Injecting activated fat to treat chronic gastrointestinal and pelvic fistulas

Observational, Prospective Single-center Study on the Results of Endoscopic Injection of Autologous, Activated and Emulsified Fat in Chronic Fistulas of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Pelvic Organs

Observational Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06930079

This study is testing whether injecting activated fat can help people with long-lasting gastrointestinal and pelvic fistulas heal better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment43 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rome)
Trial IDNCT06930079 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients with chronic fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract and pelvic organs, which can lead to severe complications and impact quality of life. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic injection of autologous, activated, and emulsified fat as a potential treatment option. The study will include patients diagnosed with chronic fistulas for at least three months and will assess their symptoms and quality of life. The approach seeks to address the complex healing challenges associated with these conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of chronic fistula affecting the gastrointestinal tract or pelvic organs.

Not a fit: Patients with active malignancies, impaired hemostasis, or contraindications to endoscopy or anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve healing outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from chronic fistulas.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using autologous fat for healing is promising, the specific application in chronic fistulas is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients having a diagnosis of chronic fistula (diagnosis at least 3 months before the enrollment) of the pelvic organs and/or the gastrointestinal tract of any type, being symptomatic and/or impacting the quality of life.
* Age of at least 18 years.
* Able to comply with study requirements and understand and sign the Informed Consent Form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Impaired hemostasis or any contraindication to perform endoscopy or liposuction.
* Any contraindication to perform deep sedation or general anesthesia.
* Woman being pregnant at the time of the procedure.
* Malignancy in active treatment.
* Any health issue that might put the patient at risk if the treatment is performed is judged by the investigator.

Where this trial is running

Rome

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Fistula Repairfistula
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.