New covered mushroom-shaped metallic stent for managing anastomotic leak after esophagogastrostomy with a wide gastric tube.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical results of a new covered mushroom-shaped metallic stent for managing gastroesophageal anastomotic leak after esophagogastrostomy with a wide gastric tube and gastric pull-up.


METHODS
The stent is a self-expanding prosthesis especially designed for occlusion of the esophago-thoracic anastomotic leaks after esophagogastrostomy. From January 2002 to September 2005, 8 patients with gastroesophageal anastomotic leaks were treated with stents. Information about the technical success of stent placement, definitive closure of leak, stent removal, and complications were obtained.


RESULTS
Stent placement was technically successful in all patients, without immediate procedural complications. The stent completely sealed off the fistula in all patients, and 30-day mortality was nil. Follow-ups at 7 to approximately 30 months showed that all leaks were healed without stent-related complications, and the stents were removed after approximately 18 to 48 days. Two patients died, and the remaining 6 patients were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of this report.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a new covered mushroom-shaped metallic stent proved expedient, safe, and effective in the treatment of gastroesophageal anastomotic leaks.
Han
Xin-Wei
XW
Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China. hanxinwei@tom.com
Li
Yong-Dong
YD
Wu
Gang
G
Li
Ming-Hua
MH
Ma
Xiu-Xian
XX
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents
D008670:Metals