Clinical Findings and Interventional Treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistulae: Pictorial Essay

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) fistulae are defined as an abnormal communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin and/or the epithelial surface of an adjacent viscus. GI fistulae are the most feared complications caused by a variety of medical conditions including abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, abscess, radiation, or trauma. The management of GI fistulae is complex and requires a detailed, stepwise approach to achieve successful closure. The ultimate goal of management is to re-establish the continuity of the GI tract, while limiting the morbidity and mortality. Interventional radiology can play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of GI fistulae. In this article, we review the clinical and radiologic features and interventional treatment of GI fistulae.

Keywords

• gastrointestinal tract
• intestinal fistula
• anastomotic leak
• postoperative complications
• humans