Application of a 3D-printed ”fistula stent” in plugging enteroatmospheric fistula with open abdomen: A case report

摘要

BACKGROUND Open abdomen(OA) has been generally accepted for its magnificent superiority and effectiveness in patients with severe trauma, severe intra-abdominal infection, and abdominal compartment syndrome. In the meantime, OA calls for a mass of nursing and the subsequent enteroatomospheric fistula(EAF), which is one of the most common complications of OA therapy, remains a thorny challenge.CASE SUMMARY Our team applied thermoplastic polyurethane as a befitting material for producing a 3 D-printed "fistula stent" in the management of an EAF patient,who was initially admitted to local hospital because of abdominal pain and distension and diagnosed with bowel obstruction. After a series of operations and OA therapy, the patient developed an EAF.CONCLUSION Application of this novel "fistula stent" resulted in a drastic reduction in the amount of lost enteric effluent and greatly accelerated rehabilitation processes.