title: Endo-vacuum assisted closure treatment for rectal anastomotic insufficiency.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anastomotic insufficiency in patients with colorectal anastomosis is a major complication with high morbidity and mortality. Local treatment with transrectal lavage and drainage can be considered in patient without peritonitis. In order to prevent prolonged wound closure and secondary complications during conservative treatment we investigated the vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in this setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients with anastomotic insufficiency after colorectal resections, who did not require transabdominal interventions, were treated with an Endo-vacuum assisted closure dressing (Group A; n = 5) or by transrectal lavage (Group B; n = 5). Time for wound healing, duration of hospitalization and pain assessment were compared in both groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Endo-vacuum assisted closure treatment was performed for a median time of 27 days without any vacuum assisted closure associated complications. Wound healing was significantly accelerated in Group A compared to Group B. Time in hospital was slightly shortened in patients with Endo-vacuum assisted closure. Pain assessment in both groups did not show any significant differences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endo-vacuum assisted closure therapy is a novel approach that can be considered in diverted patients with failed colorectal anastomoses. Larger randomized trials that include complete cost-benefit analyses are needed to establish its role in this setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Waldeyerstr.1, 48149 Muenster, Germany. soerentorge.mees@ukmuenster.de
authors.forename: Soeren Torge
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Mees
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Palmes
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mennigen
authors.forename: Norbert
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Senninger
authors.forename: Joerg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haier
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruewer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000295:instrumentation; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014618:Vacuum