Anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection: new treatment options by endoluminal vacuum therapy.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is an important determinant of early and late morbidity and mortality. Control of the septic focus is essential when treating patients with anastomotic leakages. Surgical and endoscopic treatment options are limited.

METHODS: Between 2005 and 2009, we treated 6 patients who experienced an intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection. After all established therapeutic measures had failed, we explored the feasibility of an endoscopically assisted mediastinal vacuum therapy.

RESULTS: We were able to heal intrathoracic esophageal leakages in all 6 patients without any local complications and without the need for reoperation. One patient died because of a progressive pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure of anastomotic leakages may help to overcome the limitations that are associated with intermittent endoscopic treatment and conventional drainage therapy. Our preliminary results suggest that this new concept may be suitable for those patients.