Technique Advances in Enteroatmospheric Fistula Isolation After Open Abdomen: A Review and Outlook

Enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) after open abdomen adds difficulties to the management and increases the morbidity and mortality of patients. As an effective measurement, reconstructing gastrointestinal tract integrity not only reduces digestive juice wasting and wound contamination, but also allows expedient restoration of enteral nutrition and intestinal homeostasis. In this review, we introduce several technologies for the temporary isolation of EAF, including negative pressure wound therapy, fistuloclysis, fistula patch, surgical covered stent, three-dimensional (3D) printing stent, and injection molding stent. The manufacture and implantation procedures of each technique with their pros and cons are described in detail. Moreover, the approach in combination with finger measurement, x-ray imaging, and computerized tomography is used to measure anatomic parameters of fistula and design appropriate 3D printer-recognizable stereolithography files for production of isolation devices. Given the active roles that engineers playing in the technology development, we call on the cooperation between clinicians and engineers and the organization of clinical trials on these techniques.

Using a bio-scanner and 3D printing to create an innovative custom made approach for the management of complex entero-atmospheric fistulas

Enteroatmospheric fistulae are challenging clinical conditions that require surgical expertise and that can result in chronic debilitating conditions placing the patient in a vicious cycle characterized by non healing wounds and malnutrition. They are a complex entity that presents great variability depending on the number, shape, and size of the fistulous orifices, their debit, and the dimensions of the wound. This means that, at present, there is no device that adapts to the anatomical characteristics of each patient and manages to control the spillage of intestinal effluvium from the wound. The aim of this study is to describe the manufacturing technique and to assess the preliminary results of a custom device designed through bioscanner imaging and manufactured using 3D printing for use with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of enteroatmospheric fistula. A proof of concept is given, and the design of the device is presented for the first time. After obtaining images of each fistula with a bioscanner, a personalised device was designed for each patient by 3D printing shape of a prism and a hollow base, taking into account the dimensions of the fistulous area in order to perform a floating ostomy to isolate the wound from the debit enteric. The polycaprolactone (PCL) device was placed including inside the fistulous surface and surrounding it with the NPWT system in order to accelerate wound healing.

Enteroatmospheric fistula repair in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV: a novel management technique using ABRA device

A 35-year-old man with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV (EDS IV) underwent surgical repair of an enteroatmospheric fistula. Despite the substantially increased operative risk, repair was undertaken in view of his poor quality of life and severe nutritional deficits. Dense adhesions and extremely fragile bowel and vasculature characteristic of EDS IV were encountered intraoperatively. Multiple traction enterotomies and faecal matter leaking from suture holes necessitated leaving the abdomen open for a prolonged period. An Abdominal Reapproximation Anchor device was applied to prevent lateral retraction of the abdominal wall during this time. At relook on day 6, no leak was found, and the abdomen was closed. Two years postoperatively, the patient has an intact abdominal wall, with a vastly improved quality of life. This case illustrates the challenges of operating on patients with EDS IV, and presents a novel technique in managing fistulas in these patients.

Innovative approach to open abdomen: converting an enteroatmospheric fistula into an easily manageable stoma

A 52-year-old super morbidly obese patient underwent elective laparoscopic conversion of a failed silastic ring vertical gastroplasty to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Following surgery, she developed an anastomotic leak which required emergent laparotomy. The patient then suffered from a complex postoperative course during which she developed an intestinal fistula which freely drained into the wound and gradually led to its complete dehiscence. Her course was further complicated by the surfacing of an enteroatmospheric fistula. This devastating complication was managed by employing the TopClosure Tension Relief system. Using the inverse maturation technique, further described in this report, we were able to progressively approximate and invert the edges of the skin around the enteroatmospheric fistula, thereby facilitating its conversion to an easily manageable stoma. Using this technique, we were able to achieve delayed primary wound closure of a grade 4 open abdomen complicated by an enteroatmospheric fistula in just under 5 weeks’ time.

Management of Enteroatmospheric Fistula and Floating Ileostomy: Would Eaken Wound Pouch Be the Answer? A Case Report

Enterocutaneous and enteroatmospheric fistulas are the most challenging complications of abdominal sepsis to deal with a high mortality. This is even more challenging with a stoma in an open abdomen. In the setting of chronic granulomatous inflammation like abdominal tuberculosis or inflammatory bowel disease, recovery is prolonged and management involves multidisciplinary care. We present a rare case that was a complication of tuberculous peritonitis.