Robot-assisted surgery and endoscopic management of gastrocolic fistula: A rare complication of acute pancreatitis in a patient who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy

Asian J Endosc Surg. 2019 Oct;12(4):465-468. doi: 10.1111/ases.12679. Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Abstract

Ten years after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, a 39-year-old man developed pancreatitis and, after recovery, presented with severe diarrhea. An image study showed barium contrast passing from the stomach to the colon. Before surgery, initial treatment consisted of parenteral nutrition and antibiotics. The patient then underwent robot-assisted resection of a gastrocolic fistula and omentoplasty. However, 72 h after surgery, the amount of suction drainage suggested that the fistulous track repair was leaking. Therefore, we decided to perform endoscopy to place a self-expanding covered stent at the gastroesophageal junction as well as a nasojejunal tube to continue nutritional supplementation. After the patient had fasted for 2 weeks, there was no evidence of leakage in the image studies. The patient was discharged after he had clinically improved, and the stent was removed at the end of 8 weeks. The combination of robot-assisted surgery and endoscopic management is effective for treating gastrocolic fistula.

Keywords: Endoscopic stent; gastrocolic fistula; robot-assisted surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Barium Sulfate
  • Contrast Media
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods*
  • Gastrectomy
  • Gastric Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastric Fistula / etiology*
  • Gastric Fistula / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / surgery*
  • Male
  • Pancreatitis / complications*
  • Parenteral Nutrition
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures*
  • Stents

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Contrast Media
  • Barium Sulfate