Complex anastomotic leaks following esophageal resections: the new stent over sponge (SOS) approach

The Impact of EndoVAC in Addressing Post-Esophagectomy Anastomotic Leak in Esophageal Cancer Management

Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains a major complication after esophagectomy, especially in patients with esophagogastric cancers who have undergone neoadjuvant therapies, which can impair tissue healing. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EndoVAC) is an innovative approach aimed at managing AL by facilitating wound drainage, reducing infection, and promoting granulation tissue formation, thus supporting effective healing. This review explores the role and effectiveness of EndoVAC in treating AL post-esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients. We present an overview of its physiological principles, including wound contraction, enhanced tissue perfusion, and optimized microenvironment, which collectively accelerate wound closure. In addition, we examine clinical outcomes from recent studies, which indicate that EndoVAC is associated with improved leak resolution rates and potentially shorter hospital stays compared to traditional methods. Overall, this review highlights EndoVAC as a promising tool for AL management and underscores the need for continued investigation to refine its protocols and broaden its accessibility. By optimizing EndoVACs use, multidisciplinary teams can improve patient outcomes and advance esophageal cancer care.

Postoperative superior anastomotic leakage classification and treatment strategy for postoperative esophagogastric junction cancer

BACKGROUND

At present, anastomotic fistula cannot be avoided after adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Once the anastomotic leakage occurs, the posterior mediastinum and the left thoracic cavity are often seriously infected, which further impairs respiratory and circulatory function, heightening the danger of the disease course. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of superior anastomotic leakage after surgery for AEG and recommend corresponding treatment strategies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of superior anastomotic leakage after surgery for AEG.

METHODS

The clinical data of 57 patients with superior anastomotic leakage after surgery for AEG in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 27 cases referred from external hospitals and 30 cases at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University. According to the diameter and risk level of anastomotic leakage, the high anastomotic leakage is divided into types I, II, III, and IV.

RESULTS

Patients with preoperative comorbidities or those treated with the transabdominal approach or laparoscopic surgery often had type I and type II anastomotic leakage; meanwhile, patients with preoperative comorbidities and sacral perforation or those treated with a thoracic and abdominal approach or open surgery often had type III and IV fistula. The difference between types I-II and types III-IV was statistically significant (P<0.05). The mortality rate of patients with type III and type IV leakage was 14.8% within 90 days after operation, while no deaths occurred among patients with type I and type II leakage, and the difference in mortality between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

After surgery for AEG, suitable treatment measures should be adopted according to the type of superior anastomotic leakage that occurs. Types III and IV superior anastomotic leakages are associated with higher mortality and require greater attention from surgeons.

Endoscopic Salvage of Gastrointestinal Anastomosis Leaks—Past, Present, and Future—A Narrated Review

Background: Anastomotic leakage, which is defined as a defect in the integrity of a surgical join between two hollow viscera leading to communication between the intraluminal and extraluminal compartments, continues to be of high incidence and one of the most feared complications following gastrointestinal surgery, with a significant potential for a fatal outcome. Surgical options for management are limited and carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality; thus, surgeons are urged to look for alternative options which are minimally invasive, repeatable, non-operative, and do not require general anesthesia. Methods: A narrative review of the international literature took place, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, utilizing specific search terms such as “Digestive Surgery AND Anastomotic Leakage OR leak OR dehiscence”. Results: In the present review, we try to describe and analyze the pros and cons of the various endoscopic techniques: from the very first (and still available), fibrin gluing, to endoclip and over-the-scope clip positioning, stent insertion, and the latest suturing and endoluminal vacuum devices. Finally, alongside efforts to improve the existing techniques, we consider stem cell application as well as non-endoscopic, and even endoscopic, attempts at intraluminal microbiome modification, which should ultimately intervene pre-emptively, rather than therapeutically, to prevent leaks. Conclusions: In the last three decades, this search for an ideal device for closure, which must be safe, easy to deploy, inexpensive, robust, effect rapid and stable closure of even large defects, and have a low complication rate, has led to the proposal and application of a number of different endoscopic devices and techniques. However, to date, there is no consensus as to the best. The literature contains reports of only small studies and no randomized trials, failing to take into account both the heterogeneity of leaks and their different anatomical sites.

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leaks: How to Deal with the Challenges (with Video)

Anastomotic leaks after gastrointestinal surgery have an important impact on surgical outcomes because of the high morbidity and mortality rates. Multiple treatment options exist requiring an individualized patient-tailored treatment plan after multidisciplinary discussion. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is a novel treatment option that is nowadays recognized as an effective and useful endoscopic approach to treat leaks or perforations in both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. EVT has a very good safety profile. However, it is a time-consuming endeavour requiring engagement from the endoscopist and understanding from the patient. To the unexperienced, the EVT technique may be prone to several hurdles which may deter endoscopists from using it and depriving patients from a potentially life-saving therapeutic option. The current review highlights the possible difficulties of the EVT procedure and aims to provide some practical solutions to facilitate its use in daily clinical practice. Personal tips and tricks are shared to overcome the pre-, intra- and post-procedural hurdles. An instructive video of the procedure helps to illustrate the technique of EVT.

Endoscopic fully covered self-expandable metal stent and vacuum-assisted drainage to treat postoperative colorectal cancer anastomotic stenosis with fistula

BACKGROUND

Digestive tract reconstruction is required after the surgical resection of a colorectal malignant tumor. Some patients may have concomitant anastomotic complications, such as anastomotic stenosis with fistula (ASF), postoperatively. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic fully covered self-expandable metal stent and homemade vacuum sponge-assisted drainage (FSEM-HVSD) for the treatment of ASF following the radical resection of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients treated with FESM-HVSD were prospectively analyzed and followed up for ASF following colorectal cancer treatment in our medical center from 2017 to 2021 for the observation and evaluation of its safety and efficacy.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients with a mean age of 55.80 ± 11.08 years were included. Nine patients (60%) underwent protective ileostomy. All 15 patients were treated with endoscopic FSEM-HVSD. The median time from the index operation to the initiation of FSEM-HVSD was 80 ± 20.34 days in patients who underwent protective ileostomy versus 11.4 ± 4.4 days in those who did not. The average number of endoscopic treatments per patient was 5.70 ± 1.25 times. The mean length of hospital stay was 27.60 ± 4.43 days. FSEM-HVSD treatment was successful in 13 patients, and no patients had any complications. The follow-up time was 1 year. Twelve of 15 (80%) patients achieved prolonged clinical success after FSEM-HVSD treatment, 1 experienced anastomotic tumor recurrence and underwent surgery again, and 1 patient required balloon dilation for anastomotic stenosis recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

FSEM-HVSD is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for ASF following colorectal cancer treatment. This technique could be the preferred treatment strategy for patients with ASF.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy in the upper gastrointestinal tract: when and how to use it

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has emerged as a novel treatment option for upper gastrointestinal wall defects. The basic principle of action of EVT entails evacuation of secretions, removal of wound debris, and containment of the defect. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that EVT reduces interstitial edema, increases oxygen saturation, and promotes tissue granulation and microcirculation. Various devices, such as macroporous polyurethane sponge systems or open-pore film drains, have been developed for specific indications. Depending on the individual situation, EVT devices can be placed in- or outside the intestinal lumen, as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination with surgical, radiological, and other endoscopic interventions.

PURPOSE

The aim of this narrative review is to describe the current spectrum of EVT in the upper gastrointestinal tract and to assess and summarize the related scientific literature.

CONCLUSIONS

There is growing evidence that the efficacy of EVT for upper GI leakages exceeds that of other interventional treatment modalities such as self-expanding metal stents, clips, or simple drainages. Owing to the promising results and the excellent risk profile, EVT has become the therapy of choice for perforations and anastomotic leakages of the upper gastrointestinal tract in many centers of expertise. In addition, recent clinical research suggests that preemptive use of EVT after high-risk upper gastrointestinal resections may play an important role in reducing postoperative morbidity.

Therapeutic Endoscopy in Postoperative Pouch Complications

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) or "J"-pouch as it is commonly referred to, is the treatment of choice in patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis. IPAA can have infectious, inflammatory, and mechanical complications. Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medical therapies for these complications. Surgery that may be eventually required can have significant morbidities due to the complexity of IPAA. Endoscopy is fast emerging as a leading modality of treatment for some of these pouch complications. Endoscopy in adjunct with medical treatment can help manage the majority of pouch-related disorders and improve the outcome.

The success of Eso-SPONGE® therapy in the treatment of anastomotic dehiscence after Ivor-Lewis subtotal esophagectomy: A case report

Introduction

Eso-SPONGE® has proved to be an excellent method for the treatment of persistent dehiscence of the intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis during the operation of subtotal esophagectomy sec. Ivor Lewis.

Clinical case presentation

The case presented is of a 72-year-old patient with esophageal adenocarcinoma (ADK) who underwent sub-total esophagectomy and esophagoplasty sec. Ivor Lewis complicated by an esophageal leak. The Eso-SPONGE® therapy has been successful halving the index of inflammation after the first two sessions and generation of a neowall after seven sessions.

Discussion

Eso-SPONGE® therapy has proven to be a valuable resource as a treatment for esophageal anastomotic dehiscences because it is easily repeatable in suburban centers, provided that they have a digestive endoscopy specialized in the positioning process.

Conclusions

Eso-SPONGE® is a minimally invasive method that delivers excellent results in the treatment of fragile patients, such as those who have post-esophageal anastomotic dehiscence.

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Anastomotic dehiscence is an adverse event in esophageal surgery.

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Eso-SPONGE® is an excellent method to treat the esophageal post-surgery dehiscence.

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Eso-SPONGE® has provided better results than previous methods.

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Eso-SPONGE® is easily repeatable even in not-expert centers.

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.

Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: definitions, diagnostics, and treatment

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most severe complications after esophagectomy and is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Several projects ranging from small retrospective studies to large collaborations have aimed to identify potential pre- and perioperative risk factors and to improve the diagnostic processes and management. Despite the increase in available literature, many aspects of anastomotic leakage are still debated, without the existence of widely accepted guidelines. The purpose of this review is to provide a cutting edge overview of the recent literature regarding the definition and classification of anastomotic leakage, risk factors, novel diagnostic modalities, and emerging therapeutic options for treatment and prevention of anastomotic leakage following esophagectomy.

Management of anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up

Anastomotic leak is one of the most feared complications of esophagectomy, leading to prolonged hospital stay, increased postoperative mortality, and additional cost both to the patient and the hospital. Historically, anastomotic leaks have been treated with several techniques including conservative measures, percutaneous or operative drainage, primary surgical repair with buttressing, T-tube drainage, or excision of the esophageal replacement conduit with end esophagostomy. With advances in treatment modalities, including endoscopic stenting, clips and suturing, endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC), such leaks increasingly are being managed without operative re-intervention and with salvage of the esophageal replacement conduit. For the purposes of this review, we identified studies analyzing the management of postoperative leak after esophagectomy. We then compared the efficacy of the various newer modalities for closure of anastomotic leaks and gastric conduit defects. We found both esophageal stent and EVAC sponges are effective treatments for closure of anastomotic leak. The chosen treatment modality for salvage of the esophageal replacement conduit is entirely dependent on the patient’s clinical status and the surgeon’s preference and experience. Emerging endoscopic and endoluminal therapies have increased the armamentarium of tools the esophageal surgeon has to facilitate successful resolution of anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy with reconstruction. While some literature suggests that EVACs have a slightly superior result in conduit success, we question this endorsement as EVACs mostly are utilized for contained leaks, many of which may have healed with conservative measures. This poses a challenge as there is clearly a bias given patient selection.

[Surgical treatment of esophagotracheal and esophagobronchial fistulas]

BACKGROUND

Esophagotracheal and esophagobronchial fistulas are pathological communications between the airway system and the digestive tract, which often lead to major pulmonary complications with a high mortality. Endoscopic treatment is the primary therapeutic approach; however, in cases of failure early surgical treatment is obligatory.

METHODS

This article describes the clinical course of patients with esophagotracheal and esophagobronchial fistulas treated in this hospital over a period of 10 years. Patients were retrospectively analyzed with respect to the etiology of fistulas, management, in particular to the operative procedures, complications and outcome.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2019, a total of 15 patients with esophagotracheal and esophagobronchial fistula were treated in this hospital. Of these 12 underwent an endoscopic intervention, of which 5 were successful. In total, eight patients needed surgical intervention, six of the eight surgically treated patients recovered fully, one had a recurrent fistula, which was successfully treated by subsequent endoscopy after surgery and one patient died.

DISCUSSION

Management of esophagotracheal and esophagobronchial fistulas is challenging. This retrospective analysis reflects the published data with a success rate of endoscopic treatment in approximately 50%. Surgical intervention should be carried out after unsuccessful endoscopic treatment or if endoscopic treatment is primarily not feasible. Direct closure with resorbable sutures or reconstruction with alloplastic or allogeneic material should be preferred. For larger defects or high proximal esophagotracheal fistulas local transposition of muscular flaps or free muscular flaps play a major role. During operative closure of high intrathoracic or cervical fistulas, intraoperative neuromonitoring can be useful to prevent nerve damage.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for early infradiaphragmal leakage after bariatric surgery-outcomes of six consecutive cases in a single institution

PURPOSE

Anastomotic leakages or staple line defects after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), respectively, with consecutive bariatric revisional surgery are associated with relevant morbidity and mortality rates. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) with or without stent-over-sponge (SOS) has been shown to be a promising therapy in foregut wall defects of various etiologies and may therefore be applied in the treatment of postbariatric leaks.

METHODS

We report the results of six consecutive patients treated with EVT (83% in combination with SOS) for early postoperative leakages in close proximity to the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) after LSG (n = 2) and RYGB (n = 4) from May 2016 to May2018.

RESULTS

All patients (2/6 male, median age 51 years, median BMI 44.2 kg/m²) were treated successfully without further signs of persisting leakage at the last gastroscopy. The lesions' size ranged from 0.5 cm² to 9 cm², and the leaks were connected to large (max. 225 cm²) abscess cavities in 80% of the cases. Median duration of treatment (= EVT in situ) was 23.5 days (range, 7-89). The number of endoscopic interventions ranged from 1 to 24 (median, n = 7), with a median duration between vacuum sponge replacements of 4 days.

CONCLUSION

EVT is an effective and safe treatment for staple line defects or anastomotic leakage after bariatric surgeries and can therefore be adopted for the treatment of midgut wall defects. Further studies with a greater number of patients comparing surgical drainage alone or in combination with EVT versus EVT alone are needed.

Diagnosis, assessment, and management of surgical complications following esophagectomy

Despite improvements in operative strategies for esophageal resection, anastomotic leaks, fistula, postoperative pulmonary complications, and chylothorax can occur. Our review seeks to identify potential risk factors, modalities for early diagnosis, and novel interventions that may ameliorate the potential adverse effects of these surgical complications following esophagectomy.

Endoluminal vacuum-assisted therapy as treatment for anastomotic leak after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) could lead to poor functional results and failure of the pouch. The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcomes of the vacuum-assisted closure therapy as the unique treatment for anastomotic leaks following IPAA without any additional surgical operations.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with anastomotic leak after IPAA treated at our institution between March 2016 and March 2017 were prospectively enrolled. After diagnosis, the Endosponge^® device was positioned in the gap and replaced until the cavity was reduced in size and covered by granulating tissue. A pouchoscopy was performed every week for the first month and monthly subsequently. No additional procedures were performed.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included in the study. The leak was diagnosed at a median of 14 (6-35) days after surgery. At the time of diagnosis, seven patients had a defunctioning ileostomy performed as routine at the time of pouch formation, while one patient was diagnosed after ileostomy closure and underwent emergency diversion ileostomy. The Endosponge^® treatment started after a median of 6.5 (1-158) days after the diagnosis of the leakage and was carried on for a median of 12 (3-42) days. The device was replaced a median of 3 (1-10) times. The median length of hospital stay after the first application of the treatment was 15.5 (6-48) days. The complete healing of the leak was documented in all patients, after a median of 60 (24-90) days from the first treatment. All patients but one had their ileostomy reversed at a median of 2.5 (1-6) months from the confirmation of the complete closure.

CONCLUSIONS

Endosponge^® is effective as the only treatment after IPAA leak. Based on the results of our prospective pilot study, application of Endosponge^® should be the treatment of choice in selected pouch anastomotic leaks not requiring immediate surgery. These results will have to be confirmed by future prospective studies including a larger number of patients.

Failure to rescue patients from early critical complications of oesophagogastric cancer surgery

'Failure to rescue' is a significant cause of mortality in gastrointestinal surgery. Differences in mortality between high and low-volume hospitals are not associated with large difference in complication rates but to the ability of the hospital to effectively rescue patients from the complications. We reviewed the critical complications following surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancer, their prevention and reasons for failure to rescue. Strategies focussing on perioperative optimization, the timely recognition and management of complications may be essential to improving outcome in low-volume hospitals.

Management of gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy with endoluminal vacuum (E-Vac) therapy

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy has become a popular weight loss procedure, but it is associated with staple line leak resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Current management options range from endoscopic techniques (predominantly stent placement) to surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to recognize endoluminal vacuum (E-Vac) therapy as a viable option for use in anastomotic leaks of sleeve gastrectomies.

SETTING

This study took place at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Texas.

METHODS

Retrospective and prospectively gathered registries for use of E-Vac therapy were queried to identify 35 patients. Using upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 9 of these patients were identified with a staple line leak from laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). E-Vac therapy was used to resolve the leak.

RESULTS

Nine patients were treated with E-Vac therapy. Eight of 9 patients were admitted from outside hospitals with a mean of 61 days (5-233) after LSG. During treatment, an average of 10.3 procedures per patient was done to place and exchange the Endo-SPONGE. All 9 patients had resolution of leaks confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series, after undergoing E-Vac therapy for an average of 50 days. Six of 9 patients had laparoscopic procedures before their admission. During admission, 5 of the 9 patients had self-expanding metal stents placed with failure of leak resolution. Discharge disposition included 2 patients sent to rehabilitation facilities, 1 death not attributable to E-Vac, and 6 patients went home.

CONCLUSION

E-Vac therapy is a viable option for patients with staple line leak after LSG.

Conservative reconstruction using stents as salvage therapy for disruption of esophago-gastric anastomosis

Esophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy and gastric conduit reconstruction is a radical procedure for the treatment of esophageal cancer that is associated with a high morbidity rate. Gastric conduit necrosis is a fatal complication that occurs in 2% of patients. Conventionally, two-stage salvage surgery consisting of removal of the necrotic gastric conduit followed by reconstruction has been performed; however, this procedure has a high morbidity rate. We describe a 61-year-old man who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy complicated by slowly progressive gastric conduit necrosis associated with complete neck drainage and a stable overall condition. There was a 2 cm gap in the anastomosis. Because there was no evidence of residual gastric conduit necrosis, a removable, covered self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) was inserted to bridge the anastomosis. The stent was fixed to the patient’s ear with silk thread through the lasso on its proximal end to prevent migration. Eight weeks after insertion, the stent was removed easily without any associated complications. The anastomotic defect was completely bridged with granulation tissue, showing progressive epithelialization without leakage or stenosis. The patient was discharged home in good general health. This is the first report of the successful conservative management of esophago-gastric conduit anastomosis disruption with SEMS placement.

Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure system (E-VAC): case report and review of the literature

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has become a standard in the treatment of chronic and difficult healing wounds. Negative pressure wound therapy is applied to the wound via a special vacuum-sealed sponge. Nowadays, the endoscopic vacuum-assisted wound closure system (E-VAC) has been proven to be an important alternative in patients with upper and lower intestinal leakage not responding to standard endoscopic and/or surgical treatment procedures. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted wound closure system provides perfect wound drainage and closure of various kinds of defect and promotes tissue granulation. Our experience has shown that E-VAC may significantly improve the morbidity and mortality rate. Moreover, E-VAC may be useful in a multidisciplinary approach - from upper gastrointestinal to rectal surgery complications. On the other hand, major limitations of the E-VAC system are the necessity of repeated endoscopic interventions and constant presence of well-trained staff. Further, large-cohort studies need to be performed to establish the applicability and effectiveness of E-VAC before routine widespread use can be recommended.

Self-expandable stents for benign esophageal leakages and perforations: long-term single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

To date, there is no standardized treatment for esophageal perforations and leakages caused by underlying benign diseases, and it is still debated whether a conservative, endoscopic treatment or a surgical approach is preferable. However, some cases series have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of a temporary placement of self-expanding stents.

DESIGN

All patients with benign leakages of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction or fistulas at gastroesophageal anastomosis were collected during the past 12 years and analyzed retrospectively. The patients treated with endoscopic stenting were analyzed for sustained success, complications, time to stenting, lesion size, number of stents used, need for percutaneous drainage.

RESULTS

Eighty-five of eight-eight patients were included in this analysis. Three patients were conservatively managed only. The success rate of stent treatment with an average of 1.3 stents was 79%. Success was highest (94%, n = 30 of 32, no complications or mortality) in iatrogenic lesions that were immediately diagnosed and treated. Spontaneous lesions, including lesions due to Boerhaave's syndrome, were healed in 73% and anastomotic leakages were closed in 71%. Fistula had a lower success rate of 43%. Use of multiple stents sequentially placed was necessary in 23% of the cases. Percutaneous drainage was necessary in 25% of all cases.

CONCLUSION

Temporary stent placement for benign leakages of the esophagus is safe and seems to improve treatment success. Adjacent fluid collections should be drained percutaneously.