Combined over-the-scope clip and detachable snare placement for closure of an enterocutaneous fistula

A 75-year-old man underwent a laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy for malignant colorectal adenocarcinoma of the distal transverse colon. The postoperative course was complicated by pneumonia in the left lung and acute pancreatitis. The patient presented 30 days after surgery with increased abdominal pain and septic shock.

Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 111 × 81 × 195 mm intra-abdominal collection in the left paracolic gutter, which was percutaneously drained, with clinical improvement. Then, 1 week later, an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) was identified after contrast instillation through the percutaneous drain. Given the lack of improvement with nonoperative management, endoscopic closure was attempted 68 days after the original surgery ([Video 1]).

Video 1 Combined over-the-scope clip and detachable snare placement for closure of an enterocutaneous fistula.

A therapeutic endoscope was advanced to the ileocolic anastomosis, located at the splenic flexure. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic views did not initially reveal the location of the fistula. Instillation of methylene blue through the percutaneous drain revealed the fistula location at the ileal edge of the anastomosis ([Fig. 1 a]). After the edges had been marked with argon plasma coagulation, a 14/6 mm over-the scope clip (OTSC; Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tübingen, Germany) was placed. Despite correct placement, methylene blue leakage still occurred ([Fig. 1 b]). A detachable snare was then placed beneath the jaws of the OTSC with the help of a foreign body retrieval forceps advanced through the second working channel ([Fig. 1 c]). Successful closure was achieved, with no intraluminal methylene blue visible following placement of the detachable snare ([Fig. 1 d]).

Fig. 1 Endoscopic images. a Intraluminal methylene blue after instillation through the percutaneous drain. b Methylene blue still visible after correct placement of an over-the-scope clip (OTSC). c Placement of a detachable snare beneath the jaws of the OTSC. d The OTSC and detachable snare in place, with methylene blue no longer visible.

The percutaneous drain was removed 3 days later, and the patient was then discharged 2 days later. Colonoscopy was repeated 3 months later and showed a regular anastomosis and no evidence of the previously placed OTSC or detachable snare ([Fig. 2]). No contrast extravasation could be seen. The patient remains well.

Fig. 2 Endoscopic image 3 months later showing a regular anastomosis, without identification of the previously placed over-the-scope clip or detachable snare.

ECFs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality [1]. Surgical intervention is typically difficult and is associated with significant complication rates. Although use of the OTSC may impact ECF treatment, a recent retrospective review [2] reported only a 33 % success rate for chronic fistulas (> 30 days). Placement of the detachable snare below the OTSC may allow incorporation of a greater thickness of bowel wall, thus increasing the success rate.

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Competing interests

None

• References

• 1 Gribovskaja-Rupp I, Melton GB. Enterocutaneous fistula: proven strategies and updates. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2016; 29: 130-137
• 2 Roy J, Sims K, Rider P. et al. Endoscopic technique for closure of enterocutaneous fistulas. Surg Endosc 2019; DOI: 10.1007/s00464-018-06646-1.