Esophageal perforation as a complication of EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication.

Endoscopic gastroplasty is being promoted as a new minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the case presented here, however, we encountered abdominal perforation as a severe complication of this procedure. Because immediate action was taken when the symptoms developed, and by maintaining close collaboration with the surgeons, it was possible to keep the treatment minimally invasive: the leakage was detected endoscopically and the defect was closed laparoscopically and covered by a fundoplication. This experience emphasises the importance of appropriate management of complications as part of the evaluation of new endoscopic methods.