Traditional Chinese surgical treatment for anal fistulae with secondary tracks and abscess

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese surgical treatment for anal fistulae with secondary tracks and abscess.METHODS:Sixty patients with intersphincteric or transsphincteric anal fistulas with secondary tracks and abscess were randomly divided into study group [suture dragging combined with pad compression(SDPC)] and control group [fistulotomy(FSLT)].In the SDPC group,the internal opening was excised and incisions at external openings were made for drainage.Silk sutures were put through every two incisions and knotted in loose state.The suture dragging process started from the first day after surgery and the pad compression process started when all sutures were removed as wound tissue became fresh and without discharge.In the FSLT group,the internal opening and all tracts were laid open and cleaned by normal saline postoperatively till all wounds healed.The time of healing,postoperative pain score(visual analogue scale),recurrence rate,patient satisfaction,incontinence evaluation and anorectal manometry before and after the treatment were examined.RESULTS:There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age,gender and fistulae type.The time of healing was significantly shorter(24.33 d in SDPC vs 31.57 d in FSLT,P < 0.01) and the patient satisfaction score at 1 mo postoperative followup was significantly higher in the SDPC group(4.07 in SDPC vs 3.37 in FSLT,P < 0.05).The mean maximal postoperative pain scores were 5.83 ± 2.5 in SDPC vs 6.37 ± 2.33 in FSLT and the recurrence rates were 3.33 in SDPC vs 0 in FSLT.None of the patients in the two groups experienced liquid and solid fecal incontinence and lifestyle alteration postoperatively.The Wexner score after treatment of intersphincter fistulae were 0.17 ± 0.41 in SDPC vs 0.40 ± 0.89 in FSLT and transsphincter fistulae were 0.13 ± 0.45 in SDPC vs 0.56 ± 1.35 in FSLT.The maximal squeeze pressure and resting pressure declined after treatment in both groups.The maximal anal squeeze pressures after treatment were reduced(23.17 ± 3.73 Kpa in SDPC vs 22.74 ± 4.47 Kpa in FSLT) and so did the resting pressures(12.36 ± 2.15 Kpa in SDPC vs 11.71 ± 1.87 Kpa in FSLT),but there were neither significant differences between the two groups and nor significant differences before or after treatment.CONCLUSION:Traditional Chinese surgical treatment SDPC for anal fistulae with secondary tracks and abscess is safe,effective and less invasive.

Management of enterocutaneous fistulae:A 10 years experience

AIM:To compare the outcomes of conservative vs surgical treatment of enterocutaneous fistulae(ECF) in a community teaching hospital over a decade.METHODS:All cases of ECF between 1997 and 2007 were reviewed for management strategy.RESULTS:Of the 83 patients with ECF,60(72%) were postoperative.Sixty-six patients(79.5%) were treated initially with conservative measures.Eighteen patients failed to respond to conservative treatment and required later(secondary) exploration;this group consisted of an equal number of low vs high output fistulae.Seventeen(20.5%) patients underwent initial(primary) def initivesurgery secondary to anastomotic leak and peritonitis.Surgical procedures included resection of ECF with anastomosis(24),exclusion(6) and direct-drainage(4).No signif icant difference was seen in the recurrence rate for conservative(10%) vs operative-treatment(20%).role as an initial management in both low and high output fistulae.In selective cases only,early primary exploration is recommended.

Leiomyosarcoma with coronary fistulae and ventricular septal perforation： A case study

Coronary fistulae and ventricular septal perforation are very rare clinically, and even less caused by cardiac leiomyosarcoma. A case is reported that a 67-year-old female had cardiac leiomyosarcoma with progressive heart failure and coronary fistulae and ventricular septal perforation. This case was special since all ante-mortem examinations and cardiac surgery failed to detect the presence of any abnormal car-diac mass. Therefore, the malignant cardiac tumors could appear in an invasive form without mass and be one of the causes of the coronary fistulae and ventricular septal perforation.

Novel treatment of coronary artery fistulae concealing severe coronary artery lesion： using thrombus aspiration catheter as a delivery guide

In this case report, we present the occlusion of multiple coronary artery fistulaes originating from proximal left anterior descending （LAD） and fight sinus valsavla and empting to the pulmonary artery at the same place. We occluded LAD fistulae by using thrombus aspira- tion catheter as a delivery guide. To the best of our knowlege, this is the first case of occlusion of coronary fistulaes with the help of throm- bus aspiration catheter. Our experience may suggest that thrombus aspiration catheters can be used in treating coronary artery fistulaes with difficult anotomv.

Endoscopic management of gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae: Whatoption do we have?

Gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae are serious, potentially life threateningconditions that may occur with a wide variety of clinical presentations. Leaks aremostly related to post-operative anastomotic defects and are responsible for animportant share of surgical morbidity and mortality. Chronic leaks and longstanding post-operative collections may evolve in a fistula between twoepithelialized structures. Endoscopy has earned a pivotal role in the managementof gastrointestinal defects both as first line and as rescue treatment. Endotherapyis a minimally invasive, effective approach with lower morbidity and mortalitycompared to revisional surgery. Clips and luminal stents are the pioneer ofgastrointestinal (GI) defect endotherapy, whereas innovative endoscopic closuredevices and techniques, such as endoscopic internal drainage, suturing systemand vacuum therapy, has broadened the indications of endoscopy for themanagement of GI wall defect. Although several endoscopic options are currentlyused, a standardized evidence-based algorithm for management of GI defect isnot available. Successful management of gastrointestinal leaks and fistulaerequires a tailored and multidisciplinary approach based on clinical presentation,defect features (size, location and onset time), local expertise and the availabilityof devices. In this review, we analyze different endoscopic approaches, which weselected on the basis of the available literature and our own experience. Then, weevaluate the overall efficacy and procedural-specific strengths and weaknesses ofeach approach.

Mirizzi syndrome type Ⅴa:A rare coexistence of double cholecysto-biliary and cholecysto-enteric fistulae

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare cause of intermittent obstructive jaundice,where an impacted stone in the cystic duct or Hartmann's pouch mechanically obstructs the common bile duct(CBD) .We report a rare case of double cholecysto-biliary and cholecysto-enteric fistulae,in a 75-year-old female patient,presenting with a right upper quadrant abdominal pain and intermittent obstructive jaundice.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography suggested Mirizzi syndrome.Operative findings included erosions of the lateral wall of the CBD and the second portion of the duodenum due to impacted gallstones.The defects were reconstructed primarily and a Kehr tube was inserted.The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the 14th postoperative day.

Rectal perforations and fistulae secondary to a glycerin enema:Closure by over-the-scope-clip

Rectal perforations due to glycerin enemas(GE) typically occur when the patient is in a seated or lordotic standing position.Once the perforation occurs and peritonitis results,death is usually inevitable.We describe two cases of rectal perforation and fistula caused by a GE.An 88-year-old woman presented with a large rectal perforation and a fistula just after receiving a GE.Her case was further complicated by an abscess in the right rectal wall.The second patient was a 78-year-old woman who suffered from a rectovesical fistula after a GE.In both cases,we performed direct endoscopic abscess lavage with a saline solution and closed the fistula using an over-the-scope-clip(OTSC) procedure.These procedures resulted in dramatic improvement in both patients.Direct endoscopic lavage and OTSC closure are very useful for pararectal abscess lavage and fistula closure,respectively,in elderly patients who are in poor general condition.Our two cases are the first reports of the successful endoscopic closure of fistulae using double OTSCs after endoscopic lavage of the debris and an abscess of the rectum secondary to a GE.

Steal syndrome secondary to coronary artery fistulae associated with giant aneurysm

Giant coronary artery aneurysms and coronary artery fistulae are uncommon pathologies. We present the case of an elderly woman who was referred to cardiology for investigation of possible ischaemic heart disease prior to orthopaedic surgery. The patient had developed chest pain in the setting of a septic total knee replacement associated with changes on electrocardiography. Coronary angiography revealed multiple coronary arteriovenous fistulae associated with giant coronary artery aneurysm causing steal syndrome in the setting of haemodynamic stress.

The choice of surgical approach in the treatment of vesico-vaginal fistulae

Vesico-vaginal fistula is a global healthcare problem that has a high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa,where obstetric complications lead to the development of this condition.Despite this,comparatively few fistula repairs are performed in well-resourced countries,where iatrogenic injury is the leading aetiological factor.As a consequence,much of our knowledge results from the experience of relatively few fistula surgeons in areas of high prevalence borne out of large case series or retrospective cohorts rather than high level evidence.At present,debate surrounds the exact timing of repair and the most appropriate surgical approach for this condition.Certain fistulae can be selected for conservative management,while those that do not demonstrate factors associated with spontaneous closure can be selected for surgery.Fistula surgeons should be aware of several potential repair options and the principles of contemporary fistula surgery,as the first attempt at repair is likely to be the best opportunity to achieve a successful outcome.We review the available literature and provide evidence on the optimal timing of repair,the appropriate surgical approach and the use of tissue interpositioning in fistula surgery.

Perianal fistulodesis–A pilot study of a novel minimally invasive surgical and medical approach for closure of perianal fistulae

BACKGROUND Perianal fistulae strongly impact on quality of life of affected patients.AIM To challenge and novel minimally invasive treatment options are needed.METHODS Patients with Crohn’s disease(CD)in remission and patients without inflammatory bowel disease(non-IBD patients)were treated with fistulodesis,a method including curettage of fistula tract,flushing with acetylcysteine and doxycycline,Z-suture of the inner fistula opening,fibrin glue instillation,and Zsuture of the outer fistula opening followed by post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole for two weeks.Patients with a maximum of 2 fistula openings and no clinical or endosonographic signs of a complicated fistula were included.The primary end point was fistula healing,defined as macroscopic and clinical fistula closure and lack of patient reported fistula symptoms at 24 wk.RESULTS Fistulodesis was performed in 17 non-IBD and 3 CD patients,with a total of 22 fistulae.After 24 wk,all fistulae were healed in 4 non-IBD and 2 CD patients(overall 30%)and fistula remained closed until the end of follow-up at 10-25 mo.In a secondary per-fistula analysis,7 out of 22 fistulae(32%)were closed.Perianal disease activity index(PDAI)improved in patients with fistula healing.Low PDAI was associated with favorable outcome(P=0.0013).No serious adverse events were observed.CONCLUSION Fistulodesis is feasible and safe for perianal fistula closure.Overall success rates is at 30%comparable to other similar techniques.A trend for better outcomes in patients with low PDAI needs to be confirmed.

Transvenous injection of n-Butyl cyanoacrylate combined with placement of coils in cavernous sinus for treatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae

Objective： To evaluate the technical aspects, efficacy and safety in the treatment of cavernous dural arteriovenous fistulae （DAVF） by transvenous liquid n-Butyl cyanoacrylate （NBCA） injection combined with coils placement in the cavemous sinus. Methods： Eight patients with cavernous DAVF, treated by transvenous embolization with combination of detachable coils and glue between February 2006 and February 2009 in our hospital, were retrospectively analyzed, including the clinical presentations, patterns of angioarchitecture, methods of treatment and the results of follow-up. Results： In all 8 patients, 9 transvenous and 1 transarterial interventions were carried out. A single endovascular procedure was performed in 6 patients and 2 patients had to be treated twice. Of the nine transvenous approaches, eight approaches were performed via inferior petrosal sinus （IPS） and 1 via the facial vein. Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved in all patients immediately after the embolization. There was no procedure-related morbidity except for mild headache for one to seven days after the embolization. Clinical cure was achieved in all cases during the clinical follow-up periods, ranging from 8 months to 3 years. The follow-up angiography periods averaged 6.6 months with a range of 5-9 months, in which no recurrence was observed. Conclusion： In this small series, embolization with combination of glue and detachable coils by transvenous approaches was a safe, effective and economical method for the treatment of part of symptomatic patients presenting with complex cavernous DAVE

Traditional Chinese medicine nursing protocols for anal fistulae

Anal fistula is a common disease in anorectal department that typically describes a miscommunication between the anorectum and the perianal skin. At present, surgical treatment is effective for anal fistulae, but the formation of fistula is different due to individual difference, consequently leading to a limited efficacy of surgical treatment. TCM has recently shown its unique advantages in accelerating the wound healing after anal fistula surgery, but the standards for syndrome differentiation of anal fistulae are still in deficiency. Thereby, this article mainly explored the key points of common syndromes, TCM nursing methods and health guidance of anal fistulae, in order to further develop the advantages of TCM and standardize related nursing management .

A Rare Case of Combined Vesico-Vaginal and Vesico-Cutaneous Fistulae Treated by One-Stage Surgical Repair

Combined vesico-vaginal and vesico-cutaneous fistulae are exceptionally rare. We present a young woman who had combined vesico-vaginal fistula and vesico-cutaneous fistula following prolonged obstructed labour and caesarean section. The patient presented at three months of illness with total urine incontinence from the vagina and lower abdominal skin. One-stage surgical repair of both fistulae was done. The patient had a successful closure of the fistulae, regained full urinary continence, and remained continent at six months follow-up. We opine that one-stage repair of combined vesico-vaginal and vesico-cutaneous fistulae is feasible and preferred. Providers of pelvic surgery in low resource countries should be supervised and retrained accordingly, in order to prevent iatrogenic vesico-cutaneous fistula.

Parastomal Hernia as a Risk Factor for Ileal Conduit Fistulae

Purpose: To review potential risk factors for the development of ileal conduit fistulae. Methods: Two patients were identified who had a remote history of an ileal conduit and who formed a fistula from the conduit—one to the small bowel and one to the skin. Their presentation, management and outcomes are described. Results: Both patients had parastomal hernias as the likely cause of their fistula formation. Discussion: Parastomal herniation may contribute to fistula formation due to a strangulated ischemic pressure necrosis of the adjacent ileal conduit and/or bowel.

Results of the Management of Urogenital Fistulae from Community Caravans

Objective: To report the experience of surgical caravans for urogenital fistulas care. Methodology: This was a retrospective study covering the period from January 2014 to December 2014 and which took place on 7 sites of fistula care. The epidemiological, anatomoclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects were studied. Results: 346 patients were operated during 14 caravans. Their average age was 33.11 years (range: 12 to 70 years). Most of these patients were without remunerative activities (80%) and without education (63.3%). The average duration of fistula progression was 6.08 years (range: 0 to 42 years). Obstetrical etiology was predominant (87.9%). According to the classification of Kees Waaldijk, fistulas were divided into type I (67.4%), type II (21.1%), and type III (11.5%). The most common surgical approach was the transvaginal route (82.1%). The vesicovaginal splitting with separated suture of the bladder and the vagina was the basic technique (94.7%). The therapeutic results were judged after a follow-up of 1 month and 3 months. Across the cohort, 80 patients (23.1%) were lost of sight for follow-up at 1 month and 245 (70%) at 3 months. The success rates evaluated in patients reviewed at 1 month and 3 months were respectively 70% and 64%. Conclusion: The incidence of urogenital fistulas is still high in Cote d'Ivoire. Various anatomoclinical varieties have been identified and treated with satisfactory results in poorly equipped local structures.

Circumflex Coronary Artery Fistulae Draining into Right Atrium: A Case Report

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an anomaly making a coronary artery communicate with a heart cavity or a great vessel, thus bypassing the myocardial capillary bed. CAF is frequently diagnosed as an incidental finding. Herein, we present the case of a 4-year-old boy. He was referred for a pediatric cardiology assessment due to a continuous murmur at the middle sternal border. Echocardiogram showed dilated left coronary artery and an abnormal diastolic flow in the right atrium. The right-sided chambers were slightly enlarged, but ventricular contractility was normal. CAF was suspected. Angiography and CT confirmed the diagnosis of coronary fistula from the circumflex coronary artery to the right atrium. Successful transcatheter closure with an Amplatzer PiccoloOccluder was performed with complete occlusion.

Right Coronary Artery Fistulae Draining into Right Atrium: A Case Report

We report the case of a 16-year-old young girl seen for precordial pain and stage II NYHA dyspnea. Clinical examination found a maximal systolodiastolic murmur in the left subclavicular. Lateral Q waves were noted on the electrocardiogram and echocardiography revealed a right coronary fistula draining in right atrium. CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. Patient was addressed to a specialized center for percutaneous closure of the fistula. In case of signs indicating coronary artery disease, the search for coronary anomalies should be systematic in children by using EKG and transthoracic echocardiography. In case of doubt, a second imaging such as the multislice Ct scan is performed. Coronary angiography has a dual diagnostic and therapeutic interest. The indications for treatment depend on the symptoms and the results of ischemia tests.

Confluence at distal end of multiple coronary artery fistulae： two cases treated with interventional approach

Coronary artery fistula （CAF）, an uncommon congenital heart disease, often results in myocardial ischemia. In the last two decades, there are some reports about interventional treatment of CAF,4-6 but few on transcatheter treatment of multiple CAFs. With different interventional procedures, we treated successfully two cases of percutaneous closure of two multiple CAFs which were confluent at the distal ends.

Clinical characteristics of patients with labyrinthine fistulae caused by middle ear cholesteatoma

Background Labyrinthine fistula （LF） is a very common clinical complication mainly caused by middle ear cholesteatoma. Whether the presence of different degree LF caused by middle ear cholesteatoma aggravates neurosensory hearing loss （NSHL） and what is the degree of the hearing loss caused by LF were still under controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether the LF degree is correlative with the age distribution, disease duration and hearing loss degree for cholesteatomatous patients. Methods The files of 143 patients with middle ear cholesteatoma were selected and reviewed in a retrospective study. Seventy-eight patients with LF were divided into three types according to the degree of destruction of labyrinth. Sixty-five patients without LF were randomly chosen for control. Then, we compared the clinical characteristics of patients with or without labyrinthine fistulae caused by middle ear cholesteatoma. Results According to the study, cholesteatomatous patients with LF were older and suffered longer disease duration than those without LF. Hearing loss is severe with high frequencies both in patients with and without LF. Moreover, inner ear impairment is correlative with the degree of destruction in labyrinth, and more severe destruction in labyrinth follow the more severe symptoms correlative with inner ear impairment. Conclusion Surgical intervention should be performed as early as possible for these cholesteatomatous patients.

Dural arteriovenous fistulae after forehead knife-cut injury

Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) is a rare intracranial vascular disease. It is pathologically characterized by direct shunting of the intracranial artery and vein, which results in cerebral ischemia, intracranial hemorrhage, neural deficit and intracranial murmur. The etiological mechanism of DAVF is not well known, but most researchers think it is associated with congenital abnormal development, especially abnormal development of dural blood vessels at the stage of embryogenesis. Recently, some researchers have found that DAVF is also associated with some acquired factors. This article reports a case who developed DAVF within 2 years after debridement of frontal bone fragmentation, depressed fracture, left frontal lobe contusion and superior sagittal sinus injury due to forehead knife-cut injury. The pathogenic mechanism was explored through a review of the related literatures.