Importance of the Fistula Tract Angle in Fistula Tract Disruption in Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

Abstract

Background: The fistula tract angle formed by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was examined. Also, the previous literature on fistula tract disruption is reviewed and the possible influence of the fistula tract angle on fistula tract disruption by non‐endoscopic catheter change is discussed. Methods: A total of 15 patients aged 24–80 years were examined.The fistula tract angle was measured as the angle of elevation between the tangent line at the orifice of the PEG stoma and the longitudinal axis of the catheter. Results: Values of the angle ranged from 56 to 90° (mean 77.6°), with four cases (27%) having angles below 70°.With one case of pan‐peritonitis after catheter insertion at 90°, laparotomy revealed that the angle of the fistula tract was low at 62° and that the catheter had broken through the tract just below the abdominal wall. Conclusion: This study suggests that the fistula tract angle might be a potential risk factor for fistula tract disruption by non‐endoscopic catheter change.