Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Ureteroenteric fistula (UEF) is a rare complication of inflammation or trauma that causes a communication between the ureter and a portion of the GI tract. Due to the scarcity of these cases, current literature detailing UEF repair is mostly limited to singular case studies. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of minimally invasive radiological UEF repair versus open surgical techniques, using a larger population than has been previously documented for this topic. Methods: 25 Cases of UEF repair were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were divided into two groups, those treated with minimally invasive radiological techniques (13 cases) and those who underwent open surgical repair (12 cases). Length of hospital stay and percentage of cases requiring additional intervention as indicators of outcome were considered. Results: Review of our series revealed a wide variety of UEFs including ureterosigmoid (10 cases), ureteroileal (6), ureterocolic (4), ureteroduodenal (2), ureterofallopian (1), ureteropancreatic (1), and ureteroappendiceal (1) fistulas. Minimally invasive radiological interventions resulted in a significantly shorter length of hospital stay than open surgical repair (5.08 v. 9.75 days; p=0.004). Additionally, comparison of the percentage of cases requiring additional interventions between minimally invasive and open surgical repairs showed no statistical difference (46 v. 50%., p=0.847). Conclusions: For repair of UEFs, minimally invasive radiological interventions have proven highly successful. Patients treated with minimally invasive techniques had significantly shorter hospital stays than those treated with open surgical repair, with a similar percentage of cases requiring additional interventions. These techniques should be considered the standard of care for the initial treatment of UEFs.

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