An Assessment of the Optimal Time for Removal of Esophageal Stents Used in the Treatment of an Esophageal Anastomotic Leak or Perforation

Abstract

Background: Esophageal stent for the treatment of a perforation or anastomotic leak has been shown to be effective and safe. However, the optimal timing for stent removal is in question. This purpose of this investigation was to identify a time for stent removal in patients treated for an acute perforation or anastomotic leak that resulted in sealing of the leak while minimizing the incidence of stent-related complications.

Methods: Patients undergoing esophageal stent placement for the treatment of an acute perforation or intrathoracic anastomotic leak were identified from a single institution's prospectively collected database. Patient outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Complications were segregated by stent dwell time.

Results: During the study period, 162 patients underwent esophageal stent placement for an acute perforation (n = 117) or anastomotic leak (n = 45). Patients whose stent was removed in less than 28 days after placement for an acute perforation realized a stent complication rate that was independently reduced by 39% (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.78; p < 0.01), whereas patients whose stent was removed in less than 14 days after placement for an acute perforation realized a stent complication rate that was independently reduced by 56% (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.69; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Endoluminal esophageal stent placement is a safe and effective treatment for patients with an acute esophageal perforation or intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. Removal of stents at 2 weeks for anastomotic leak or 4 weeks for perforation has the potential to significantly decrease the incidence of complications associated with stent use.