Related Experiment Videos
Management of digestive fistulas
D Ysebaert1, R Van Hee, G Hubens
1Dept. of Surgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Belgium.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin effectively treat digestive fistulas. Somatostatin significantly reduces output and speeds spontaneous closure, with 83% of patients achieving closure without mortality.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Postoperative digestive fistulas present a significant clinical challenge.
- Evaluating conservative management strategies is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin in managing postoperative digestive fistulas.
- To determine the impact on fistula output and spontaneous closure rates.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive series of 23 patients with digestive fistulas were treated.
- Treatment involved total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin therapy.
Main Results:
- 83% of patients achieved fistula closure.
- A significant output reduction (>50%) was observed on the first day in 60% of patients.
- Fistula infection prolonged closure time but did not impact overall success.
Conclusions:
- Somatostatin is highly effective in the conservative management of digestive fistulas.
- The drug significantly reduces fistula output and accelerates spontaneous closure.
- Conservative treatment with somatostatin offers a safe and effective approach with no observed mortality.