Hepatoduodenal fistula closure diagnosed and characterized Ecoendoscopically (EUS) and managed by OTSC CLIP OVESCO: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforations are a significant source of morbidity in clinical practice; therefore, an early diagnosis is fundamental for early management. In management, surgery is the definitive therapy; however, there is evidence of a strong response to conservative measurements. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 53-year-old man known for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with difficult access and postoperative complications was admitted to our emergency department due to a five-day clinical history comprising acute abdominal pain and feverish peaks up to 38.4 °C. Diagnosis methods CT and NMR were performed but did not lead to a clear diagnosis. Therefore, a EUS was performed observing an anechoic path that communicates the duodenal wall with a right subhepatic collection that was in contact with the proximal bile duct, thickening its walls. A 5 mm fistulous orifice was found. The hepatoduodenal fistula was close endoscopically with the over-the-scope-clip OVESCO OTSC. Post endoscopic closure course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Duodenal fistulae are considered one of the most serious complications in gastrointestinal surgery, when conventional diagnosis methods do not permit the clinicians to get either a medical diagnosis or the management; the EUS can. Advances in interventional endoscopic techniques offer an alternative management for the closure of GI fistulae. CONCLUSION: Whenever the presence of an organized fistula is clinically suspected, EUS can be considered a useful tool that allows not only the characterization of the fistulous path and but also the definition of the minimally invasive endoscopic treatment.