BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leaks are a severe complication after colorectal surgery. We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic vacuum therapy for their treatment. METHODS: Retrospective review of a series of post-surgical colorectal leaks treated with endoscopic vacuum therapy, with minimum follow-up of 1 year. Generalized peritonitis or haemodynamic instability was considered contraindication to endoscopic treatment. RESULTS: Endoscopic vacuum therapy was applied in 14 patients with colorectal leak, in 2 cases complicated by recto-vaginal fistula. Overall success rate was 79%, favoured by early beginning of treatment (90%) and presence of a stoma (100%) and no preoperative radiotherapy (86%). Median duration of treatment was 12.5 sessions (range 4-40). Median time for complete healing was 40.5 days (range 8-114), for a median cost of treatment of 3125 Euros. No complication related to endoscopic vacuum therapy was observed. Further surgery was required in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic vacuum therapy is a safe treatment for post-surgical leaks, with high success rates.
BACKGROUND:Anastomotic leaks are a severe complication after colorectal surgery. We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic vacuum therapy for their treatment. METHODS: Retrospective review of a series of post-surgical colorectal leaks treated with endoscopic vacuum therapy, with minimum follow-up of 1 year. Generalized peritonitis or haemodynamic instability was considered contraindication to endoscopic treatment. RESULTS: Endoscopic vacuum therapy was applied in 14 patients with colorectal leak, in 2 cases complicated by recto-vaginal fistula. Overall success rate was 79%, favoured by early beginning of treatment (90%) and presence of a stoma (100%) and no preoperative radiotherapy (86%). Median duration of treatment was 12.5 sessions (range 4-40). Median time for complete healing was 40.5 days (range 8-114), for a median cost of treatment of 3125 Euros. No complication related to endoscopic vacuum therapy was observed. Further surgery was required in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic vacuum therapy is a safe treatment for post-surgical leaks, with high success rates.
Authors: Sami A Chadi; Abe Fingerhut; Mariana Berho; Steven R DeMeester; James W Fleshman; Neil H Hyman; David A Margolin; Joseph E Martz; Elisabeth C McLemore; Daniela Molena; Martin I Newman; Janice F Rafferty; Bashar Safar; Anthony J Senagore; Oded Zmora; Steven D Wexner Journal: J Gastrointest Surg Date: 2016-09-16 Impact factor: 3.452
Authors: W A A Borstlap; G D Musters; L P S Stassen; H L van Westreenen; D Hess; S van Dieren; S Festen; E J van der Zaag; P J Tanis; W A Bemelman Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2017-06-29 Impact factor: 4.584