Esophageal Perforation

Esophageal perforation is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Early clinical suspicion and imaging is important for case management to achieve a good outcome. However, recent studies continue to report high morbidity and mortality greater than 20% from esophageal perforation. At least half of the perforations are iatrogenic, mostly related to endoscopic instrumentation used in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while about a third are spontaneous perforations. Surgical treatment remains an important option for many patients, but a non-operative approach, with or without use of an endoscopic stent or placement of internal or external drains, should be considered when the clinical situation allows for a less invasive approach. The rarity of this emergency makes it difficult for a physician to obtain extensive individual clinical experience; it is also challenging to obtain firm scientific evidence that informs patient management and clinical decision-making. Improved attention to non-specific symptoms and signs and early diagnosis based on imaging may translate into better outcomes for this group of patients, many of whom are elderly with significant comorbidity.

BackgroundEndoscopic treatment of esophageal leaks, mostly by covered stents or endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT), has largely improved the clinical outcome in the last decade. However, both techniques suffer from significant limitations. Covered stents are hampered by a high rate of migration and missing functional drainage, whereas endoluminal EVT devices are limited by obstruction of the GI tract. The new design of the VACStent makes it a fully covered stent within a polyurethane sponge cylinder, allowing EVT while stent passage is still open. Initial clinical applications have demonstrated the fundamental concept of the VACStent.MethodA prospective multicenter open-label study was performed with the primary endpoint safe practicality, complete leak coverage, and effective suction-treatment of esophageal leaks. Secondary endpoints were prevention of septic conditions, successful leak healing, and complications, in particular stent-migration, local erosions and bleeding.ResultsFifteen patients with different, mostly postoperative anastomotic leaks were enrolled in three centers. A total of 41 VACStents were implanted. The mean number of VACStents per patient was 2.7, with a mean duration of VACStent treatment of 15 days. The primary endpoint was met in all VACStent applications (41/41 implants), resulting in a leak healing rate of 80% (12/15 patients). Septic episodes were prevented in 93% (14/15 patients) and there was no mortality. There were no severe device-related adverse events (SADE) nor significant local bleeding or erosion. Minor stent-dislocation and migration, respectively, was observed in 7%. Oral intake of liquids or food was documented in 87% (13/15 patients). One anastomotic stenosis was seen during follow-up.ConclusionsVACStent treatment is a safe and effective treatment in esophageal leaks which can be covered by the sponge cylinder. Its application was described as easy and resembling that of conventional GI stents, with an impressive clinical success rate comparable to EVT outcomes. The VACStent offers a new option for clinical treatment of critical situations in esophageal perforations and anastomotic sutureline failures.

PurposeThis study aims to discuss the appropriate treatment strategy for spontaneous esophageal rupture.MethodsClinical data from twenty-one cases were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters included etiology, time interval between onset and treatment, therapy methods, prognosis, and length of stay.ResultsThe ratio of males/females was 17/4, age range was 32-82 years (mean = 43.1), and the time interval between onset and treatment was as follows: 72 h: six cases (28.6%). All patients underwent operative treatment, and the following primary healing rates were achieved: 72 h: 0. No patients died in this study. All patients were discharged with recovery, and the average hospitalization times were 18.1 days (72 h).ConclusionsSurgical treatment remains an effective method for treating spontaneous esophageal rupture, and the shorter the time interval between onset and treatment, possibly the better the prognosis.

IntroductionHeller's cardiomyotomy (HCM) is the gold standard treatment for achalasia. Laparoscopic HCM has been shown to be effective with low rates of symptom recurrence, though oesophageal mucosal perforation rates remain high. The aim of this prospective case series is to assess the short-term complication rates and perioperative outcomes for the first cohort of patients undergoing robotic-assisted HCM for achalasia in a single high-volume UK centre.MethodsData were collected from a prospective cohort of patients who underwent robotic HCM at a single high-volume UK centre. Outcomes were assessed using the Eckhard score, which was calculated after their routine postoperative clinic appointments.ResultsThirteen patients underwent robotic HCM during the study period; this is the second largest reported case series in the European literature. There were no intraoperative oesophageal perforations. Six patients were discharged as day cases, six patients were discharged on the first postoperative day and one patient's hospital stay was two nights. There was a single perioperative complication of urinary retention. All patients reported improvement of symptoms following their operation, and all had a postoperative Eckhard score of less than 3, indicating their achalasia was in remission.ConclusionsThis cohort has demonstrated that robotic HCM has an exceptional safety profile and results in high levels of symptom resolution, even early in the learning curve. The robotic approach may be superior to laparoscopy as it allows more precise identification and dissection of the oesophageal muscle fibres, which likely reduces the risk of inadvertent mucosal damage or incomplete myotomy.