Case Report

Closure of a Nonhealing Gastrocutaneous Fistula Using an Endoscopic Clip

Authors: Ali A. Siddiqui, MD, Thomas Kowalski, MD, Sidney Cohen, MD

Abstract

Gastrocutaneous fistula after gastrostomy tube removal may persist for a prolonged period. We present a case of a 58-year-old woman with a GCF that had persisted for 5 months following the removal of an endoscopically-placed gastrostomy tube (PEG). Conservative therapy with anti-acid medications and administering motility agents was unsuccessful. For the closure of the GCF, the endoscopic metal clips were used to close the fistula.


Key Points


* Gastrocutaneous fistula after gastrostomy tube removal may persist for a prolonged period. In the past, surgery was the only definitive therapy.


* A much less invasive way to close the fistula is endoscopically-placed metal clips in the stomach at the site of the fistulous opening.

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