Abstract
Aims: Both fluoroscopic water-soluble contrast swallow (FWSCS) and CT water-soluble contrast
swallow (CTWSCS) are widely performed as a routine in the post-esophagectomy patient
to assess for anastomotic leak. Several prospective studies have compared FWSCS and
CTWSCS; however, no synthesis of the data exists. Materials and Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies comparing
FWSCS and CTWSCS in the adult patient following esophagectomy for malignancy was performed
in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: Three diagnostic test accuracy studies met the inclusion criteria, directly comparing
FWSCS and CTWSCS in 185 patients. FWSCS demonstrated high specificity (98%), but low
sensitivity (64%). CTWSCS can be categorized as normal, mediastinal gas without contrast
leak, or leakage of oral contrast. Visible leakage of oral contrast demonstrated high
specificity (98%) but low sensitivity (56%). The presence of mediastinal gas increased
sensitivity (84%), but reduced specificity (85%). The higher sensitivity of CTWSCS
over FWSCS failed to reach significance (P = 0.125). Conclusion: CTWSCS shares the high specificity of FWSCS. Its higher sensitivity increases its
utility as a rule-out test in the postoperative period. Additional factors that may
influence decision-making are described.
Keywords
Anastomotic leakage - computed tomography - esophagectomy - fluoroscopy
