Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy for the treatment of oesophageal anastomotic leaks

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2019 Oct-Dec;82(4):529-531.

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.

Keywords: anastomotic leak; endoluminal vacuum therapy; endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy; oesophagus; perforation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Anastomotic Leak / therapy*
  • Endoscopy
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods*
  • Esophageal Perforation / therapy*
  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Treatment Outcome