Background: Chronic gastrocutaneous fistula with intermittent drainage is a common outcome after removing long-standing gastrostomy tubes. The standard treatment is surgery with laparotomy and excision of the fistula tract. This study describes the results of an endoscopic closure technique by using a combination of electrocautery and metal clips.
Methods: Three patients with gastrocutaneous fistulas (duration 3 months to 3 years) after gastrostomy tube removal were treated endoscopically by electrocautery of the tract and application of metal clips.
Observations: Treatment resulted in complete fistula closure in two patients and partial closure in a third patient.
Conclusions: Combined endoscopic therapy with electrocautery and clipping may be an alternative to surgical closure of chronic gastrocutaneous fistulas.