RESTOREGI Study Benign gastrointestinal fistulas are abnormal communications between the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs or the skin. Chronic fistulas are often difficult to treat because of persistent inflammation, fibrosis, impaired vascularity, and defective tissue regeneration. Endoscopic regenerative therapy using mechanically processed autologous total stromal vascular fraction-enriched microfragmented adipose tissue (tSVF-EM) has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach that may promote tissue repair through angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and regenerative signaling.
Although early clinical experience suggests promising healing outcomes, factors predicting successful fistula closure remain poorly understood. The RESTOREGI study is a prospective, single-center observational cohort study designed to identify patient-related, fistula-related, and procedural factors associated with successful healing following endoscopic tSVF-EM therapy in benign gastrointestinal fistulas. The study will also evaluate treatment safety, time to healing, recurrence rates, and the impact of procedural variables on outcomes.
Age ≥18 years
Confirmed benign gastrointestinal fistula involving the luminal gastrointestinal tract
Fistula accessible for endoscopic evaluation and treatment
Planned treatment with endoscopic tSVF-EM therapy, with or without adjunctive endoscopic therapies (argon plasma coagulation [APC], tract abrasion/curettage, clips, over-the-scope clips [OTSC], endoscopic suturing, or stent placement)
Perianal fistulas of any aetiology
Inflammatory bowel disease-associated fistulas, including fistulas related to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
Malignancy-related fistulas
Fistulas requiring primary oncologic surgical management