Long-term efficacy of endoscopic vacuum therapy for the treatment of colorectal anastomotic leaks. Issue 4 (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arezzo, Alberto; Verra, Mauro; Passera, Roberto; Bullano, Alberto; Rapetti, Lisa; Morino, Mario
• Is Part Of: Digestive and liver disease. Volume 47:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 342
• Page End: 345
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2014.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1590-8658

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="abs0005"> <title id="sect0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="sect0010">Background</title> <p id="spar0005">Anastomotic leaks are a severe complication after colorectal surgery. We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of endoscopic vacuum therapy for their treatment.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0015">Methods</title> <p id="spar0010">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.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0020">Results</title> <p id="spar0015">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.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0025">Conclusion</title> <p id="spar0020">Endoscopic vacuum therapy is a safe treatment for post-surgical leaks, with high success rates.</p> </sec> </abstract>