[Endoscopic examination for fistula].
We have conducted fistulous endoscopic examination in 11 cases of postoperative fistula, and discuss its clinical significance. The examination was carried out using an endoscope more than 3 weeks after the operation. The endoscopic examination of the fistula provided not only an internal observation of the fistula but also opportunity to an irrigate the fistula for removal of foreign substances. In addition, the biopsy permitted histological examination for necrotic substances and the fistulous wall. Furthermore, in 7 cases involving abscess, endoscopy made it easy to introduce a drain into the affected site and to judge when to remove the drain based on the condition of the fistula. Closure of pancreatic fistula was also attainable using fibrin glue. Consequently, the fistulas were closed within 2 months after the fistulous endoscopic examination in all cases but one, in which death resulted due to carcinoma. The endoscopic examination for fistula is a fairly easy technique as long as it is carried out only when the fistula is firmly formed. Moreover, this technique is considered to be an effective mean of testing and treatment method since it imposes less stress on the patient.
Nakagawa
K
K
Department of Surgery, Sendai Red Cross Hospital, Japan.
Momono
S
S
Sasaki
Y
Y
Furusawa
A
A
Ujiie
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*