Role of Cardiac Septal Occluders in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Fistulas: A Systematic Review

Endoscopic closure of a recto-pelvic fistula with a cardiac septal occluder device

Video 1Endoscopic closure of a recto-pelvic fistula with a cardiac septal occluder device in a patient for whom other surgical and endoscopic interventions had failed.

Catheter-based deployment of vascular plugs for the management of challenging gastric fistulae

Video 1Case demonstrations of endoscopic vascular plug placement for challenging gastrointestinal fistulae.

Endoscopic Management of a Chronic Gastrocutaneous Fistula after Bariatric Revisional Surgery Using a Novel Cardiac Septal Occluder

Introduction

Endoscopic techniques are now considered the first-line approach for the management of bariatric surgery-related fistulas. The off-label use of cardiac septal defect occluders (CSDO) is an emerging technique that has demonstrated favorable outcomes for the closure of extravascular defects, including gastrointestinal (GI) disruptions. Previous case reports have reported similar results with the CSDO Amplatzer™ for the management of GI disruptions following bariatric surgery. However, the use of similar alternative devices for this purpose has not yet been described.

Case Presentation

This case report presents the first reported use of the Occlutech® CSDO for the treatment of a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula after bariatric revisional surgery. Despite apparent initial success - no extravasation of contrast material through the device in the contrast study after the CSDO placement - fistula closure failed due to partial dislodgement of the device. The placement of a second device between the discs of the former one ultimately sealed the fistulous orifice.

Discussion

In chronic GI fistulas, the mature tract is often not liable to the application of standard endoscopic methods, leading to failed closure attempts. A new application of Occlutech® CSDO can obviate the clinical burden of a high-risk laparotomy in these cases. Appropriate endoscopic equipment as well as the involvement of a multidisciplinary team are prime conditions to ensure successful patient outcomes.

Technical Review on Endoscopic Treatment Devices for Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Postsurgical Leaks

Upper gastrointestinal postsurgical leaks are challenging to manage and often require radiological, endoscopic, or surgical intervention. Nowadays, endoscopy is considered the first-line approach for their management, however, there is no definite consensus on the most appropriate therapeutic approach. There is a wide diversity of endoscopic options, from close-cover-divert approaches to active or passive internal drainage approaches. Theoretically, all these options can be used alone or with a multimodality approach, as each of them has different mechanisms of action. The approach to postsurgical leaks should always be tailored to each patient, taking into account the several variables that may influence the final outcome. In this review, we discuss the important developments in endoscopic devices for the treatment of postsurgical leaks. Our discussion specifically focuses on principles and mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages of each technique, indications, clinical success, and adverse events. An algorithm for endoscopic approach is proposed.

Choosing the best endoscopic approach for post-bariatric surgical leaks and fistulas: Basic principles and recommendations

Post-surgical leaks and fistulas are the most feared complication of bariatric surgery. They have become more common in clinical practice given the increasing number of these procedures and can be very difficult to treat. These two related conditions must be distinguished and characterized to guide the appropriate treatment. Leak is defined as a transmural defect with communication between the intra and extraluminal compartments, while fistula is defined as an abnormal communication between two epithelialized surfaces. Traditionally, surgical treatment was the preferred approach for leaks and fistulas and was associated with high morbidity with significant mortality rates. However, with the development of novel devices and techniques, endoscopic therapy plays an increasingly essential role in managing these conditions. Early diagnosis and endoscopic therapy initiation after clinical stabilization are crucial to success since clinical success rates are higher for acute leaks and fistulas when compared to late and chronic leaks and fistulas. Several endoscopic techniques are available with different mechanisms of action, including direct closure, covering/diverting or draining. The treatment should be individualized by considering the characteristics of both the patient and the defect. Although there is a lack of high-quality studies to provide standardized treatment algorithms, this narrative review aims to provide a summary of the current scientific evidence and, based on this data and our extensive experience, make recommendations to help choose the best endoscopic approach for the management of post-bariatric surgical leaks and fistulas.

Endoscopic closure of refractory upper GI-tracheobronchial fistulas with a novel occluder: a prospective, single-arm, single-center study (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Upper GI-tracheobronchial fistula is a morbid condition with high mortality. It is a challenge for endoscopists because currently available treatments have severe limitations. In this study we assessed the efficacy and safety of an occluder we invented for endoscopic closure of refractory upper GI-tracheobronchial fistulas.

METHODS

This was a prospective, single-arm, single-center trial conducted between September 2020 and March 2022. All patients undergoing occluder placement were eligible to enroll. The primary endpoints were clinical success rate (CSR) and complete closure rate (CCR) at 3 months and safety. Secondary efficacy endpoints were technical success rates, CSRs and CCRs at 1 and 6 months, near-complete closure rates, change from baseline in body mass index (BMI), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 1, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (mean age, 63.2 years; 23 men) were enrolled. Eighteen through-the-scope occluders (TTSOs) and 10 through-the-overtube occluders (TTOOs) were implanted, with a technical success rate of 100%. The mean procedure time for the TTSO and TTOO groups were 28.0 ± 8.0 minutes and 31.8 ± 7.7 minutes, respectively. The CSRs at 1, 3, and 6 months were 92.9%, 96.4%, and 92.0% and the CCRs were 60.7%, 60.7%, and 60.0%, respectively. The mean BMI at 3 and 6 months and HRQoL at 1, 3, and 6 months were significantly increased compared with baseline (P < .05). Two completely occluded fistulas had 1-sided or complete healing by coverage of granulation tissue and re-epithelialized mucosa at a follow-up of 6 and 12 months. All 14 adverse events were either mild and transient or easily corrected.

CONCLUSIONS

Our clinical outcomes suggest that this novel GI occluder is a safe and effective salvage option for patients with refractory upper GI-tracheobronchial fistulas. (Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2000038566.).

Adequate Management of Postoperative Complications after Esophagectomy: A Cornerstone for a Positive Outcome

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy for cancer is one of the most complex procedures in visceral surgery. Postoperative complications negatively affect the patient's overall survival. They are not influenced by the histology type (adenocarcinoma (AC)/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)), or the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted). Among those dreadful complications are anastomotic leak (AL), esophago-respiratory fistula (ERF), and chylothorax (CT).

METHODS

In this review, we summarize the methods to avoid these complications, the diagnostic approach, and new therapeutic strategies.

RESULTS

In the last 20 years, both centralization of the medical care, and the development of endoscopy and radiology have positively influenced the management of postoperative complications. For the purpose of their prevention, perioperative measures have been applied. The treatment includes conservative, endoscopic, and surgical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-esophagectomy complications are common. Prevention measures should be known. Early recognition and adequate treatment of these complications save lives and lead to better outcomes.

Closure of recurrent colovaginal fistulas using AMPLATZER occluder device

A 79-year-old woman and a 92-year-old woman were referred to the gastroenterology department for management of persistent colovaginal fistula despite surgical and non-surgical management. Both patients had several hospitalisations for recurrent urinary tract infections. After failed surgical management and endoscopy using over-the-scope clipping, both patients underwent endoscopic closure using the Amplatzer cardiac septal occluder device. Both patients underwent successful closure and had no recurrence of symptoms at 6-month follow-up. Although there are several therapies available for persistent colovaginal fistulas, most involve multiple sessions and have high recurrence rate. There have been reports in the literature of cardiac septal occluders being used in the management of upper gastrointestinal tract fistulas, but few cases exist explaining their role in the management of colovaginal fistulas. Our cases demonstrate that cardiac septal occluders may be a viable option for management of fistulas and warrants further studies to reproduce its effectiveness and safety.

Tailored endoscopic treatment of tracheo-oesophageal fistula using preoperative holographic assessment and a cardiac septal occluder

Devices originally designed for closure of cardiac septal defects have also been proposed for the treatment of acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF). Choosing the right occluder device to match TOF size and shape is essential for a tailored treatment. We report the successful endoscopic closure of a post-radiotherapy TOF using preprocedural CT scan with holographic three-dimensional reconstruction and an Amplatzer atrial septal device. Complete TOF sealing was achieved with resolution of respiratory symptoms, and the patient was maintaining his ability to eat at 4-month follow-up.

Status of bariatric endoscopy–what does the surgeon need to know? A review

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease with a variety of potential treatment options available. Currently, there are several multidisciplinary therapeutic options for its management, including conservative, endoscopic, and surgical treatment.

AIM

To clarify indications, technical aspects, and outcomes of bariatric endoscopy.

METHODS

Narrative review of current literature based on electronic databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and SciELO.

RESULTS

Bariatric endoscopy is in constant development and comprises primary and revisional treatment options as well as management of surgical complications. Various devices act upon different mechanisms of action, which may be individualized to each patient. Despite favorable results for the endoscopic treatment of obesity, prospective randomized studies with long-term follow-up are required to fully validate primary and revisional endoscopic therapies. Regarding the management of bariatric surgery complications, endoscopic therapy may be considered the procedure of choice in a variety of situations. Still, as there is no standardized algorithm, local experience should be considered in decision-making.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of patients with obesity is complex, and a multidisciplinary approach is essential. Bariatric endoscopy has shown impressive results both in the treatment of obesity and its surgical complications, and therefore, must be part of the armamentarium in the fight against this disease.

A Comprehensive Review of Endoscopic Management of Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery leaks result in significant morbidity and mortality. Experts report variable therapeutic approaches, without uniform guidelines or consensus.

OBJECTIVE

To review the pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of gastric sleeve leaks, with a focus on endoscopic approaches. In addition, the efficacy and success rates of different treatment modalities are assessed.

DESIGN

A comprehensive review was conducted using a thorough literature search of 5 online electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science) from the time of their inception through March 2020. Studies evaluating gastric sleeve leaks were included. MeSH terms related to "endoscopic," "leak," "sleeve," "gastrectomy," "anastomotic," and "bariatric" were applied to a highly sensitive search strategy. The main outcomes were epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Literature search yielded 2418 studies of which 438 were incorporated into the review. Shock and peritonitis necessitate early surgical intervention for leaks. Endoscopic therapies in acute and early leaks involve modalities with a focus on one of: (i) defect closure, (ii) wall diversion, or (iii) wall exclusion. Surgical revision is required if endoscopic therapies fail to control leaks after 6 months. Chronic leaks require one or more endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical approaches for fluid collection drainage to facilitate adequate healing. Success rates depend on provider and center expertise.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of leaks post sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive and effective alternative to surgery. Their effect may vary based on clinical presentation, timing or leak morphology, and should be tailored to the appropriate endoscopic modality of treatment.