Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, oesophagus, anastomotic leak, perforation, endoluminal vacuum therapy, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy, PERFORATIONS, Anastomosis, Surgical, Anastomotic Leak, Endoscopy, Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal, Esophageal Perforation, Gastrectomy, Humans, Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy, Postoperative Complications, Thoracic Surgery, Treatment Outcome, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 3202 Clinical sciences

Abstract:

Persisting suture dehiscence with oesophageal anastomotic leaks after thoracic surgery is a difficult complication, especially when a surgical repair fails. We report here endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy as a novel endoscopic treatment for the management of oesophageal anastomotic leaks. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy is a minimally invasive method to treat anastomotic leakage by positioning an open-pored polyurethane sponge and a suction tube connected to a wound drainage system into the opening of the wound cavity. This multidisciplinary endoscopic and surgical approach is a successful therapy for the management of suture dehiscence with oesophageal anastomotic leaks after thoracic surgery or oesophageal perforations.