BACKGROUND: Chronic gastrocutaneous fistula with intermittent drainage is a common outcome after removing long-standing gastrostomy tubes. The standard treatment is surgery with laparotomy and excision of the fistula tract. This study describes the results of an endoscopic closure technique by using a combination of electrocautery and metal clips. METHODS: Three patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas (duration 3 months to 3 years) after gastrostomy tube removal were treated endoscopically by electrocautery of the tract and application of metal clips. OBSERVATIONS: Treatment resulted in complete fistula closure in two patients and partial closure in a third patient. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endoscopic therapy with electrocautery and clipping may be an alternative to surgical closure of chronic gastrocutaneous fistulas.
BACKGROUND:Chronic gastrocutaneous fistula with intermittent drainage is a common outcome after removing long-standing gastrostomy tubes. The standard treatment is surgery with laparotomy and excision of the fistula tract. This study describes the results of an endoscopic closure technique by using a combination of electrocautery and metal clips. METHODS: Three patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas (duration 3 months to 3 years) after gastrostomy tube removal were treated endoscopically by electrocautery of the tract and application of metal clips. OBSERVATIONS: Treatment resulted in complete fistula closure in two patients and partial closure in a third patient. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endoscopic therapy with electrocautery and clipping may be an alternative to surgical closure of chronic gastrocutaneous fistulas.
Authors: Sandra M Farach; Paul D Danielson; Daniel T McClenathan; Michael J Wilsey; Nicole M Chandler Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2014-12-06 Impact factor: 1.827