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Published on: September 11, 2021
Treatment of Esophageal Perforation: Endoscopic Vacuum-Assisted Closure
Grafton S Barnett1, Kathryn M Kimsey1, Hester F Shieh2
1From the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, FL.
Insights
Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC) offers a novel treatment for esophageal leaks in patients with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). This minimally invasive technique promotes healing in complex cases, reducing associated morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Anastomotic leaks complicate 10%-30% of esophageal atresia (EA) with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repairs, leading to significant morbidity.
- Esophageal leaks present a challenge in pediatric surgical repair, necessitating advanced therapeutic approaches.
Abstract:
Surgical repair of type C esophageal atresia (EA) with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is complicated by an anastomotic leak in 10%-30% of cases with associated morbidity. A novel procedure in the pediatric population, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC), accelerates the healing of esophageal leaks by using the effects of VAC therapy, including fluid removal and stimulation of granulation tissue formation. We report 2 additional cases of chronic esophageal leak treated with EVAC in EA patients. The first is a patient with a previously repaired type C EA/TEF and left congenital diaphragmatic hernia complicated by an infected diaphragmatic hernia patch erosion into the esophagus and colon. Additionally, we discuss a second case using EVAC for early anastomotic leak following type C EA/TEF repair in a patient who was later found to have a distal congenital esophageal stricture.
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