Novel "rendez-vous" technique for persistent gastrocutaneous fistula closure.

Background and study aims: Gastrocutaneous (GC) fistulas are a rare but challenging adverse event that can occur after removal of a PEG tube 1 . Modern endoscopic techniques such as over-the-scope (OTS) clipping have become popular alternatives over traditional surgical closure for resolving this issue 2 . However, some fistulas fail to close despite endoscopic interventions and would normally require open surgery. Here, we devised a new "rendezvous" method, involving a combination of endoscopic and surgical approaches, to close recalcitrant fistulas. Patients and methods: Four patients with persistent GC fistulas after long-term percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) use were treated with the "rendezvous" technique. This technique utilizes both endoscopic OTS clipping and extraperitoneal surgical excision of the fistula tract to avoid risks of surgery while ensuring fistula closure. Results: The success rates was 100% with no immediate adverse events (AEs) and no recurrences within 2 years of closure in a case series of four patients with persistent GC fistulas. Three of these patients suffered from neurological disorders (cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease) and required long-term PEG tubes. One patient required long-term PEG feeding following postoperative AE. Conclusions: The novel "rendezvous" technique has showed success in closure of persistent GC fistulas in comorbid patients with long-term PEG use. It is a less-invasive alternative to traditional surgery and produces greater closure rates than endoscopic clipping alone.