Endoluminal vacuum therapy for iatrogenic perforation of the proximal oesophagus.

Iatrogenic perforation of the upper gastrointestinal tract is one of the most serious complications of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Treatment is challenging because stent placement or surgical repair of the perforation in this area is often impossible. We report on two cases of iatrogenic perforations of the very proximal oesophagus and distal hypopharynx which could be successfully closed by using an endoluminal vacuum sponge treatment for 5 days. Thus, the endoluminal vacuum therapy may be a useful alternative to surgery in such cases of difficultly managable perforations of the upper oesophagus. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.