A population-based study of incidence, aetiology, treatment and outcome of enterocutaneous fistula.

AIM: The aim of this work was to investigate the incidence of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF), including both small bowel and colonic fistulas, in a defined population of 1.04 million during a 10-year period and to describe aetiology, treatments, care consumption and outcome. METHOD: A comprehensive search algorithm including diagnostic and procedural codes, enterostomal therapy nurse notes and in-hospital care for >60 days yielded 1970 search hits. After reviewing medical records, 187 patients with ECF were identified. RESULTS: The annual incidence of ECF was 2.3 per 100 000, the incidence of ECF with intestinal failure type II was 0.9 per 100 000. Spontaneous closure of the fistula occurred in 16.0% of patients, while closure was seen in 97.3% of patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with recurrences in 6.7% and 8.3%, respectively. Cumulative ECF-related in-hospital care until closure or end of follow-up was 4 (range 0-61) weeks. Eighty-eight patients (47%) received home-based healthcare including parenteral feeding and/or fistula wound care. The estimated overall mortality at 1, 3 and 5 years was 33.7%, 42.1% and 47.6% respectively. Mortality was mainly in patients without spontaneous closure or reconstructive surgery, and the risk of ECF-related death was 30.2%. CONCLUSION: This study defines the population-based incidence of ECF and reports a high overall mortality rate. Initial survivors were characterized by either spontaneous closure or eligibility for later reconstructive surgery, but with an eventual mortality rate of approximately 20%. ECF patients are high consumers of care: 55.1% needed ≥4 weeks in hospital and many received home-based healthcare.

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.

Putting life on hold: A longitudinal phenomenological-hermeneutic study of living with [or close to someone with] an enterocutaneous fistula before and after reconstructive surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Illuminate meanings of living with [or close to someone with] an enterocutaneous fistula before and after reconstructive surgery. BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula is a serious condition affecting the well-being and social life of both patients and families, sometimes for several years. DESIGN: A longitudinal qualitative design. METHODS: Patients and families (n = 14) were followed with dyadic interviews at three occasions, conducted 2017-2020. The interviews were analysed with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. COREQ guidelines were followed. RESULT: Living with an enterocutaneous fistula was explained as life being put on hold, while living in a bubble for an uncertain time. This bubble meant facing an unpredictable and restricted life where the dyads were forced to take control over the situation despite being vulnerable inside, striving to resume normality. The patients dealt with never-ending symptoms such as leakage from the fistula, pain and fatigue, while the family supported with practical matters and just being close. Dependency on intravenous fluids resulted in social isolation, which caused mode swings and depressiveness. In this situation, healthcare professionals often became a substitute for other interactions, but the lack of understanding about the dyads' situation, affected their trust in the healthcare. Despite all, they still had belief in the future, the patients having higher expectations than the family. CONCLUSIONS: Living with an enterocutaneous fistula meant a daily life struggling with many limitations. This implies that the transition was associated with difficulties and the dyads strived to accept their situation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings indicate that these patients must be cared for with a multidisciplinary approach. A person-centred health plan could impact on the dyads' feeling of control and thereby making them less dependent on healthcare. Every patient should have their own contact nurse and be offered psychological support. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Not applicable due to the current method.

Risk factors for refractory enterocutaneous fistula following button jejunostomy removal and its treatment using a novel extraperitoneal approach in patients with oesophageal cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula after removal of the jejunostomy tube leads to multiple problems, such as cosmetic problems, decreased quality of life, electrolyte imbalances, infectious complications, and increased medical costs. However, the risk factors for refractory enterocutaneous fistula (REF) after button jejunostomy removal remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the risk factors for REF after button jejunostomy removal in patients with oesophageal cancer and reported the surgical outcomes of the novel extraperitoneal approach (EPA) for REF closure. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 47 patients who underwent button jejunostomy removal after oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. We assessed the risk factors for REF in these patients and reported the surgical outcomes of the novel EPA for REF closure at the International University of Health and Welfare Hospital between March 2013 and October 2021. The primary endpoint was defined as the occurrence of REF after removal of the button jejunostomy, which was assessed using a maintained database. The risk factors and outcomes of the EPA for REF closure were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: REFs occurred in 15 (31.9%) patients. In the univariate analysis, REF was significantly more common in patients with albumin level < 4.0 g/dL (p = 0.026), duration > 12 months for button jejunostomy removal (p = 0.003), and with a fistula < 15.0 mm (p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis revealed that a duration > 12 months for button jejunostomy removal (odds ratio [OR]: 7.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-36.8; p = 0.019) and fistula < 15.0 mm (OR: 8.08; 95% CI: 1.50-43.6; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for REF. EPA for REF closure was performed in 15 patients. The technical success rate of EPA was 88.2%. Of the 15 EPA procedures, fistula closure was achieved in 12 (80.0%). The complications of EPA (11.7%) were major leakages (n = 3) and for two of them, EPA procedure was re-performed, and closure of the fistula was finally achieved. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that duration > 12 months for button jejunostomy removal and fistula < 15.0 mm are the independent risk factors for REF after button jejunostomy removal. EPA for REF closure is a novel, simple, and useful surgical option for patients with REF after oesophagectomy.

Treatment of enterocutaneous fistula: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal communication between the gastrointestinal tract and skin, with a myriad of etiologies and therapeutic options. Management is influenced by etiology and specifics of the ECF, and patient-related factors. The aim of this study was to assess overall success, recurrence, and mortality rates of treatment for ECF. MATERIALS: A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed through October 2021 according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Case reports, reviews, animal studies, studies not reporting outcomes, had no available English text, included patients < 16 years old or those assessing other abdominocutaneous/internal fistulas were excluded. RESULTS: Fifty-three studies, between 1975 and 2020, incorporating 3078 patients were included. Patient age ranged between 16 and 87 years with a male:female ratio of 1.14:1. ECF developed postoperatively in 89.4%. Other common etiologies were inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, malignancy, and radiation. At least 28% of patients had complex fistulae (reported in 18 studies). Most common fistula site was small bowel. In 34 publications, 62.4% (n = 1371) patients received parenteral nutrition. In 45 publications, 72.5% underwent surgery to treat the fistula. Meta-analysis revealed an 89% healing rate; recurrence rate after initial successful treatment was 11.1%, and mortality rate was 8.5%. In a subgroup of patients who underwent combined ECF takedown and abdominal wall reconstructions (n = 315), 78% achieved fascial closure, mesh was used in 72%, hernia, and fistula recurrence rates were 19.7% and 7.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of ECF must be individualized according to specific etiology and location of the fistula and the patient's associated conditions.

Therapeutic Options in Postoperative Enterocutaneous Fistula-A Retrospective Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to present the results obtained in our experiment regarding the management of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas (PECF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on 64 PECF registered after 2030 abdominal surgeries (1525 digestive tract surgeries and 505 extra-digestive ones) over a period of 7 years (1st of January 2014-31th of December 2020) in the 1st and 2nd Surgery Clinics, Clinical County Emergency Hospital of Craiova, Romania. The group included 41 men (64.06%) and 23 women (35.34%), aged between 21-94 years. Of the cases, 71.85% occurred in elderly patients over 65 years old. Spontaneous fistulas in Crohn's disease, intestinal diverticulosis, or specific inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. RESULTS: The overall incidence of 3.15% varied according to the surgery type: 6.22% after gastroduodenal surgery, 1.78% after enterectomies, 4.30% after colorectal surgery, 4.28% after bilio-digestive anastomoses, and 0.39% after extra-digestive surgery. We recorded a 70.31% fistula closure rate, 78.94% after exclusive conservative treatment and 57.61% after surgery; morbidity was 79.68%, mortality was 29.68%. CONCLUSION: PECF management requires a multidisciplinary approach and is carried out according to an algorithm underlying well-established objectives and priorities. Conservative treatment including resuscitation, sepsis control, output control, skin protection, and nutritional support is the first line treatment; surgery is reserved for complications or permanent repair of fistulas that do not close under conservative treatment. The therapeutic strategy is adapted to topography, morphological characteristics and fistula output, age, general condition, and response to therapy.

Enterocutaneous Fistula: Open Repair after Unsuccessful Stenting-A Case Report.

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin; by some estimates, it represents 88.2% of all fistulae. It can either develop spontaneously due to underlying malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation exposure, or, more commonly, as a complication of gastrointestinal surgery. A 75-year-old woman was treated for a small bowel enterocutaneous fistula that developed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a HANAROSTENT self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) to cover the fistula. Seven months later, the patient was discharged. For the following 2 years, the patient refused the reconstructive surgery until stent obstruction occurred. After optimizing the patient's nutritional status, laparotomy and small bowel resection were performed successfully. The use of SEMS in fistulas of the lower gastrointestinal tract is a heavily debated and fairly under-researched topic, especially in the context of enterocutaneous fistulas. No international guidelines officially recommend using SEMS in the small bowel ECF.

Role of aluminium paint on the management of peristomal skin excoriation . A case.control study.

Introduction: Peristomal skin excoriation is the most common complication of any stoma, especially of ileostomy and entero-cutaneous fistula. Effluent is erosive to skin and at times leads to excoriation of skin and pain or discomfort to the patient. Many strategies or local medications are being used to treat excoriated skin and give comfort to the patient. Aluminium paint is a cheap and effective means of managing skin excoriation. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in NEIGRIHMS from January 2015 to October 2020 on the role of aluminium paint for the management of skin excoriations due to stoma and fistula. A total of 19 patients were managed with aluminium paint and compared with the data of 19 other patients who were managed by conventional dressings as controls. Results: Aluminium paint helped in the earlier healing of skin excoriations and give comfort to the patients as compared to normal dressings. Conclusion: Aluminium paint is safe and cost-effective skin barrier to prevent and to manage skin excoriations.

Complexities in the management of a Richter's supraumbilical hernia with colocutaneous fistula in a patient with morbid obesity: A case report with a review of literature.

Abdominal wall Richter's hernia is rare. The usual presentation is with irreducibility, obstruction and strangulation. Occasionally, enterocutaneous fistula containing small bowel has been reported. Management is frequently difficult due to emergency presentation and contamination. A 60-year-old male with a history of suture repair of umbilical hernia presented with faecal discharge from a long-standing recurrent hernia in the background of obesity and history of pulmonary embolism. There were no features of peritonitis or obstruction. After optimisation, we took the patient for a diagnostic laparoscopy with curative intent. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a Richter's hernia containing transverse colon. The patient was treated with resection of the involved colonic segment, anastomosis, complete excision of the fistula tract along with surrounding skin, negative pressure wound therapy and delayed skin closure. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a spontaneous umbilical Richter's hernia complicated with a colocutaneous fistula. Management was challenging due to emergency presentation, multiple comorbidities as well as faecal contamination. Minimal access approach may have helped by decreasing the contamination and surgical site infection in the postoperative period.

[Surgical treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas in patients with ventral incisional hernia]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie naruzhnykh kishechnykh svishchei v posleoperatsionnykh gryzhakh.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal surgical treatment in patients with enterocutaneous fistulas combined with ventral incisional hernia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 24 patients with enterocutaneous fistulas combined with ventral incisional hernia. Enterocutaneous fistula was noted in 19 cases, enteroatmospheric fistula - in 5 patients. RESULTS: Simultaneous fistula closure and abdominal wall repair were performed in 14 patients (mesh repair in 5 cases and local approximation of tissues in 9 cases). Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients, hernia recurrence in long-term period developed in 7 people. Two-stage closure of abdominal wall defect was carried out in 10 patients. Fistula closure was followed by edge-to-edge anterior abdominal wall repair in 5 cases, skin edges were approximated by interrupted sutures or open wound management was performed. There were no postoperative complications and hernia recurrence in this group. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas combined with hernia should be performed in two stages, i.e. enterocutaneous fistula closure with subsequent hernia repair.

A novel technique for large lateral enterocutaneous fistula management after intestinal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is a serious and complex problem when affecting children, being responsible for a high morbidity burden, with an estimated mortality rate of 10 to 20%. There are many therapeutic options, including surgery and a wide variety of nonoperative strategies. Prognosis of ECF closure depends on the output and also on the patency of distal bowel. Spontaneous closure without operative intervention occurs in approximately 50% of patients with lateral ECF and distal bowel transit, but this drastically decreases in high output fistulas. High-volume fistula output and consequent skin damage are a great challenge for the health-care team. METHODS: We describe a postoperative complication that required a new nonoperative technique for the transient management of a lateral high-output ECF, involving the insertion of an occlusive device in order to redirect intestinal content to the distal bowel, reducing the fistula output. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The main benefit of this nonoperative technique is the ability to occlude a high-output fistula, allowing the distal flow to be restored and reducing abdominal wall damage, as a bridge to definitive surgical closure.

Assessment of button-type jejunostomy for nutritional management after esophagectomy in 201 cases.

BACKGROUND: Many surgeons preferably place a trans-nasal feeding tube or a feeding enterostomy for post-operative nutritional management after esophagectomy. Various types of tubes (such as nasogastric, transgastric, transduodenal, or transjejunal tubes) have been used for enteral feeding; however, the appropriate enteral feeding routes have not yet been proposed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of button-type jejunostomy. METHODS: We reviewed 201 patients who underwent esophagectomy with placement of a button-type jejunostomy at the Jikei University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) between 2008 and 2019. The analyzed variables included clinicopathological characteristics, operative data, jejunostomy-related characteristics, and postoperative complications. Postoperative bodyweight loss was examined 6 months and 1 year after the operation. RESULTS: Refractory enterocutaneous fistula and bowel obstruction occurred in 13 (6.5%) and 14 (7.0%) patients, respectively. The body mass index at button-type jejunostomy removal was significantly lower and the duration of button-type jejunostomy placement was significantly longer in patients with a refractory enterocutaneous fistula (p = 0.023 and p < 0.001, respectively). Bowel obstruction was significantly more likely to develop in patients with a non-squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.021) and in patients who underwent open abdominal procedures (p < 0.001). After 1 year, the median bodyweight losses were 12.1% and 15.6% in patients with short and long jejunostomy placement durations (p = 0.642), respectively. CONCLUSION: A button-type jejunostomy is durable and allows easy self-management for maintaining the bodyweight without any adverse events. However, it is strongly recommended that the button be removed within a year to prevent refractory enterocutaneous fistula formation.

Spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula in a patient with femoral hernia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Enterocutaneous fistula commonly occurs in the post-operative setting. However, a handful of cases have been reported to occur secondary to strangulation of hernia, mostly femoral due to the narrow femoral ring through which this type of hernia passes through. CASE PRESENTATION: We encountered a case of spontaneous fecal fistula, which occurred in the setting of an incarcerated femoral hernia. The patient did not develop peritonism, or obstruction, throughout the course of the disease. The hernia ruptured on day 7 of incarceration. Exploratory laparotomy under epidural anesthesia revealed a femoral hernia with ileum as content, arising approximately 20 cm from the ileocecal junction. Reduction of the contents was done, and a resection performed along with repair of the hernia. CONCLUSION: As very few literature describe the formation of spontaneous fecal fistula, we discuss the presentation in this report.

Lessons learned from successful autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction in patients with intestinal failure: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal failure (IF) is a rare but severe form of organ failure. The condition is defined as body's inability to absorb adequate fluids, macronutrients and minerals for growth and development, so that intravenous supplementation is necessary. A broad spectrum of diseases, trauma and complications of surgery might eventually end up with intestinal failure. Nowadays, intestinal failure patients are preferably cared for in intestinal rehabilitation units (IRU). Autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction (AGIR) refers to non-transplant operative management of IF patients designed to improve enteral tolerance and gut absorptive capacity. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein we present five cases with complications of surgeries due to peptic ulcer bleeding, blunt abdominal trauma, obesity and gastric tumor. The surgeries were complicated by anastomotic leak, peritonitis and fistula formation. By adopting multidisciplinary decisions and special care for each complication, all the five patients were successfully managed and discharged. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: As presented, re-anastomosis in presence of abdominal contamination will probably fail. In patients with intestinal failure, PN should start as soon as possible to increase the success rate of future surgeries and prevent potential need for intestinal transplantation. We suggest referring patients with complicated outcomes of gastrointestinal surgeries to the IRUs to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Serial transverse enteroplasty and nipple valve construction, two life saving techniques for patients with short bowel syndrome, a report of 5 cases.

BACKGROUND: Various abdominal pathologies end up with surgical resection of small intestine. When the small intestine remnant is too short for adequate fluid and micronutrients absorption, short bowel syndrome is diagnosed. The disabling condition needs a multidisciplinary approach to design parenteral nutrition, care for thrombotic, hepatic and infectious complications and gradually wean the patient from parenteral nutrition. Various surgical techniques have been introduced to increase absorptive mucosa and enhance the intestinal adaptation process. Serial transverse enteroplasty and nipple valve reconstruction are among the procedures, which will be discussed in the current article. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we presented 5 cases of short bowel syndrome as a consequence of abdominal laparotomies, patients were referred to our center to receive parenteral nutrition and to be prepared for the final autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction or intestinal transplantation, if indicated. CONCLUSION: Patient's age, performance status and bowel remnant length determines the appropriate technique for autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction. Serial transverse enteroplasty is designed to increase bowel's length by creating zigzag patterns through dilated bowel loops. Presence of ileocecal valve is crucial to delay intestinal transit time and to prevent colonic bacterial transfer to ileum. Patient's with ileocecal valve loss benefit from creating an artificial valve, namely, nipple valve.

Gastrointestinal Stomas and Fistulas: What is Lost and What to Do?

Abnormal connections between gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and skin are called enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs). Presence of ECF is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A stoma refers to a surgically created opening in the abdomen to divert feces or urine to the outside of the body, to compensate for partial or complete loss of bowel function. Gastrointestinal (GI) stomas and postoperative ECFs present a unique challenge to the intensivist due to development of malnutrition, dehydration, and sepsis leading to high morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the basic concepts about the type of fistula and stomas, their indications and complications, and management. Principles of clinical management include replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses, control of sepsis along with reducing fistula output, prevention of malnutrition and psychological support, and skin care. How to cite this article: Pande RK, Gupta A. Gastrointestinal Stomas and Fistulas: What is Lost and What to Do? Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 4):S175-S178.

[Staged approach in the treatment of patients with enterocutaneous fistulae]. / Etapnyi podkhod v lechenii bol'nykh s nesformirovannymi kishechnymi svishchami.

OBJECTIVE: To determine an optimal approach in the treatment of patients with intestinal fistulae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have used the above-mentioned algorithm in the treatment of 46 patients. The majority of patients (n=44, 96%) were transferred under supervision of our multidisciplinary team with severe water-electrolyte disturbances and signs of secondary protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) that required complex combined nutritional support. A two-stage approach was applied in all cases. The first one was conservative and included correction and prevention of infectious complications, nutritional and metabolic therapy, local wound treatment, and anatomical assessment of the fistula. The second stage was reconstructive and implied various reconstructive interventions not earlier than 3 months after formation of the fistula. RESULTS: Conservative approach was followed by fistula healing in 6 patients, surgery was required in 25 patients. Complications with subsequent redo surgery occurred in 4 cases. In all cases, favorable outcome was noted. All 25 patients were discharged. Three patients refused reconstructive surgery after development of fistula, they were also discharged. Mortality rate was 26% (n=12). CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary two-stage approach can significantly improve treatment outcomes in patients with intestinal fistulae.

[Management of patients with enterocutaneous fistulae]. / Konservativnyi etap lecheniya bol'nykh s tonkokishechnymi svishchami.

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is the most serious postoperative life-threating complication of various abdominal surgical interventions. Treatment of patients with ECF is associated with life-threatening complications including sepsis and septic shock, intestinal failure and severe water-electrolyte disorders that causes high mortality rates (35-75% according to national authors and 6-33% according to foreign colleagues). This issue is especially relevant in the cases of enteroatmospheric fistulae and high ECF with loss of intestinal contents of more than 500 ml per day. In the absence of correct conservative therapy, this quickly results progression of sepsis and development of multiple organ failure. Surgery without complex preoperative preparation in this period may be fatal and lead to clinical aggravation and death of patient in early postoperative period. Each patient requires an individual approach. However, there are general principles of treatment too. This literature review describes the main aspects of conservative treatment of patients with enteric fistulae.

Enterocutaneous fistula in severely active Crohn's disease: preoperative anti-TNF alpha treatment to limit bowel resection-report of a case.

PURPOSE: Strategies for limiting the extent of bowel resection in cases of enterocutaneous or interenteric fistulas in severely active Crohn's disease are urgently necessary. Anti-inflammatory therapy with tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF alpha) inhibitors has positive impact on fistulizing Crohn's disease. We describe a case of a 32-year-old male suffering from enterocutaneous fistula in severely active Crohn's disease. METHODS: The patient's clinical course and data of therapy monitoring before bowel resection were reviewed and compared to the pretherapeutic findings. In addition, the reports of surgery and histopathological workup were evaluated and a clinical follow-up was performed. The literature on anti-TNF alpha treatment in fistulizing Crohn's disease was surveyed. RESULTS: A 32-year-old male with an 8-year history of Crohn's disease and condition after previous ileocecal and sigmoid resection at the age of 28 presented with increasing pain in the middle-right abdomen. Laboratory and radiologic assessment detected elevated C-reactive protein and presence of a conglomerate of inflammatory thickened and narrowed small intestine involving the neoterminal ileum and enteroenteric fistulas. Ileocolonoscopy showed a stenosing inflammation of the neoterminal ileum. After initial anti-infective therapy, as a result of an interdisciplinary decision, preoperative anti-TNF alpha treatment was performed to achieve limited bowel resection. After declining of inflammation, limited bowel resection was carried out successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative therapy with anti-TNF alpha might potentially reduce inflammation to subsequently limit the extent of bowel resection in selected cases of enterocutaneous or interenteric fistulas in severely active Crohn's disease. We describe an impressive case in which such therapeutic approach was carried out.

Incisional hernia and enterocutaneous fistula in patients with chronic intestinal failure: prevalence and risk factors in a cohort of patients referred to a tertiary centre.

AIM: This study aims to determine the prevalence of incisional hernia (IH) and enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) in patients with intestinal failure (IF) referred to a tertiary centre and to identify factors associated with their development. METHOD: A retrospective case note review was undertaken of a prospectively maintained database of all patients on home parenteral nutrition between 2011 and 2016 at a UK tertiary referral centre for IF. Risk factors were identified using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The database search identified 447 patients, of whom 349 (78.1%) had surgery prior to developing IF. Eighty-one (23.2%) patients had an IH and 123 (35.2%) had an ECF at the time of referral. Of these, 51 (14.6%) had both IH and ECF. IH was associated with a high body mass index (P = 0.05), a history of a major surgical complication resulting in IF (P = 0.01), previous emergency surgery (P = 0.04), increasing number of operations (P = 0.02) and surgical site infection (SSI; P = 0.01). ECF was associated with complications relating to earlier surgery. (P ≤ .001), previous treatment with an open abdomen (P = 0.03), SSI (P = 0.001), intra-abdominal collection (P ≤ 0.001) and anastomotic leak (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In this series, patients with IF had a prevalence of IH which was more than double that expected following elective laparotomy (about 10%) and one in three had an ECF. Risk factors for IH and ECF are discussed.