Enterohepatic fistula in a Crohn's disease patient: A case report
Justin T Van Backer1, Edward C Lee1
1Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208, USA.
Insights
This study presents the first operative case of an enterohepatic fistula in a woman with Crohn's Disease, demonstrating successful surgical resolution. This rare complication of Crohn's Disease highlights the feasibility of laparoscopic management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
Background:
- Fistulous tracts are common in Crohn's Disease (CD).
- Solid organ to intestinal fistulas are rare CD manifestations.
- Enterohepatic fistulas are exceedingly rare, with only one prior reported case.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of an enterohepatic fistula in a female patient with CD treated surgically.
- To highlight the rarity and management of enterohepatic fistulas in CD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on solid organ to intestinal fistulas in CD.
- Detailed case report of a female CD patient with an enterohepatic fistula.
- Surgical intervention and postoperative follow-up.
Main Results:
- The patient underwent successful operative management for the enterohepatic fistula.
- Complete resolution of the fistula was achieved postoperatively.
- Laparoscopic takedown was demonstrated as a feasible approach for this rare condition.
Conclusions:
- Enterohepatic fistulas are a rare but significant complication of Crohn's Disease.
- Surgical intervention, including laparoscopic approaches, can be effective in managing enterohepatic fistulas.
- This case adds to the limited literature and provides evidence for successful operative treatment.
Introduction:
Fistulous tracts are a hallmark of Crohn's Disease. However, solid organ to intestinal fistulas are rare with previously few case reports of colosplenic fistulas and one case report of an enterohepatic fistula.
Presentation Of Case:
We review the available literature and present the first case report of an enterohepatic fistula in a female with Crohn's Disease to be treated operatively. The patient did well postoperatively with complete resolution of her fistula.
Discussion:
Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can present with fistulas. However, a fistula between the liver and bowel is exceedingly rare with only one previous case report. This is the first report of an enteroheptic fistula that has been managed successfully with an operation.
Conclusion:
Not all enteroenteric fistulas are apparent preoperatively. When discovered, laparoscopic enterohepatic fistula takedown is feasible for this rare disease process manifestation.
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