Management of a Complex Fistula Involving Abdominal Wall, Small Bowel, Colon, and Bladder

Successful surgical management of a chronic complex abdominal fistula requires thoughtful pre-operative evaluation and planning and often benefits from a multi-disciplinary approach. Initially, attention is focused on controlling sepsis and ensuring adequate hydration and electrolyte replacement. Next, efforts to optimize nutrition and engage the patient in prehabilitation are prioritized. Simultaneously, imaging is used to gain detailed assessment of anatomy. We present a challenging case involving a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain from prior surgery causing a complex intra-abdominal fistula. The JP drain traversed multiple small bowel loops and the sigmoid colon before terminating in the bladder. Management required multi-disciplinary coordination involving colorectal surgery and urology. The patient's definitive surgery included anterior resection, colostomy takedown, right colectomy, three small bowel resections, and bladder repair. The use of JP drains after abdominal surgery is not without risk. Clinicians should have standardized indications for placement of JP drains and consistent protocols regarding timing of removal.