Published online Nov 7, 2017. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i41.7489
Peer-review started: September 20, 2017
First decision: September 27, 2017
Revised: September 29, 2017
Accepted: October 18, 2017
Article in press: October 17, 2017
Published online: November 7, 2017
Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) are great challenges during the open abdomen. The loss of digestive juice, water-electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition are intractable issues during management of ECF. Techniques such as “fistula patch” and vacuum-assisted closure therapy have been applied to prevent contamination of open abdominal wounds by intestinal fistula drainage. However, failures are encountered due to high-output fistula and anatomical complexity. Here, we report 3D-printed patient-personalized fistula stent for ECF treatment based on 3D reconstruction of the fistula image. Subsequent follow-up demonstrated that this stent was well-implanted and effective to reduce the volume of enteric fistula effluent.
Core tip: There are few reports about how to manage enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) after open abdomen, especially those that are unlikely to achieve spontaneous closure. This case report describes how to use 3D printing technique to fabricate a fistula stent in accordance with the ECF anatomy, and how the stent can improve enteric effluent, patient’s nutrition and physical strength, and surrounding wound inflammation.