We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with a pertinent past medical history of
chronic pancreatitis and peptic ulcer disease, who initially presented with a perforated
posterior duodenal ulcer following a Billroth II procedure, which was complicated
by a duodenal stump abscess and purulent free fluid in the pelvis. The patient subsequently
underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen, which revealed extraluminal
contrast extravasation within the left upper quadrant, raising concern of an anastomotic
leak ([Fig. 1]). The patient subsequently underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with argon
plasma coagulation (APC) and full-thickness endoscopic suturing, with placement of
a nasojejunal tube (NJT) in the efferent jejunal limb ([Fig. 2]; [Video 1]). An upper gastrointestinal series was performed the next day, which showed no evidence
of residual leakage ([Fig. 3]). The patient was discharged with instructions to remain nil by mouth, and an NJT
for tube feeding, along with oral antibiotics. Subsequently, she was started on an
oral diet and tolerated this without any complications. At follow-up, 3 months after
the procedure, the patient was tolerating solid food well.
Fig. 1 Computed tomography image of the abdomen showing extraluminal contrast extravasation
within the left upper quadrant, raising concern of an anastomotic leak.
Fig. 2 Endoscopic views showing the anastomotic leak site: a during suturing; b after endoscopic suturing.
Fig. 3 Radiographic image from an upper gastrointestinal series showing no evidence of contrast
extravasation, indicating no leakage, and the nasojejunal tube in the efferent limb.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy of a chronic anastomotic leak being treated with
argon plasma coagulation (APC) and full-thickness endoscopic suturing, with a subsequent
upper gastrointestinal series showing no evidence of residual leakage.Video 1
Billroth II (antrectomy with gastrojejunostomy) serves as a surgical management option
for perforated gastric ulcers. Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication of Billroth
II surgery and occurs 7–10 days after surgery. Surgical intervention is the mainstay
of treatment, but may not be amenable for patients who are high risk for morbidity
and mortality [1]. While a wide variety of endoscopic therapies exist for the management of leaks,
endoscopic suturing has shown clinical success in retrospective studies [1]. This case demonstrates the successful repair of a chronic anastomotic Billroth
II leak using APC and endoscopic suturing. Endoscopic suturing is an effective and
alternative intervention that can be used for high risk patients who are unable to
undergo traditional surgical intervention.
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AO_2AI
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