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Gastrointestinal fistulas are abnormal openings in your digestive tract. They occur due to an abnormal fluid or pus build-up in your abdominal cavity. The gastric and intestinal juices and contents leak through these openings into different parts of your body, leading to untoward complications.
Gastrointestinal fistulas are often seen in people who have had surgery on their abdomen. If you suffer from chronic digestive tract diseases like Crohn’s, diverticulitis, and abdominal tuberculosis, you are at a high risk of developing gastrointestinal fistulas. There can be 4 types of fistulas:
Diarrhea, chronic malnutrition, and weight loss are the major symptoms of gastrointestinal fistulas. Small-sized fistulas usually heal on their own. Treatment for gastrointestinal fistulas includes medications like antibiotics and immune suppressants. Surgery is recommended if your condition has not improved after 3 to 6 months of treatment.
Gastrointestinal fistula surgery is the surgical way of treating fistulas. This method is the last resort when the fistulas are not healing even after 3 to 6 months of conventional treatment. Endoscopic gastrointestinal fistula surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed with the use of an instrument called an endoscope.
This surgery aims to cut open the fistula, drain the contents out, and perform repair work to ensure gastrointestinal tract continuity and optimal functioning. Depending on the location of the fistula, the surgery can be of two types:
Endoscopic gastrointestinal fistula surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Endoscopic gastrointestinal fistula surgery is preferred as there are fewer chances of infections and a quicker recovery rate.
Surgical repair is usually the last resort in fistula treatment. Endoscopic fistula repair is recommended in people:
Surgical repair of a fistula is usually done as a last resort. It is recommended when the symptoms are very severe and you have not been responding to treatment for more than 3 to 6 months. Remember a few points before you go in for this surgery. Here is how you can prepare yourself to get your fistula surgically fixed.
Endoscopic gastrointestinal fistula surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the fistula is cut open, the contents drained out and a repair is done to ensure the continuity and optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Here is what will happen to you during endoscopic gastrointestinal fistula surgery.
Endoscopic Vacuum Assisted Closure (EVAC) is an emerging minimally invasive technique for fistula repair.
Here, with the help of an endoscope, a negative vacuum is created to collapse the fistula and create a seal. The device used here consists of a sponge and tube attached to an external vacuum suction. This device ensures continuous suction that helps to remove all the secretions. It also promotes healing by forming granulation tissue.
Recovery is the most crucial process in all fistula surgeries. Since this surgery is done endoscopically, you may expect faster recovery. It is an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to go home the same day. Endoscopic surgeries also guarantee low chances of infection post the surgery.
Once the surgery is complete, you will be shifted to a recovery room. Your vitals is your pulse rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure, will be monitored. As you recover from the surgery, you may notice:
Once you are stable, you will be sent home with detailed instructions on postoperative care. Here is what you can do to recover faster from endoscopic gastrointestinal fistula surgery:
Every surgery has its pros and cons. Let us look at the benefits and risks of endoscopic gastrointestinal fistula surgery.
Benefits:
Fistulas chronic malnutrition and weight loss. They can get infected and lead to a dangerous condition called sepsis. Surgical treatment is extremely beneficial in dealing with a fistula. A surgical repair ensures that the fistula does not come back. A fistula surgery done by an experienced surgeon has a success rate of 90 to 97%, and the chances of recurrence are also very low.
Risks:
You may experience risks associated with general anesthesia such as:
Risks specific to the procedure include:
Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!
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