Combined Endoscopic Negative Pressure and Surgical Treatment of Anastomotic Insufficiencies following Oncological Gastrectomy – Recent Results

Abstract Background and study aims: Management of esophago-jejunal anastomotic leakages (EJAL) following gastrectomy is challenging. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) is an emerging effective tool for treatment of gastrointestinal and anastomotic leaks. We have been using ENPT as first line therapy for EJAL after oncological gastric resections since 2018. The aim of the study was to present our results with this strategy in a case series. Methods: Nine consecutive patients were treated with ENPT for EJAL after oncological gastrectomy between 01.2018 and 12.2019. A retrospective analysis of patients’ and treatment-related data was performed. Results: Time to leakage detection was 6.00 ± 2.49 days after surgery. After 14.78 ± 9.66 days of ENPT, 6.25 ± 3.65 endoscopies and 38.11 ± 16.46 days of hospitalization, endoscopic treatment with ENPT combined with surgical debridement and drainage for sepsis control was effective in eight of nine patients. In one patient with a complete anastomotic dehiscence, treatment was changed to a stent-based therapy combined with surgery. Conclusions: ENPT is a new and promising option in the complication management of patients with anastomotic insufficiencies following oncological gastrectomy. It can be recommended in combination with limited surgery to preserve the anastomosis and provide sepsis control. The time interval to diagnosis and the size of the insufficiency are important for the success of ENPT in patients with EJAL.