Management of upper intestinal leaks using an endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure system (E-VAC)

M Bludau, A H Hölscher, T Herbold, J M Leers, C Gutschow, H Fuchs, W Schröder, M Bludau, A H Hölscher, T Herbold, J M Leers, C Gutschow, H Fuchs, W Schröder

Abstract

Background: Esophageal perforations and postoperative leakage of esophagogastrostomy are considered to be life-threatening conditions due to the development of mediastinitis and consecutive sepsis. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), a well-established treatment method for superficial infected wounds, is based on a negative pressure applied to the wound via a vacuum-sealed sponge. Endoluminal VAC (E-VAC) therapy is a novel method, and experience with its esophageal application is limited.

Methods: This retrospective study summarizes the experience of a center with a high volume of upper gastrointestinal surgery using E-VAC therapy for patients with leakages of the esophagus. The study investigated 14 patients who had esophageal defects treated with E-VAC. Three patients had a spontaneous defect; two patients had an iatrogenic defect; and nine patients had a postoperative esophageal defect.

Results: The average duration of application was 12.1 days, and an average of 3.9 E-VAC systems were used. For 6 of the 14 patients, E-VAC therapy was combined with the placement of self-expanding metal stents. Complete restoration of the esophageal defect was achieved in 12 (86 %) of the 14 patients. Two patients died due to prolonged sepsis.

Conclusion: This report demonstrates that E-VAC therapy adds an additional treatment option for partial esophageal wall defects. The combination of E-VAC treatment and endoscopic stenting is a successful novel procedure for achieving a high closure rate.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Intracavitary application of endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Intraluminal application of endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
After endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC) treatment

References

    1. Vallböhmer D, Hölscher AH, Hölscher M, Bludau M, Gutschow C, Stippel D, Bollschweiler E, Schröder W. Options in the management of esophageal perforation: analysis over a 12-year period. Dis Esophagus. 2010;23:185–190. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2009.01017.x.
    1. Leers JM, Vivaldi C, Schäfer H, Bludau M, Brabender J, Lurje G, Herbold T, Hölscher AH, Metzger R. Endoscopic therapy for esophageal perforation or anastomotic leak with a self-expandable metallic stent. Surg Endosc. 2009;23:2258–2262. doi: 10.1007/s00464-008-0302-5.
    1. Venturi ML, Attinger CE, Mesbahi AN, Hess CL, Graw KS. Mechanisms and clinical applications of the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device: a review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005;6:185–194. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200506030-00005.
    1. Weidenhagen R, Gruetzner KU, Wiecken T, Spelsberg F, Jauch KW. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure of anastomotic leakage following anterior resection of the rectum: a new method. Surg Endosc. 2008;22:1818–1825. doi: 10.1007/s00464-007-9706-x.
    1. Schmidt H, Manegold BC, Stüker D, Grund KE. Anastomotic insufficiencies of the esophagus-early surgical endoscopy and endoscopic therapy. Kongressbd Dtsch Ges Chir Kongr. 2001;118:278–281.
    1. Pross M, Manger T, Reinheckel T, Mirow L, Kunz D, Lippert H. Endoscopic treatment of clinically symptomatic leaks of thoracic esophageal anastomoses. Gastrointest Endosc. 2000;51:73–76. doi: 10.1016/S0016-5107(00)70391-9.
    1. Böhm G, Mossdorf A, Klink C, Klinge U, Jansen M, Schumpelick V, Truong S. Treatment algorithm for postoperative upper gastrointestinal fistulas and leaks using combined Vicryl plug and fibrin glue. Endoscopy. 2010;42:599–602. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1244165.
    1. Wedemeyer J, Schneider A, Manns MP, Jackobs S. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure of upper intestinal anastomotic leaks. Gastrointest Endosc. 2008;67:708–711. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2007.10.064.
    1. Wedemeyer J, Brangewitz M, Kubicka S, Jackobs S, Winkler M, Neipp M, Klempnauer J, Manns MP, Schneider AS. Management of major postsurgical gastroesophageal intrathoracic leaks with an endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure system. Gastrointest Endosc. 2010;71:382–386. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2009.07.011.
    1. Loske G, Schorsch T, Müller C. Endoscopic vacuum sponge therapy for esophageal defects. Surg Endosc. 2010;24:2531–2535. doi: 10.1007/s00464-010-0998-x.
    1. Weidenhagen R, Hartl WH, Gruetzner KU, Eichhorn ME, Spelsberg F, Jauch KW. Anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection: new treatment options by endoluminal vacuum therapy. Ann Thorac Surg. 2010;90:1674–1681. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2010.07.007.
    1. Loske G, Schorsch T, Müller C. Endoscopic intracavitary vacuum therapy of Boerhaave’s syndrome: a case report. Endoscopy. 2010;42(Suppl 2):144–145. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1244092.
    1. Loske G, Schorsch T, Müller C. Intraluminal and intracavitary vacuum therapy for esophageal leakage: a new endoscopic minimally invasive approach. Endoscopy. 2011;43:540–544. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1256345.
    1. Schorsch T, Müller C, Loske G. Endoscopic vacuum therapy of anastomotic leakage and iatrogenic perforation in the esophagus. Surg Endosc. 2013;27:2040–2045. doi: 10.1007/s00464-012-2707-4.
    1. Ahrens M, Schulte T, Egberts J, Schafmayer C, Hampe J, Fritscher-Ravens A, Broering DC, Schniewind B. Drainage of esophageal leakage using endoscopic vacuum therapy: a prospective pilot study. Endoscopy. 2012;42:693–698. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1255688.
    1. Kuehn F, Schiffmann L, Rau BM, Klar E. Surgical endoscopic vacuum therapy for anastomotic leakage and perforation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. J Gastrointest Surg. 2012;16:2145–2150. doi: 10.1007/s11605-012-2014-3.
    1. Brangewitz M, Voigtländer T, Helfritz FA, Lankisch TO, Winkler M, Klempnauer J, Manns MP, Schneider AS, Wedemeyer J. Endoscopic closure of esophageal intrathoracic leaks: stent versus endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure, a retrospective analysis. Endoscopy. 2013;45:433–438. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1326435.
    1. Bludau M, Hölscher AH, Herbold T, Leers JM, Gutschow C, Fuchs H, Schröder W. Management of upper intestinal leaks using an endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure system (E-VAC) Surg Endosc. 2013

Source: PubMed

3
Abonnieren