Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Safety of Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Intrathoracic Anastomotic Leakage Following Transthoracic Esophageal Resection: A Prospective Study

Abstract BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Especially intrathoracic anastomotic leakage leads to life-threatening adverse events. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophageal resection represents a novel concept. However, sound clinical data are still scarce. This prospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of EVT for intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resection. MethodsFrom March 2014 to September 2019 259 consecutive patients underwent elective transthoracic esophageal resection. 72 patients (27,8 %) suffered from AL. The overall collective in-hospital mortality rate was 3.9% (n=10). Data from those who underwent treatment with EVT were included. ResultsFifty-five patients were treated with EVT. Successful closure was achieved in 89.1% (n=49) by EVT only. The EVT-associated adverse event rate was 5.4% (n=3): bleeding occurred in one patient, while minor sedation-related adverse events were observed in two patients. The median number of EVT procedures per patient was 3. The procedures were performed at intervals of 3-5 days, with a 14-day median duration of therapy. The mortality rate of patients with AL was 7.2% (n=4). Despite successfully terminated EVT, three patients died because of multiple organ failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and urosepsis (5.4%). One patient (1.8%) died during EVT due to cardiac arrest. ConclusionsEVT is a safe and effective approach for intrathoracic anastomotic leakages following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resections. It offers a high leakage-closure rate and the potential to lower leakage-related mortalities.