Fistulation as a complication of intra-abdominal soft-tissue sarcomas; a case series

Abstract

Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare, accounting for only one percent of all cancers. They can occur in retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal sites, including gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), and have the potential to cause complications secondary to interaction with other abdominal viscera. Fistulation, or an abnormal communication between two epithelium-lined surfaces that do not usually connect, is a rare example of such a complication. We present a series of cases of fistulation due to the presence of an intra-abdominal soft-tissue sarcoma and contrast three different approaches to management. We discuss the radiological features and other modalities of imaging which may be useful in diagnosing this rare complication.