Outcomes of temporary self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS) use for gastrointestinal leaks. A case series.
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal fistulas can develop as a complication of any gastrointestinal surgery, trauma, malignant disease, radiotherapy or because of iatrogenic procedures. The use of self expandable metallic stents (SEMS) has been reported as a feasible and effective therapeutic method. Self expandable plastic stents (SEPS) have been successfully used to treat esophageal malignancies, perforations and leaks but information regarding outcomes of SEPS in gastrointestinal leaks is scarce.


OBJECTIVE
To report the outcomes and complications of endotherapy using SEPS in upper gastrointestinal tract fistulas following gastrointestinal surgery.


METHODS
Retrospective review of 5 cases of upper gastrointestinal leaks treated with SEPS. Medical records were reviewed to obtained patients demographics, procedure success, complications and follow up.


RESULTS
We described 2 women and 3 men with an age ranged between 29 and 65 years old. SEPS were left in place for a median period of 90 days (range: 30-279 days). There were no complications related to SEPS placement, replacement or withdrawal. Fistulas closed in 60% of the cases where SEPS were the only therapeutic maneuver and in more than 80% when other therapy (cyanoacrilate, fibrin) was used.


CONCLUSIONS
Endotherapy with SEPS appears as a feasible, safe and effective option for sealing gastrointestinal fistulas.
Gutiérrez-Salmeán
G
G
Advanced Endoscopy Unit, ABC Medical Center, Oncology Ward, Hospital General de Mexico.
Peláez-Luna
M
M
González-Galeote
E
E
Lozoya-González
D
D
Fuchs-Tarlovsky
V
V
Farca-Belsaguy
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D008875:Middle Aged; D010969:Plastics; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008670:Metals; D010969:Plastics