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. 2015 Dec;3(6):E554-8.
doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1392568. Epub 2015 Aug 11.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy for esophageal perforations and leakages

Oliver Möschler  1 , Christoph Nies  2 , Michael K Mueller  1
Affiliations

Endoscopic vacuum therapy for esophageal perforations and leakages

Oliver Möschler et al. Endosc Int Open. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Background and study aims: Injuries to the esophageal wall, such as perforations and anastomotic leaks, are serious complications of surgical and endoscopic interventions. Since 2006, a new treatment has been introduced, in the form of endoscopically placed vacuum sponge therapy.

Patients and methods: Between April 2012 and October 2014, 10 patients (5 men and 5 women) aged 57 to 94 years were treated at our institution using endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Results: The defect in the esophageal wall was successfully closed in seven of the 10 patients (70 %). No severe complications occurred.

Conclusions: EVT is a valuable tool for management of defects in the esophageal wall and should be considered as a treatment option for patients with this condition.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Initial endoscopic view into the mediastinum.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Granulation tissue, after 10 days of treatment.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The entrance to the mediastinal cavity on Day 1.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
A small residual recess can be seen in the proximal esophagus on Day 29.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
EndoSponge in the mediastinal cavity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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