Gastrocutaneous fistulas associated with pancreatic abscesses. An aggressive entity

Previous reports of gastrocutaneous fistulas emphasize their benign nature and the probability of spontaneous healing without the need for surgical closure. In distinct contrast we report our experiences with six patients whose gastrocutaneous fistulas were caused by fulminant pancreatitis and pancreatic abscesses. High-output acid fistulas appeared days to weeks after drainage of left upper quadrant-infected collections. None occurred at the time of initial abscess drainage. Most originated high on the greater curvature of the stomach and traversed the abscess cavity. Three of six patients had previous splenectomies, but these operations were remote in time from the appearance of the fistula. Nonoperative management was successful in only two of six patients. Massive hemorrhage from the fistula tract contributed to the deaths of three patients. The pathogenesis of these fistulas appears to be consequent to gastric injury resulting from adjacent pancreatic inflammation. We conclude that (1) gastrocutaneous fistulas associated with pancreatitis are unlikely to heal even with drainage of the abscesses and are often complicated by hemorrhage, (2) surgical closure of the fistula will often be necessary and should not be unreasonably delayed, and (3) when performed in a semi-elective setting, resection of the damaged gastric segment, perhaps with an omental or serosal patch to buttress the gastric suture line, has a good chance of success.