Acquired internal intestinal fistulae in children

OBJECTIVE To analyze the diagnosis and treatment of children with acquired internal intestinal fistulae. MATERIAL AND METHODS There were 3 infants and young children with acquired internal intestinal fistulae. Clinical, laboratory and radiological diagnostic methods were used. RESULTS Two out of 3 children with acquired internal intestinal fistulae underwent surgical treatment for congenital intestinal obstruction. Acute intestinal ulcers appeared after surgery. In a premature child, intestinal fistula arose on the background of necrotizing colitis. Conservative approach was applied in this case. All children were operated on; intestinal fistula was eliminated. Two children are alive, 1 died after surgery (multiple organ failure). CONCLUSION Acquired internal intestinal fistulae are rare in children. Their causes may be acute intestinal perforation after surgery or covered (not diagnosed) ulcer as a complication of necrotizing colitis in premature children.