than after an operation with anastomosis (30 of 89, 34%) p = 0.0213. Of the 36 instances with unhealed fistula, 13 (36%) could be ascribed to inadvertent bowel lesions at the reconstructive operation. In addition, univariate analysis revealed that patients with previous multiple laparotomies or with multiple operations for enterocutaneous fistula healed less likely and had higher mortality. A low serum albumin, high white blood cell count, high C-reactive protein concentration, high fistula output, total parenteral nutrition, and operation for recurrent fistula were associated with death together with long operation time and operative bleeding, both indicators of surgical complexity. Over time, staged surgery avoiding anastomosis increased from 27% to 57%. Mortality decreased from 12% to 6%, and healing increased from 73% to 94%. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic inflammation, malnutrition, and liver failure causing an impaired healing capacity are important reasons for failure. Staged operation without primary anastomosis may allow the patient to reverse this condition and improve outcome. The high surgical complexity is a negative factor that requires careful planning of the operation.

Surgical management of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: The increased use of radiation in the primary management of laryngeal carcinoma has resulted in an increase in pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation after salvage laryngectomy. The impact of this practice on surgical management strategies has been analyzed. METHODS: A retrospective review of 177 patients treated by total laryngectomy for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma was performed. PCF formation was documented and management strategies were analyzed. RESULTS: Preoperative radiation therapy (XRT) was administered to 86 patients (48.6%). Postoperative PCF developed in 47 patients (26.5%), including 30 (34.9%) who had received preoperative XRT versus 17 (18.6%) who had not received XRT (P = 0.015). Spontaneous PCF closure occurred in 23 patients (48.9%). Two patients died with persistent, untreated PCF. Surgical closure of PCF was performed in 22 patients (46.8%), including 17 who had received preoperative radiation (77.3%). Reconstructive methods included 9 local flaps, 17 pectoralis major (PM) flaps, and 2 free jejunal flaps. Seven of the 9 (77.8%) patients treated with local flaps had received XRT. Three patients had successful fistula closure including 2 who had not received radiation. Six of 9 patients (66.7%) developed recurrent fistulization after local flap closure necessitating PM flap closure. Overall, 14 patients (82.4%) had received preoperative XRT prior to PM flap closure. Six patients (35.3%) who had received XRT developed recurrent fistulization and 5 of these fistulas eventually closed with local wound care. The remaining patient succumbed to a carotid artery rupture. Two patients required a completion pharyngectomy and free jejunal flap reconstruction. PM flaps were used in both cases to provide soft-tissue coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative XRT increases the risk of PCF after laryngectomy and the need for surgical closure. Local flap closure has a limited role in the surgical management of PCF. PM flap reconstruction has a high complication rate including recurrent fistulization in the setting of preoperative radiation.

Factors predictive of recurrence and mortality after surgical repair of enterocutaneous fistula.

Many enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) require operative treatment. Despite recent advances, rates of recurrence have not changed substantially. This study aims to determine factors associated with recurrence and mortality in patients submitted to surgical repair of ECF. Consecutive patients submitted to surgical repair of ECF during a 5-year period were studied. Several patient, disease, and operative variables were assessed as factors related to recurrence and mortality through univariate and multivariate analysis. There were 35 male and 36 female patients. Median age was 52 years (range, 17-81). ECF recurred in 22 patients (31%), 18 of them (82%) eventually closed with medical and/or surgical treatment. Univariate analyses disclosed noncolonic ECF origin (p = 0.04), high output (p = 0.001), and nonresective surgical options (p = 0.02) as risk factors for recurrence; the latter two remained significant after multivariate analyses. A total of 14 patients died (20%). Univariate analyses revealed risk factors for mortality at diagnosis or referral including malnutrition (p = 0.03), sepsis (p = 0.004), fluid and electrolyte imbalance (p = 0.001), and serum albumin <3 g/dl (p = 0.02). Other significant variables were interval from last abdominal operation to ECF operative treatment ≤20 weeks (p = 0.03), preoperative serum albumin <3 g/dl (p = 0.001), and age ≥55 years (p = 0.03); the latter two remained significant after multivariate analyses. Interestingly, recurrence after surgical treatment was not associated with mortality (p = 0.75). Among several studied variables, recurrence was only independently associated with high output and type of surgical treatment (operations not involving resection of ECF). Interestingly, once ECF recurred its management was as successful as non-recurrent fistulas in our series. Mortality was associated to previously-reported bad prognostic factors at diagnosis or referral.

Is POSSUM predictive of morbidity and mortality in laryngectomy patients?

OBJECTIVES: To test the validity of the comparative audit tool of POSSUM (Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity) against a cohort of 92 consecutive laryngectomies at a major tertiary referral centre for head and neck cancer. The major outcome measurements were 30-day mortality rates, formation of a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula, and length of hospital stay. METHODS: By means of a prospective and retrospective case note analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference between the mean POSSUM morbidity scores of those patients who did, or did not develop a fistula, was found (p=0.535, 95% C.I. -4.36 to 8.33). No significant correlation was observed between POSSUM predicted morbidity and bed occupancy [r=0.137 (95% C.I. -0.070 to 0.334)]. The Portsmouth POSSUM equation for mortality however did accurately predict the mortality rate (observed to expected ratio of 1.05). CONCLUSION: The authors propose that whilst there are many similar factors linked to mortality between cohorts of general surgical and head and neck patients, there are several highly specific risk factors in open surgery of the upper aero-digestive tract in the head and neck which are linked with wound breakdown and morbidity which are omitted from the POSSUM scoring system. The authors warn against the use of this comparative audit tool in its current state for such surgical procedures and recommend the creation of a specific POSSUM for head and neck cancer surgery.

Enterocutaneous Fistula: a Tanzanian Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Enterocutaneous fistulae pose a therapeutic challenge to general surgeons all over the world and contribute significantly to high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in the management of enterocutaneous fistulas; outlining the causes; fistula characteristics; treatment outcome and prognostic factors for fistula closure and mortality in our local setting. Methods: A prospective study of patients with enterocutaneous fistulae was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre between December 2007 and November 2009. After informed written consent for the study and HIV testing; all patients who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled into the study. Data were collected using a pre-tested; coded questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5. Results: Ninety two patients were seen during the study. There were 54 males (58.7) and 38 (41.3) females (M: F ratio = 1.4:1). Post-operative complication was the commonest cause of enterocutaneous fistulae in 91.3of cases. The majority of patients (63.0) had high output fistulae and the jejuno-ileum was commonly affected (60.9). The complication rate was 34.8and sepsis was the most common complication. Sixteen patients (17.4) had HIV infection. Fistula closure was successfully achieved in 64 patients (69.6). Of these; 42 patients (65.6) had spontaneous closure and 22 patients (34.4) underwent surgical closure. Mortality rate was 30.4. Using multivariate logistic regression; the cause of fistula; fistula output; presence of complications and institutional origin of the patient were found to be significant predictors of spontaneous closure (p-value 0.001); where as surgical closure was significantly associated with presence of complications and pre-morbid illness (p-value 0.001). Fistula output; institutional origin of the patient; presence of complications and premorbid illness; HIV positivity and CD4 count were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Enterocutaneous fistulae pose a therapeutic challenge at BMC and contribute significantly to high morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach focusing on fluid resuscitation; nutritional supplementation; electrolyte replenishment; control of sepsis; containment of effluent; skin integrity and surgery at appropriate time is necessary to lessen morbidity and mortality with a higher fistula closure rate. The high rate of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulae resulting from anastomotic breakdown in patients referred from peripheral hospitals calls for urgent surgical skill training course in this region. The high rate of HIV infection in these patients needs further studies

Surgery for high-output small bowel enterocutaneous fistula: a 30-year experience.

The outcome of surgery undertaken to repair high-output small bowel enterocutaneous fistula (SBECF) using the same technique was evaluated. Of a total of 282 patients with a high-output SBECF (daily fistula output > 500 ml), 183 patients were managed conservatively; in this group, a spontaneous closure rate of 81.4% (n = 149) and a mortality rate of 18.6% (n = 34) was noted. Ninety-nine patients (35.1%) underwent definitive surgical treatment. In all patients, after resection of the fistula, the entire small bowel was stented. Six patients (6%) died in the postoperative period. No complications developed as a result of intestinal stenting. Including the patients treated successfully for postoperative persistence of fistula, surgical repair was successful in 93 patients (93.9%). No patients returned with refistulization or small bowel obstruction within 6 months of surgery. We believe that routine intraluminal stenting should be an integral component of the surgical technique for the repair of SBECF.

Treatment strategies in 135 consecutive patients with enterocutaneous fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) pose a major challenge to every gastrointestinal (GI) surgeon. Based on earlier studies, a standardized treatment guideline was implemented. The focus of the present study was to assess that guideline and determine prognostic factors for outcome of patients with ECF, and to define a more detailed therapeutic approach including the convalescence time before restorative surgery. METHODS: All patients with ECF treated between 1990 and 2005 were included. Management consisted of controlling Sepsis, Optimization of nutritional state, Wound care, assessment of fistula Anatomy, Timing of surgery, and Surgical strategy (the SOWATS guideline). Prognostic factors were assessed by way of multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were treated at our unit. Overall closure was achieved in 118 patients (87.4%). Restorative operations for fistula closure were performed after a median of 53 days (range: 4-270 days). Restorative operations were successful in 97/107 patients (90.7%). Thirteen patients (9.6%) died. An abdominal wall defect was the most predominant negative prognostic factor for spontaneous closure (odds ratio [OR]=0.195, confidence interval [CI] 0.052-0.726, p=0.015). A strong relation was found between preoperative albumin level and surgical closure (p<0.001) and mortality (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Application of the SOWATS guideline allowed a favorable outcome after a short convalescence period. Abdominal wall defects and preoperative hypoalbuminemia are important prognostic variables.

Systematic management of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas: factors related to outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Most enterocutaneous fistulas are postoperative in origin. Sepsis, malnutrition, and hydroelectrolytic deficit are still the most important complications to which patients with postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas (PEF) are exposed. Knowledge of prognostic factors related to specific outcomes is essential for therapeutic decision-making processes. METHODS: We reviewed files of all consecutive patients with PEF treated in our hospital during a 10-year period. Our aim was to identify factors related to spontaneous closure, need for operative treatment, and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were treated. The most frequent site of origin was the small bowel (90 patients: 48 jejunal, and 42 ileal), followed in frequency by the colon (50 patients). Postoperative enterocutaneous fistula closure was achieved in 151 patients (86%), being spontaneous in 65 (37%) and surgical in 86 (49%). Factors that significantly precluded spontaneous closure were jejunal site, multiple fistulas, sepsis, high output, and hydroelectrolytic deficit at diagnosis or referral. Origin of PEF at our hospital was the only factor significantly associated with spontaneous closure. The most frequent operative indication was PEF persistence without sepsis. Factors significantly associated with the need for operative treatment were high output, jejunal site, and multiple fistulas. Closure was achieved in 84% of patients who underwent operation. A total of 23 patients died (13%). Factors associated with mortality were serum albumin <3.0 g/dl (at diagnosis or referral), high output, hydroelectrolytic deficit, multiple fistulas, jejunal site, sepsis, and a complex fistulous tract. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of advances in management of PEF, the associated morbidity and mortality remain high. Among several variables influencing outcome, our multivariate analysis disclosed high output, jejunal site, multiple fistulas, and sepsis as independent adverse factors related to non-spontaneous closure, need for operative treatment, and/or death.

Treatment of high-output enterocutaneous fistulas with a vacuum-compaction device. A ten-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistulas arise as complications in 0.8%-2% of abdominal operations. The global mortality rate is 5%-37%, yet it may exceed 60% in the case of high-output fistulas and when sepsis and malnutrition are involved. The objective of this prospective cohort study with retrospective data analyses was to analyze our ten-year experience with a vacuum-compaction device for the management of high-output, postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas at the Department of General Surgery, E. Tornú Hospital, and the Intensive Care Unit, Churruca Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-one patients presented 179 fistulas; 73 (69.2%) were men whose mean age was 48 years. Sepsis and malnutrition were present in 66 (72.5%). The mean initial fistula output was 1,485 ml/day. Conservative management was carried out according to diagnostic and therapeutic priority staging. A vacuum-compaction system (SIVACO; Spanish acronym) was used to control output. RESULTS: Output was entirely suppressed in 37 (40.7%) patients after 1-7 days of treatment, and reduced to less than 500 ml/day (average=138) in 52 (57.1%) patients. Spontaneous closure was achieved in 42 (46.2%) patients, whereas 37 (40.7%) patients did not improve after 20-380 (average=111) days of treatment. Those patients required surgical correction, which had an 83.8% success rate. Overall mortality was 16.5% (15 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The vacuum-compaction device proved effective for reducing fistula output in 89 of 91 patients (97.8%).

Current management of enterocutaneous fistula.

Enterocutaneous fistulas, defined as abnormal communications between bowel and skin, are among the most challenging conditions managed by the general surgeon. In an era when the mortality from pancreaticoduodenectomy is less than 3%, the mortality of enterocutaneous fistulas remains 10 to 30% due to the often-present complications of sepsis, malnutrition, and electrolyte abnormalities. Taking advantage of recent advances in techniques of pre- and post-surgical management and support, employing a multidisciplinary team approach, and executing a well-delineated management plan provide the patient and surgeon with the best possibility of success in treating this potentially devastating condition.

[Enterocutaneous fistula in the pediatric population. Clinical experience]. / Fistula enterocutánea en la edad pediátrica. Experiencia clínica.

BACKGROUND: The presence of fistulous communications between the small bowel and the skin continues to be one of the most perplexing and challenging problems facing the surgeon today. Their occurrence is a major catastophe of surgical practice because are frequently a result of technical failure or errors in surgical judgement. MATERIAL, METHOD AND RESULTS: Thirty four patients with high-output enterocutaneous fistulae arising from the small intestine are reported. Fourteen were due to appendicitis and sixteen were infants. Fistula resection were performed in six patients. Spontaneous fistula closure occurred in twenty-eight. Six died. The treatment program included parenteral nutritition thorugh central venous line, local care and antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, more aggressive therapy accompanied by the development of high caloric parenteral alimentation shows promise of reducing the mortality and morbidity rates associated with these fistulas.

[Treatment results of enterocutaneous fistulae in patients with cancer]. / Resultados del tratamiento de fistulas enterocutáneas en pacientes con cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite of advances obtained today, the enterocutaneous fistula has a mortality rate from 25 to 50%. The presence of cancer increases death frequency and makes difficult its treatment. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the results of management of enterocutaneous fistula in cancer patients. METHODS: Seventy six cancer patients with average age of 56.8 +/- 13.5 years old and received curative primary treatment for malignancy at the Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center in Mexico who developed an enterocutaneous fistula between 1992 and 2002 were studied. RESULTS: Resolution of fistula was obtained in 52 patients (68.4%). Among these 52, 41 fistulae (53.9%) resolved spontaneously, and 11 required surgical treatment. All patients were treated with parenteral nutrition and octreotide. The meantime to fistula resolution, in those patients whose fistula was spontaneously resolved, was 20 days. Among the 24 patients who died, 21 had sepsis. Fistula-related mortality was highest in those patients with postoperative origin (82%; p = 0.024), of high output (57%; p = 0.001) and ileum site (45%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The spontaneous closure is high and the surgical treatment is the best option. The mortality rate is moderate and sepsis the most frequent cause of death.

An 11-year experience of enterocutaneous fistula.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula has traditionally been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, related to fluid, electrolyte and metabolic disturbance, sepsis and malnutrition. METHODS: A retrospective review of enterocutaneous fistula in 277 consecutive patients treated over an 11-year period in a major tertiary referral centre was undertaken to evaluate current management practice and outcome. RESULTS: Most fistulas occurred secondary to abdominal surgery, and a high proportion (52.7 per cent) occurred in association with inflammatory bowel disease. A low rate of spontaneous healing was observed (19.9 per cent). The healing rate after definitive fistula surgery was 82.0 per cent, although more than one attempt was required to achieve surgical closure in some patients. Definitive fistula resection resulted in a mortality rate of 3.0 per cent. In addition, one patient died after laparotomy for intra-abdominal sepsis and an additional 24 patients died from complications of fistulation, giving an overall fistula-related mortality rate of 10.8 per cent. CONCLUSION: Early recognition and control of sepsis, management of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, meticulous wound care and nutritional support appear to reduce the mortality rate, and allow spontaneous fistula closure in some patients. Definitive surgical management is performed only after restitution of normal physiology, usually after at least 6 months.

Improving outcome in patients of high output small bowel fistula.

Early and effective control of sepsis is the most important factor determining the outcome in patients with enterocutaneous fistulae (ECF). From a retrospective analysis of the hospital records (published data), ongoing contamination of the peritoneal cavity by the faecal stream was the most important factor leading to sepsis and occurred in 75% of patients. The mortality figure in patients with high-output ECF was 54.5% and in the presence of sepsis it was 63%. In an attempt to reduce these high mortality rates, we conducted a prospective study to evaluate the role of the routine use of ileostomy as an ancillary surgical procedure for diversion of the faecal stream in patients with high-output small bowel fistulae. Data were collected prospectively over a period of 3 years for 31 patients with high-output small bowel fistulae. On the appearance of the first signs of a leak, a laparotomy incision was opened in part or entirely and the abdominal collections were drained. Atthe time of exploration ileostomy was performed. There were 19 males and 12 females with a age range of 15-34 years (mean 30.1 years). All the fistulae were postoperative. Enteric fever was the most common aetiology (39%), followed by tuberculosis (35.5%). In 26 patients (84%), ileostomy could be done while 5 (16%) were received in moribund state and could not be operated on. Nine patients were operated on within 24 hours of the leak and 7 (77%) survived. Fifteen patients were operated on between 2 and 5 days, and 13 (87%) survived. The remaining 2 patients were operated on after 7 days of the leak and both died. All 5 patients who were not operated on died. The overall mortality in patients with high-output small bowel ECFwas 35.5%, which was significantly less than themortality figure of 54.5% in a similar group in our retrospective study. The mortality in patients undergoing ileostomy was 23%. In the postoperative period, surgical wound infection occurred in 100% of patients with partial or complete wound dehiscence. Two patients required secondary suturing while the remaining healed by secondary intention. Routine use of ileostomy for diverting the faecal stream in patients with high-output small bowel fistulae was effective in bringing down mortality rates.

Factors predicting morbidity and mortality in intestinal fistulae.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal fistulae are a daunting clinical problem. AIM: To evaluate the influence of various severity factors on morbidity and mortality in patients with intestinal fistulae. METHOD: In 29 patients with intestinal fistulae, eight severity factors, viz., age, associated bowel disease, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, high-output fistula, category IV fistula, excoriation of skin surrounding the stoma, and sepsis, were analyzed prospectively to assess their effect on healing of fistulae and mortality. Chi-squared test with Yates' correction was used. RESULTS: Age, presence of associated bowel disease, and hemoglobin levels had no significant effect on healing or mortality. Hypoalbuminemia, category IV fistulae, presence of local skin excoriation, and sepsis significantly delayed healing (p < 0.05). High-output fistula, category IV fistula, local skin excoriation, and sepsis were significantly associated with high mortality (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Identification of these prognostic factors in intestinal fistulae may guide the need for more intensive care or intervention.