Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Perforations: Who, When, and How?

Indigenously modified endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure therapy for post-operative gastrointestinal transmural defects: Case series and review of literature

ABSTRACT

A gastrointestinal (GI) transmural defect is defined as a total rupture of the GI wall and these defects can be divided into three main categories, including perforation, leaks and fistulae. Recognition of the specific classification of the defect is important for choosing the best therapeutic modality. We present a case series of patients with gastrointestinal transmural defects which were managed with indigenously modified endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure.

How to preserve the native or reconstructed esophagus after perforations or postoperative leaks: A multidisciplinary 15-year experience

BACKGROUND

Esophageal perforation or postoperative leak after esophageal surgery remain a life-threatening condition. The optimal management strategy is still unclear.

AIM

To determine clinical outcomes and complications of our 15-year experience in the multidisciplinary management of esophageal perforations and anastomotic leaks.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center observational study was performed on 60 patients admitted at our department for esophageal perforations or treated for an anastomotic leak developed after esophageal surgery from January 2008 to December 2023. Clinical outcomes were analyzed, and complications were evaluated to investigate the efficacy and safety of our multidisciplinary management based on the preservation of the native or reconstructed esophagus, when feasible.

RESULTS

Among the whole series of 60 patients, an urgent surgery was required in 8 cases due to a septic state. Fifty-six patients were managed by endoscopic or hybrid treatments, obtaining the resolution of the esophageal leak/perforation without removal of the native or reconstructed esophagus. The mean time to resolution was 54.95 ± 52.64 days, with a median of 35.5 days. No severe complications were recorded. Ten patients out of 56 (17.9%) developed pneumonia that was treated by specific antibiotic therapy, and in 6 cases (10.7%) an atrial fibrillation was recorded. Seven patients (12.5%) developed a stricture within 12 months, requiring one or two endoscopic pneumatic dilations to solve the problem. Mortality was 1.7%.

CONCLUSION

A proper multidisciplinary approach with the choice of the most appropriate treatment can be the key for success in managing esophageal leaks or perforations and preserving the esophagus.

The Management of Esophageal Perforation: A Systematic Review

Esophageal perforation, a rare and serious condition, has seen a reduction in mortality from 30% to 15% over the last three decades due to advancements such as gastrointestinal stents, minimally invasive surgeries, and improved interventional radiology techniques. This review analyzes management strategies for esophageal perforation based on 14 English-language articles published from 2009 to 2024, primarily utilizing surveys and national database analyses. The management of esophageal perforation is complex, with challenges in diagnosis and treatment strategy. Despite surgery being the traditional treatment, the role of less invasive methods is growing. Effective management of esophageal perforation involves advanced imaging for diagnosis, hemodynamic stabilization, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including surgical and non-surgical interventions. The evidence for different treatment outcomes remains limited, highlighting the need for comprehensive care involving thoracic surgery, interventional radiology, gastroenterology, and critical care in an intensive care unit setting.

Robotic surgery in the management of synchronous esophageal and gastric perforation after endoscopic dilation

Upper gastrointestinal perforation is a feared complication of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, with an incidence of perforation between 0.3% and 5%. Even though is rare, the mortality rate can be as high as 40%. Currently, there is no consensus on the best therapeutic strategy and it usually depends on patient stability, the extent of perforation, time to diagnosis, surgeon experience and available resourcesWe present a case of a patient who presented to our institution to undergo an ambulatory oesophageal dilation. After dilation, the patient developed two full-thickness gastric perforations and a full-thickness oesophageal perforation without haemodynamic instability. All perforations were diagnosed and treated with a combination of intraoperative endoscopy and robotic surgery with excellent outcomes.We demonstrate that a robotic approach combined with intraoperative diagnostic endoscopy is a safe and feasible treatment option for esophageal and gastric perforations in a stable patient without large extraluminal contamination.

Non-operative management of iatrogenic esophageal perforation in a 6-year-old child

BACKGROUND

Esophageal perforations are rare, the most common encountered esophageal perforation is iatrogenic in origin. It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Medical treatment has been recommended primarily in hemodynamically stable children. Drainage of intrathoracic or periesophageal fluid formation should be reserved to patients with hemodynamic instability. Surgical intervention may seldomly be required, depending on the localization and size of the defect.

CASE REPORT

A 6-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic due to an esophageal perforation whilst removing the foreign body from upper esophagus under direct vision of a rigid esophagoscope. A radiologic appearance similar to esophageal duplication was detected along the esophagus in the esophagogram. A secondary esophagoscopy was carried out by our clinic, laceration at the esophagopharyngeal junction and dissection along the esophagus were observed and the foreign body was propelled into the stomach. The patient, whose clinical condition was stable, was managed medically without the need for a surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophageal perforation is rare, yet perilous if not handled properly. We do not encounter this clinical entity frequently. Despite its rarity it can arise either iatrogenically or while managing a previous complication such as a simple nasogastric tube insertion in an infant or during an endoscopy for an esophageal foreign body. Its management is challenging, and we believe that non-operative treatment is still an important option in childhood esophageal perforations.

Esophageal perforation etiology, outcome, and the role of surgical management - an 18-year experience of surgical cases in a referral center

INTRODUCTION

Esophageal perforation is a surgical emergency with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Its poor prognosis is mainly associated with previous patient-specific comorbidities and a lack of timely diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the etiological factors and different surgical methods of treatment with consideration of mortality rate and comorbidities.

METHOD

The present cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent surgical intervention due to esophageal injury from 2002 to 2019 (18 years). Demographic and clinical characteristics along with performed surgical interventions were evaluated accordingly.

RESULTS

In this study, 69 patients with a mean age of 38.8 years were evaluated, of which 45 (65.2%) cases were men. In terms of location of the perforation, the thoracic portion of the esophagus followed by the cervical and abdominal esophagus were more frequently injured with a rate of 32 (46.4%), 30 (43.5%), and 19 (27.5%) cases, respectively. Accordingly, foreign body ingestion followed by penetrating injuries were the most common causative agents leading to esophageal perforation.

CONCLUSION

Obtaining the desired results from the treatment of this condition depends on factors such as patients' previous comorbidities, cause of the rupture, the location of the esophageal damage, and delay in the start of treatment. Since there is no single gold standard treatment strategy, each patient should be individually evaluated.

Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Cancer

Advances in technology and improved understanding of the pathobiology of esophageal cancer have allowed endoscopy to serve a growing role in the management of this disease. Precursor lesions can be detected using enhanced diagnostic modalities and eradicated with ablation therapy. Furthermore, evolution in endoscopic resection has provided larger specimens for improved diagnostic accuracy and offer potential for cure of early esophageal cancer. In patients with advanced esophageal cancer, endoluminal therapy can improve symptom burden and provide therapeutic options for complications such as leaks, perforations, and fistulas. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis, treatment, and palliation of esophageal cancer.

Cyanoacrylate injection treatment for postoperative leakage of Boerhaave's syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Surgical treatment remains the most effective option for treating Boerhaave's syndrome. However, in cases of postoperative anastomotic leakage of Boerhaave's syndrome, endoscopic interventions such as over-the-scope clip, stenting, or cyanoacrylate injection have emerged over reoperation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report the case of a 50-year-old male patient who presented with vomiting and abdominal pain after alcohol consumption. Laparoscopic surgery was performed for primary closure of a laceration at the lower esophagus, and for the closure of a Boerhaave's syndrome, which was detected by abdominal computed tomography. However, postoperative anastomotic leakage was confirmed through esophagography after the operation. In our case, endoscopic treatment with an over-the-scope clip and stenting were not effective for the repair of the anastomotic leakage, but cyanoacrylate injection successfully healed the anastomotic leakage.

DIAGNOSES

Boerhaave's syndrome was initially detected by abdominal computed tomography, but postoperative anastomotic leakage after the operation was confirmed with esophagography.

INTERVENTIONS

A total of 2.0 cc of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and lipiodol mixture (at 1:1) was injected into the leakage tract through the perforation entrance.

OUTCOMES

Complete healing of the anastomotic leakage was confirmed with a follow-up esophagoscopy.

LESSONS

N-butyl-2-cyanocrylate injection treatment can be used as a rescue option for postoperative leakage when over-the-scope clips and stenting fail for this indication.

Transgastric Drainage for Esophageal Injuries: A Dynamic Strategy for a Heterogenous Patient Cohort

BACKGROUND

Esophageal injury is a rare but potentially lethal surgical emergency. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality because of mediastinal contamination and difficulty of access. Surgery in such septic patients exacts a heavy physiological price, mandating consideration of more conservative measures. We review our experience with transgastric drainage for esophageal perforation and high-risk anastomotic dehiscence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A select cohort of patients presenting with esophageal perforation, or complex anastomotic leaks, over 10 years were considered for transgastric drainage (TGD). A modified 36F chest drainage tube was inserted by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy technique, either endoscopically or at open surgery, and a negative pressure (-10 cmH2O) was applied until the leak had sealed. Endpoints include, length of stay, restoration of gastrointestinal tract continuity and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 14 patients treated, 10 had perforations and 4 had complex anastomotic leaks. Ten patients had drainage alone, while 4 required concomitant operative intervention. The median duration of drain insertion for those treated with TGD alone was 19.5 days. Complete restoration of gastrointestinal tract continuity was achieved in all patients. There was no procedure-related morbidity or mortality.

CONCLUSION

These results show that TGD is a safe and effective management strategy. We advocate its use alone or as an adjunct to operative treatment for esophageal perforation or anastomotic leaks. This is the first report of completely endoscopic TGD for esophageal perforation.

Success of endoscopic vacuum therapy for persistent anastomotic leak after esophagectomy - A case report

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic vacuum (endovac) therapy has shown excellent outcomes when used for esophageal anastomotic leaks. The results of endovac therapy are superior to those of other endoscopic therapies for esophageal leaks.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 70-year-old male with esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy that was complicated by an esophageal leak. After failure of multiple endoscopic therapies (i.e. stents and clips), he responded well to endovac therapy.

DISCUSSION

Endovac therapy is extremely useful for the treatment of esophageal leaks. The widespread use of endovac therapy is feasible, even in smaller community hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Endovac therapy is a valuable tool that can be used widely for the management of esophageal leaks. Commercially available devices need to be developed in order to facilitate endovac placement and exchange so that the procedure is less dependent on the skill of the operator.

Transoral Endoscopic Approach to Repair Early Pharyngeal Perforations After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery without Failure of Instrumentation: Our Experience and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Pharyngoesophageal injury during anterior cervical spine surgery is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication; generally it is the result of intraoperative manipulation or hardware erosion and sometimes may be due to weakness of the pharyngoesophageal wall from pre-existing pathologic conditions, such as diabetes, gastritis, or obesity.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe the management strategies in patients with an early postoperative hypopharyngeal perforation that occurred after anterior cervical spine surgery without failure of instrumentation, and we present a case treated endoscopically at our institution.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate treatment for pharyngoesophageal perforations is controversial and not investigated in detail. There is a lack of prospective studies comparing initial conservative versus surgical approaches to treatment. In addition, endoscopic management is growing as a therapeutic option, but no consensus concerning the indications for an endoscopic approach in the treatment of pharyngoesophageal injury in anterior cervical spine surgery is currently reached. A common theme proposed in the literature is that early recognition and aggressive investigation and treatment are essential to ensure a good outcome. A customized interdisciplinary surgical approach is essential for successful treatment. Use of the transoral endoscopic approach is a useful noninvasive method to treat this rare but potentially devastating complication.

Endoscopic management of gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae: What option do we have?

Gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae are serious, potentially life threatening conditions that may occur with a wide variety of clinical presentations. Leaks are mostly related to post-operative anastomotic defects and are responsible for an important share of surgical morbidity and mortality. Chronic leaks and long standing post-operative collections may evolve in a fistula between two epithelialized structures. Endoscopy has earned a pivotal role in the management of gastrointestinal defects both as first line and as rescue treatment. Endotherapy is a minimally invasive, effective approach with lower morbidity and mortality compared to revisional surgery. Clips and luminal stents are the pioneer of gastrointestinal (GI) defect endotherapy, whereas innovative endoscopic closure devices and techniques, such as endoscopic internal drainage, suturing system and vacuum therapy, has broadened the indications of endoscopy for the management of GI wall defect. Although several endoscopic options are currently used, a standardized evidence-based algorithm for management of GI defect is not available. Successful management of gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae requires a tailored and multidisciplinary approach based on clinical presentation, defect features (size, location and onset time), local expertise and the availability of devices. In this review, we analyze different endoscopic approaches, which we selected on the basis of the available literature and our own experience. Then, we evaluate the overall efficacy and procedural-specific strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Esophageal Perforations: An Endoscopic Approach to Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Esophageal perforations are associated with high morbidity and mortality. As opposed to surgical repair, endoscopic closure techniques have emerged over the years as a more minimally invasive approach for management. Our goal is to discuss different modalities for closure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Through-the-scope clips (TTSCs), over-the-scope clips (OTSCs), and esophageal stent placement are well known options for closure. We will also discuss the more recent technique of endoscopic suturing for closure of larger defects as well as prevention of esophageal stent migration. For mediastinal collections associated with perforations, a more novel endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) for drainage may be an option. Overall, there are several different endoscopic options that can tailored to the specific features of an esophageal perforation. This review will discuss various techniques with which a gastroenterologist or thoracic surgeon should be familiar.

Outcome after iatrogenic esophageal perforation

OBJECTIVES

Iatrogenic perforations are the most common cause of esophageal perforation. We present our experience mainly based on a non-operative treatment approach as well as long-term outcome in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients were treated for iatrogenic esophageal perforation at Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål from February 2007 to March 2014. The etiology of perforation was dilation of benign stricture in eight patients, either dilation, stenting or stent removal in four with malignant stenosis, during diagnostic endoscopy in four, removal of foreign body in two and by other causes in three patients, respectively. After median 82 months, 10 patients alive (47.6%) were sent questionnaires about dysphagia, HRQoL and fatigue.

RESULTS

Median age at time of treatment was 66 years. Median in-hospital stay and mortality were 10.5 days and 4.8%, respectively. Initial treatment in 15 patients (71.4%) was non-surgical of whom one needed delayed debridement for pleural empyema. Initial treatment in six patients (28.6%) was surgical of whom three needed delayed stenting. Altogether 14 patients (66.7%) were stented. Eight (57.1%) had restenting. Median number of stents used was 1 (1-4). The stents were removed after median 36 days. The perforations healed after 2.5 months. After median 82 months, the patients reported reduced HRQoL. There was no significant difference regarding level of dysphagia and fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

We report satisfactorily short-term and long-term results of iatrogenic esophageal perforations. Mortality was low and HRQoL was deteriorated. Dysphagia and fatigue were comparable to a reference population.

Minimally invasive management of esophageal perforation

Esophageal perforation is a medical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of this life-threatening condition. Conventional treatment of esophageal perforation is surgical. However, more recently, endoscopic treatment has become the treatment of choice given its less invasive nature compared to surgical treatment. This includes endoscopic clip administration, endoscopic stent placement, endoscopic suturing, endoscopic vacuum therapy and tissue sealants which are all administered via the endoluminal route. Whilst small defects (<2 cm) may be closed with endoscopic clips, larger defects require stent placement or suturing. Removable esophageal stent is an effective method of treatment in cases with esophageal perforation as they allow minimal invasive repair of perforation and rapid nutrition. Endoscopic suturing can be used both to fix the stent to prevent migration and to primarily close the perforation. If perforation is associated with a mediastinal collection, drainage is mandatory and this procedure can be performed by computed tomography guided percutaneous drainage, thoracoscopy or endoscopic vacuum therapy. In some cases, a combination of these minimally invasive methods is required. Since endoscopic methods provide better quality of life and outcomes and shorten length of hospitalization, such methods have become the treatment of choice for esophageal perforation.