Clinical application of endoscopic closure in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal fistula

ZHANG Juan-juan; WANG Zhi-ming

doi:10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2025.03.13

Abstract：Intestinal fistula is a common complication after abdominal surgery,often leading to severe issues such as intra-abdominal infections,bleeding,and multiple organ dysfunction.The condition typically has a prolonged course and complex treatment.With the rapid development of endoscopic technology,early endoscopic closure of intestinal fistulas has become possible.Compared with traditional surgical treatment,endoscopic treatment has the advantages of minimal trauma,fewer complications,and ease of operation,making it an important method for treating intestinal fistulas.Commonly used endoscopic treatment techniques include metal clips,stent placement,endoscopic suturing,and tissue sealants.The treatment of intestinal fistulas has evolved from traditional surgery to endoscopic therapy,with the advantages of endoscopic technology in minimally invasive treatment being widely recognized.In recent years,continuous innovations in endoscopic treatment methods have significantly improved the effectiveness of intestinal fistula treatment.Stent therapy is one of the commonly used techniques,especially self-expanding metal stents(SEMS),which have shown high success rates and low complication rates in the treatment of intestinal fistulas.Metal clip techniques and endoscopic suturing techniques also have good prospects,with the OTSC metal clip showing significant effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal fistulas.The key to endoscopic treatment is selecting the appropriate treatment method based on the patient's specific condition.When the disease course is short and the fistula has minimal fibrosis,techniques such as OTSC can achieve good therapeutic results.The continuous development and optimization of endoscopic technology provide new hope for the treatment of intestinal fistulas,and further clinical research is needed to verify the long-term effects of different endoscopic treatment methods and their broad applications in the treatment of intestinal fistulas.