Combined endoscopic management of a postoperative rectocutaneous fistula after cystectomy using modified percutaneous endofistular and transanal endoluminal vacuum therapy

A 79-year-old man presented with a transanal purulent discharge following cystectomy with rectal injury 10 months previously. At that time, surgical closure with suturing of the rectal defect had been performed, along with the creation of a colostomy. Endoscopic examination revealed a perforation 5 cm from the anal verge. An attempt was made to close the perforation with an over-the-scope clip; however, during the follow-up endoscopy, a significant defect was observed in rectum, with an accompanying large cavity. The patient then underwent 6 weeks of inpatient therapy with endoluminal transanal vacuum therapy, which resulted in a reduction of the cavity size. The patient returned to us 4 months later with persistent purulent discharge from the caudal pole of the laparotomy scar and anus ([Fig. 1]). Endoscopic examination revealed a defect in the anterior wall of the rectum 5 cm from the anal verge, with a cavity full of pus and a rectocutaneous fistula. We opted for a combined approach involving endoluminal and endofistular vacuum therapy for 3 weeks in the hospital setting ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 1 A computed tomography image showing a pararectal cavity with a complex rectocutaneous fistula.

Fig. 2 Schematic of the combined modified percutaneous endofistular and transanal endoluminal vacuum therapy.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy was initiated using an open-pore polyurethane foam drain (EndoSponge; B. Braun, Melsungen, Germany) placed transanally into the cavity, along with a customized open-pore film drain (Suprasorb CNP; Lohmann & Rauscher, Rengsdorf, Germany) inserted through the skin ([Fig. 3]) [1]. Suction of –125  mmHg was applied (ACTIV.A.C; KCI, San Antonio, Texas, USA) ([Video 1]).

Fig. 3 Photographs showing the creation of an open-pore film drain, which involves wrapping a strip of double-layered open-pore film around a small drainage tube and securing it in place with a suture.

The combined endofistular and endoluminal endoscopic management of a postoperative complex rectocutaneous fistula after cystectomy.Video 1

Owing to the patientʼs preference for outpatient therapy, we continued therapy with outpatient percutaneous endofistular vacuum therapy, as previously described, changed twice weekly for an additional 3 weeks, progressively shortening the drain length with each adjustment. Upon follow-up examination 3 days later, the fistula had completely closed, and the pararectal cavity could no longer be visualized.

Endofistular vacuum therapy represents an effective method for the management of complex rectocutaneous fistulas, serving as a valuable adjunctive technique in the treatment of challenging cases.

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgement

We extend our gratitude to the endoscopy team and nursing staff of the interdisciplinary endoscopy unit at the University Medical Centre Rostock for their outstanding support. We would like to thank Magdalena Popova for her help in creating the figures.

• Reference

• 1 Loske G, Schorsch T, Rucktaeschel F. et al. Open-pore film drainage (OFD) – a new multipurpose tool for endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT). Endosc Int Open 2018; 6: E865-E871

Publication History

Article published online:
03 July 2024