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Autologous Adipose Tissue Injection as Treatment for Ileoanal Pouch-Related Fistulae
Hayder Alqaisi1,2, Anders Dige3, Ole Thorlacius-Ussing2,4
1Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
United European Gastroenterology Journal
|December 15, 2025
Summary
Autologous adipose tissue injection (AATI) offers a safe, minimally invasive treatment for pouch-related fistulae (PRF) after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). AATI achieved a 69% healing rate in patients with PRF, demonstrating its potential effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a key procedure for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.
- Pouch-related fistulae (PRF) represent a significant complication following IPAA.
- Optimal treatment strategies for PRF remain undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of autologous adipose tissue injection (AATI) for treating PRF.
- To evaluate AATI as a potential therapeutic option for IPAA complications.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one patients with IPAA and 29 PRF underwent AATI.
- Repeated AATI was offered for non-healed fistulae.
- Outcomes including healing, complications, and recurrence were monitored over a median of 16 months.
Main Results:
- Single AATI treatment resulted in 48% clinical healing of PRF.
- Repeated treatments improved the overall healing rate to 69%.
- An additional 14% showed reduced PRF secretion; the procedure was well-tolerated with minimal complications.
Conclusions:
- AATI presents a safe, minimally invasive, and sphincter-preserving approach for PRF.
- Promising healing rates suggest AATI's therapeutic potential.
- Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings for PRF treatment.
