Massive continuous irrigation (MCI) and endoscopic debridement as an alternative treatment strategy for refractory abscess-fistula complexes

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of massive continuous irrigation (MCI) and endoscopic debridement for the treatment of refractory abscess–fistula complexes.

Methods

This was a retrospective single-center observational study involving 12 patients with refractory abscess–fistula complexes. All patients had experienced long-term treatment failure or had failed multiple treatment modalities. We used over two catheters and inserted them via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or percutaneously to form a circulation pathway to achieve MCI of normal saline, endoscopic debridement was then performed. The treatment success rate, irrigation volume and treatment duration, time to abscess–fistula complex closure, intra-treatment complications, and recurrence rate were recorded.

Results

The treatment success rates were 100%. The median time of previous treatment was 32 days (range 7–912 days). The mean time from the use of the novel treatment strategy to abscess–fistula complex healing was 18.8 ± 11.0 days. The mean volume of irrigation was 10 804 ± 1669 mL/24 h. The mean irrigation time was 16.5 ± 9.2 days, and a median of two irrigation tubes (range 2–5) were used. No complications occurred either during or after the procedure. During the follow-up of 23.1 ± 18.1 months, no recurrence or adverse events were noted.

Conclusions

MCI and endoscopic debridement may be a feasible, safe, and effective alternative treatment for refractory abscess–fistula complexes. Large prospective studies are needed to validate our results.