Management of duodenal fistulas

Abstract

A review of records of 27 patients with duodenal fistulas admitted to St. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto since 1969, when total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was instituted, showed that in 19 patients the fistula formed after gastric resection, pyloroplasty or transduodenal sphincteroplasty. The remaining fistulas resulted from delayed presentation of perforated duodenal ulcers, trauma suffered in motor vehicle accidents and disease in neighbouring organs. Management included early nasogastric suctioning, withholding oral intake, draining the fistula contents, protecting the skin effectively, replacing fluid and electrolytes and administering TPN to suppress secretions and to promote anabolism. In seven patients who had associated duodenal obstruction in this intensely inflamed area, a gastrojejunostomy was performed. In no instance was a direct attack made on the fistula. In 25 patients (92.6%) the fistula healed spontaneously in an average of 21 days. Two patients (7.4%) died with patent fistulas. It appears that a direct surgical attack on duodenal fistulas is rarely necessary. With appropriate management, the majority will heal spontaneously. Total parenteral nutrition is the cornerstone of therapy and gastrojejunostomy is invaluable in certain cases.