title: Reliable management of post-esophagectomy anastomotic fistula with endoscopic trans-fistula negative pressure drainage.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A gastroesophageal anastomotic fistula remains a potentially life-threatening post-esophagectomy complication. To promote fistula closure, we developed a modified endoscopic method of trans-fistula drainage with persistent negative pressure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this endoscopic therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between June and November 2013, five male patients with post-surgical esophageal leakages who had undergone trans-fistula drainage therapy were treated with the modified endoscopic trans-fistula negative pressure drainage (E-TNPD) method. We placed a nasogastric silicone tube into the paraesophageal cavity through the fistula and accomplished drainage of the infected effusion with continuous negative pressure, resulting in shrinkage of the para-anastomotic cavity and eventual fistula closure. We withdrew the trans-fistula drainage when there were no signs of leakage, as confirmed by esophagography. Final closure was confirmed by esophagography before the patient was allowed to begin oral intake.
  
  
  RESULTS
  E-TNPD was successful in all five patients. The median duration of drainage until tube removal was 34 days (range: 18 to 81 days). The duration for Cases 1 to 4 was 18 to 28 days. Case 5 suffered from multiple separate leaks at the anastomotic site and the gastric conduit. Complete restoration was achieved in 81 days for this patient. We found that in general, the earlier that trans-fistula drainage was established, the shorter the duration of hospitalization until complete defect closure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  E-TNPD provided reliable and convenient management of post-surgical gastroesophageal anastomotic fistula and esophageal perforation. This method promoted fistula closure and prevented unnecessary repeated endoscopic examinations, extra equipment and expense.
authors: Yi-Nan
authors: YN
authors: Liu
authors: Yan
authors: Y
authors: Yan
authors: Shi-Jie
authors: SJ
authors: Li
authors: Hui
authors: H
authors: Liu
authors: Qi
authors: Q
authors: Wu
authors: Li-Jian
authors: LJ
authors: Zhang
authors: Yue
authors: Y
authors: Yang
authors: Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, 100142 Beijing, People's Republic of China. chengjinfeng123@163.com.
authors: Jin-Feng
authors: JF
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019468:Disease Management; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011312:Pressure; D011379:Prognosis