Endoscopy 2003; 35(8): 652-658
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41509
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Therapy of Anastomotic Leaks by Means of Covered Self-Expanding Metallic Stents after Esophagogastrectomy

J.  M.  Doniec1 , B.  Schniewind1 , V.  Kahlke1 , B.  Kremer1 , H.  Grimm1
  • 1Clinic for General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 9 February 2002

Accepted after Revision 16 March 2003

Publication Date:
20 August 2003 (online)

Background and Study Aims: The mortality rate for surgical revision of gastroesophageal anastomotic leakage after resection for cancer approximates 60 %. The efficacy of endoscopically placed covered metallic stents for treatment of gastroesophageal leakage was evaluated.
Patients and Methods: Between June 1996 and June 2002 we treated 21 patients with proven gastroesophageal leakage; 18 had anastomotic leakage and three patients had perforation for different reasons. The extent of the leaks ranged from one-quarter of the intestinal circumference to its complete dehiscence. The average time from surgery to detection of leakage was 6.1 days (range 3 - 15 days). Mortality, healing rate, length of hospital stay, and complications were assessed.
Results: The insertion of stents was performed endoscopically under radiological guidance without any complication in all patients. In 9.5 % (2/21) of patients complete sealing of the leak was not achieved. The mortality associated with anastomotic leakage was 23.8 % (5/21). In 80.1 % (17/21) patients complete healing of the leakage was achieved. The average hospital stay was 67 days (range 14 - 158 days). Of 23 stents, 13 (56.5 %) were removed, and three patients developed stenosis after removal.
Conclusion: The treatment of gastroesophageal leakage with covered stents appears to reduce mortality and the complication rate associated with major leakage. Therefore this technique seems to be a reasonable alternative in the treatment of clinically relevant anastomotic leakage.

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J. M. Doniec, M. D.

Clinic for General and Thoracic Surgery · Christian Albrechts University

Arnold-Heller-Strasse 7 · 24105 Kiel, Germany

Fax: + 49-431-5974586

Email: mdoniec@klinikum.uni-kiel.de