ObjectiveTo assess the value of non-vascular contrast-enhanced ultrasound(oral contrast-enhanced ultrasound, fistula cavity contrast-enhanced ultrasound, etc.) in guiding percutaneous drainage of the upper gastrointestinal fistulas.MethodsThirteen patients with suppurative pleuro-esophageal fistulas following esophagus-anastomosis/Billroth Ⅰ stomach-anastomosis and two patients with gastric fistulas combined with severe infection underwent percutaneous drainage.Before and during the procedure, oral contrast-enhanced ultrasound and fistula cavity contrast-enhanced ultrasound scanning were conducted to identify the position of fistulas, determine the safe approach for a radical catheterization drainage.ResultsThe actual positions of the upper gastrointestinal fistulas in the 13 patients were identified for puncturing after preoperative oral contrast-enhanced ultrasound.Two of the 13 patients did not receive puncturation due to lack of safe approach.During the operation, oral contrast-enhanced ultrasound maintained the fistula cavity enhanced for a long time, ascertaining a safe approach.Fistula cavity contrast-enhanced ultrasound could be used to evaluate the accuracy of percutaneous drainage, ascertain the location of catheter tip for more effective drainage, and estimate the efficacy of interventions.ConclusionNon-vascular contrast-enhanced ultrasound is valuable in guiding percutaneous drainage for upper gastrointestinal fistulas, which makes for the shortcomings of the conventional ultrasonic imaging.