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Rendezvous endoscopic recanalization for complete esophageal obstruction
Stefano Fusco1, Thomas Kratt2, Cihan Gani3
1Innere Medizin I, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
Surgical Endoscopy
|April 1, 2018
Summary
Rendezvous recanalization effectively reopens completely blocked esophagi in head and neck cancer patients. This safe endoscopic technique significantly improves swallowing function and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Interventional Endoscopy
Background:
- Complete esophageal obstruction is a rare but debilitating complication following head and neck cancer treatment.
- Inability to swallow saliva significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Established endoscopic techniques for complete esophageal obstruction are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of the rendezvous recanalization technique.
- To evaluate the impact of this procedure on dysphagia severity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 19 patients with complete proximal esophageal obstruction post-radiotherapy.
- Patients underwent endoscopic rendezvous recanalization via gastrostomy and peroral routes under fluoroscopic guidance.
- Technical success defined by endoscope passage; clinical success by dysphagia score improvement.
Main Results:
- Technical success rate of 94.7% (18/19 patients).
- Clinical success (dysphagia score ≤ II) achieved in 77.8% (14/18 patients).
- No severe complications were recorded; obstruction length and tumor recurrence were associated with long-term success.
Conclusions:
- Rendezvous recanalization is a reliable and safe method for re-establishing esophageal patency.
- The procedure demonstrates a high technical success rate and significant improvement in swallowing function.
- This technique offers a valid therapeutic option for improving dysphagia in select patients.
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