Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the management of enterocutaneous fistula: a systematic review of clinical and postoperative outcomes

Authors

  • Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lopez Medical Department, Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador
  • Alfonso Joan Massé Ponce Department of General Surgery, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, México
  • Andrea Yissel Franco Sánchez Medicine Department, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Ecuador
  • Dario Javier Caguate Miranda Medical Department, Universidad de las Américas, Quito-Ecuador
  • Ronny Ricardo Olalla Alava Medical Department, Universidad de las Américas, Quito-Ecuador
  • Alexander David Silva Medical Department, Universidad de las Américas, Quito-Ecuador
  • José Daniel Nuñez Moreno Department of Surgery, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Ecuador
  • Katherine Sandoval Hernández ICU Department, Hospital Universitario San Jorge, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250008

Keywords:

Minimally invasive, Laparoscopic, Robotic-assisted techniques, Systematic review

Abstract

We aim to explore advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIS) through a systematic review for managing enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) from 2019 to 2023 focusing on clinical and postoperative outcomes to identify gaps and future directions in treatment strategies. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and systematic reviewed the literature from three databases namely PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane library in the steps described here. Papers were screened according to previously set following focus and clinical and postoperative MIS methods applied in ECF treatment. Surgical techniques evaluated included: laparoscopic, robotic assisted and a combination of the two termed hybrid approach. Both data extraction and synthesis were done based on Covidence software to maintain transparency and rigor. Of 112 papers initially identified, 30 papers were included in the analysis. Relevant research established that the adoption of the minimally invasive techniques like robotic and laparoscopic surgeries increases enhanced clinical results which outcome includes less morbidity, the number of days of hospital stay, and complications. Most of the announced procedures, such as vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and extracellular matrix plug placement, demonstrated feasibility in selected cases. Interventions’ variability and the lack of high-quality evidence for some approaches suggest that replication should remain standardized. We conclude that advances in MIS have demonstrated improved outcomes for ECF management and are offering less invasive options with better recovery profiles.

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References

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Published

2025-01-07

How to Cite

Lopez, J. E. M., Ponce, A. J. M., Sánchez, A. Y. F., Miranda, D. J. C., Alava, R. R. O., Silva, A. D., Moreno, J. D. N., & Hernández, K. S. (2025). Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the management of enterocutaneous fistula: a systematic review of clinical and postoperative outcomes. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 13(2), 788–796. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250008

Issue

Section

Systematic Reviews