Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Safety of Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Intrathoracic Anastomotic Leakage Following Transthoracic Esophageal Resection: A Prospective Study
Background
Anastomotic leakage (AL) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Especially intrathoracic anastomotic leakage leads to life-threatening adverse events. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophageal resection represents a novel concept. However, sound clinical data are still scarce. This prospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of EVT for intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resection.
Methods
From March 2014 to September 2019 259 consecutive patients underwent elective transthoracic esophageal resection. 72 patients (27,8 %) suffered from AL. The overall collective in-hospital mortality rate was 3.9% (n=10). Data from those who underwent treatment with EVT were included.
Results
Fifty-five patients were treated with EVT. Successful closure was achieved in 89.1% (n=49) by EVT only. The EVT-associated adverse event rate was 5.4% (n=3): bleeding occurred in one patient, while minor sedation-related adverse events were observed in two patients. The median number of EVT procedures per patient was 3. The procedures were performed at intervals of 3-5 days, with a 14-day median duration of therapy. The mortality rate of patients with AL was 7.2% (n=4). Despite successfully terminated EVT, three patients died because of multiple organ failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and urosepsis (5.4%). One patient (1.8%) died during EVT due to cardiac arrest.
Conclusions
EVT is a safe and effective approach for intrathoracic anastomotic leakages following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resections. It offers a high leakage-closure rate and the potential to lower leakage-related mortalities.
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Posted 25 Sep, 2020
Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Safety of Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Intrathoracic Anastomotic Leakage Following Transthoracic Esophageal Resection: A Prospective Study
Posted 25 Sep, 2020
Background
Anastomotic leakage (AL) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Especially intrathoracic anastomotic leakage leads to life-threatening adverse events. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophageal resection represents a novel concept. However, sound clinical data are still scarce. This prospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of EVT for intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resection.
Methods
From March 2014 to September 2019 259 consecutive patients underwent elective transthoracic esophageal resection. 72 patients (27,8 %) suffered from AL. The overall collective in-hospital mortality rate was 3.9% (n=10). Data from those who underwent treatment with EVT were included.
Results
Fifty-five patients were treated with EVT. Successful closure was achieved in 89.1% (n=49) by EVT only. The EVT-associated adverse event rate was 5.4% (n=3): bleeding occurred in one patient, while minor sedation-related adverse events were observed in two patients. The median number of EVT procedures per patient was 3. The procedures were performed at intervals of 3-5 days, with a 14-day median duration of therapy. The mortality rate of patients with AL was 7.2% (n=4). Despite successfully terminated EVT, three patients died because of multiple organ failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and urosepsis (5.4%). One patient (1.8%) died during EVT due to cardiac arrest.
Conclusions
EVT is a safe and effective approach for intrathoracic anastomotic leakages following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resections. It offers a high leakage-closure rate and the potential to lower leakage-related mortalities.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3