Endoscopic-Assisted Closure of Persistent Gastrocutaneous Fistula With a Porcine Fistula Plug: Report of a New Technique

Abstract

Persistent gastrocutaneous (GC) fistula is a rare but problematic complication of gastrostomy feeding tube removal. Several techniques for nonoperative fistula closure have been attempted with mixed results. None has proven both satisfactorily simple and consistently effective. The authors present a case of persistent GC fistula treated by a simple outpatient endoscopic-assisted procedure using a porcine anal fistula plug. The procedure requires only basic endoscopic skills, similar to percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement, and it involves minimal operative time and risk to the patient. This technique offers a potential solution to the troublesome problem of persistent GC fistula.