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Clinically Relevant Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: How We Do It. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020178. [PMID: 36829457 PMCID: PMC9952935 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: This study's goals were to investigate possible risk factors for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) grade B/C according to the updated definitions of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery and to analyze possible treatment strategies; (2) Methods: Between 2017 and 2021, 200 patients were analyzed regarding the development of POPF grade B/C with an emphasis on postoperative outcome and treatment strategies; (3) Results: POPF grade B/C was observed in 39 patients (19.5%). These patients were younger, mainly male, had fewer comorbidities and showed a higher body mass index. Also, they had lower CA-19 levels, a smaller tumor size and softer pancreatic parenchyma. They experienced a worse outcome without affecting the overall mortality rate (10% vs. 6%, p = 0.481), however, this lead to a prolonged postoperative stay (28 (32-36) d vs. 20 (15-28) d, p ≤ 0.001). The majority of patients with POPF grade B/C were able to receive conservative treatment, followed by drainage placement, endoscopic vacuum-assisted therapy (EVT) and surgery. Conservative treatment resulted in a shorter length of the postoperative stay (24 (22-28) d vs. 34 (26-43) d, p = 0.012); (4) Conclusions: Patients developing POPF grade B/C had a worse outcome; however, this did not affect the overall mortality rate. The majority of the patients were able to receive conservative treatment, resulting in a shorter length of their hospital stay.
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Kaczmarek DJ, Heling DJ, Gonzalez-Carmona MA, Strassburg CP, Branchi V, Matthaei H, Kalff J, Manekeller S, Glowka TR, Weismüller TJ. Management of post-operative pancreatic fistulas following Longmire-Traverso pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy by endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:425. [PMID: 34772366 PMCID: PMC8588716 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-02000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) with pancreatogastrostomy is a standard surgical procedure for pancreatic head tumors, duodenal tumors and distal cholangiocarcinomas. Post-operative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) are a major complication causing relevant morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has become a widely used method for the treatment of intestinal perforations and leakages. Here we report on a pilot single center series of 8 POPF cases specifically caused by dehiscences of the pancreatogastric anastomosis (PGD), successfully managed by EVT. METHODS We included all patients with PGD after PPPD, who were treated with EVT between 07/2017 and 08/2020. For EVT a vacuum drainage film (EVT film) or open-pore polyurethane foam sponge (EVT sponge) was fixed to a 14Fr or 16Fr suction catheter and placed endoscopically within the PGD for intracavitary EVT with continuous suction between - 100 and - 150 mmHg. The EVT film/sponge was exchanged twice per week. EVT was discontinued when the PGD was sufficiently healed. RESULTS PGD closure was achieved in 7 of 8 patients after a mean EVT time of 16 days (range 8-38) and 3 EVT film/sponge exchanges (range 1-9). One patient died on day 18 after PPPD from acute hemorrhagic shock, unlikely related to EVT, before effectiveness of EVT could be fully achieved. There were no adverse events directly attributable to EVT. CONCLUSIONS EVT could be an effective and safe addition to our therapeutic armamentarium in the management of POPF with PGD. Unless prospective comparative studies are available, EVT as minimally invasive therapeutic alternative should be considered individually by an interdisciplinary team involving endoscopists, surgeons and radiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominik J Heling
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Vittorio Branchi
- Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hanno Matthaei
- Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Kalff
- Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Manekeller
- Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tim R Glowka
- Department for General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias J Weismüller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology and Oncology, Vivantes Humboldt Hospital, Am Nordgraben 2, 13509, Berlin, Germany.
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Cereatti F, Grassia R, Drago A, Conti CB, Donatelli G. Endoscopic management of gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae: What option do we have? World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4198-4217. [PMID: 32848329 PMCID: PMC7422542 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i29.4198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae are serious, potentially life threatening conditions that may occur with a wide variety of clinical presentations. Leaks are mostly related to post-operative anastomotic defects and are responsible for an important share of surgical morbidity and mortality. Chronic leaks and long standing post-operative collections may evolve in a fistula between two epithelialized structures. Endoscopy has earned a pivotal role in the management of gastrointestinal defects both as first line and as rescue treatment. Endotherapy is a minimally invasive, effective approach with lower morbidity and mortality compared to revisional surgery. Clips and luminal stents are the pioneer of gastrointestinal (GI) defect endotherapy, whereas innovative endoscopic closure devices and techniques, such as endoscopic internal drainage, suturing system and vacuum therapy, has broadened the indications of endoscopy for the management of GI wall defect. Although several endoscopic options are currently used, a standardized evidence-based algorithm for management of GI defect is not available. Successful management of gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae requires a tailored and multidisciplinary approach based on clinical presentation, defect features (size, location and onset time), local expertise and the availability of devices. In this review, we analyze different endoscopic approaches, which we selected on the basis of the available literature and our own experience. Then, we evaluate the overall efficacy and procedural-specific strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Cereatti
- Digestive Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Unit, Cremona Hospital, Cremona, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - Roberto Grassia
- Digestive Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Unit, Cremona Hospital, Cremona, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - Andrea Drago
- Digestive Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Unit, Cremona Hospital, Cremona, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - Clara Benedetta Conti
- Digestive Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Unit, Cremona Hospital, Cremona, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Donatelli
- Department of Interventional Endoscopy, Hospital Prive Peupliers, Ramsay Santé, Paris 75013, France
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de Moura DTH, de Moura BFBH, Manfredi MA, Hathorn KE, Bazarbashi AN, Ribeiro IB, de Moura EGH, Thompson CC. Role of endoscopic vacuum therapy in the management of gastrointestinal transmural defects. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2019; 11:329-344. [PMID: 31205594 PMCID: PMC6556487 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v11.i5.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A gastrointestinal (GI) transmural defect is defined as total rupture of the GI wall, and these defects can be divided into three categories: perforations, leaks, and fistulas. Surgical management of these defects is usually challenging and may be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Recently, several novel endoscopic techniques have been developed, and endoscopy has become a first-line approach for therapy of these conditions. The use of endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is increasing with favorable results. This technique involves endoscopic placement of a sponge connected to a nasogastric tube into the defect cavity or lumen. This promotes healing via five mechanisms, including macrodeformation, microdeformation, changes in perfusion, exudate control, and bacterial clearance, which is similar to the mechanisms in which skin wounds are treated with commonly employed wound vacuums. EVT can be used in the upper GI tract, small bowel, biliopancreatic regions, and lower GI tract, with variable success rates and a satisfactory safety profile. In this article, we review and discuss the mechanism of action, materials, techniques, efficacy, and safety of EVT in the management of patients with GI transmural defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Turiani Hourneaux de Moura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Endoscopy of Clinics Hospital of São Paulo University, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Michael A Manfredi
- Esophageal and Airway Atresia Treatment Center, Boston Children's Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Kelly E Hathorn
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ahmad N Bazarbashi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Igor Braga Ribeiro
- Department of Endoscopy of Clinics Hospital of São Paulo University, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | | | - Christopher C Thompson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Abstract
Endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) has been adapted for upper gastrointestinal tract applications. More than 400 patients have already been treated with ENPT due to transmural defects in the upper gastrointestinal tract, with a success rate of 87%. The greatest experience exists for the treatment of anastomotic leakages and perforations of the esophagus. The ENPT is also used in the duodenum, pancreas and for complications after bariatric surgery. There are new indications that go beyond treatment in complication management. Innovative drainage types and endoscopic techniques have been developed that broaden the spectrum of applications. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the current status of ENPT in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Loske
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Katholisches Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg gGmbH, Alfredstr. 9, 22087, Hamburg, Germany.
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Loske G. [Endoscopic negative pressure therapy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. German version]. Chirurg 2018; 89:952-959. [PMID: 30306230 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-018-0728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) has been adapted for upper gastrointestinal tract applications. More than 400 patients have already been treated with ENPT due to transmural defects in the upper gastrointestinal tract, with a success rate of 87%. The greatest experience exists for the treatment of anastomotic leakages and perforations of the esophagus. The ENPT is also used in the duodenum, pancreas and for complications after bariatric surgery. There are new indications that go beyond treatment in complication management. Innovative drainage types and endoscopic techniques have been developed that broaden the spectrum of applications. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the current status of ENPT in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Loske
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Katholisches Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg gGmbH, Alfredstr. 9, 22087, Hamburg, Deutschland.
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Heits N, Bernsmeier A, Reichert B, Hauser C, Hendricks A, Seifert D, Richter F, Schafmayer C, Ellrichmann M, Schniewind B, Hampe J, Becker T, Egberts JH. Long-term quality of life after endovac-therapy in anastomotic leakages after esophagectomy. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:228-240. [PMID: 29600053 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.12.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) has been successfully established with promising survival rates in the treatment of anastomotic leakages after esophagectomy. It is still unclear how this therapy affects health related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods HRQOL was prospectively assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire. Assessment was carried out prior to surgery, after discharge, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. We compared HRQOL after EVT (n=23) to patients without anastomotic leakages as a control group (n=50). Investigated parameters included age, sex, and localization of anastomosis, number of EVT sessions, length of ICU and hospital stay, therapy failure, anastomotic stricture, tumour stage, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, sepsis. Results After esophagectomy HRQOL increased within 12 months. Compared to patients without leakages the EVT-group showed significantly better HRQOL-scores for pain, social and emotional functioning after discharge and 6 months after surgery. In the long-term follow up HRQOL was comparable between the groups. After EVT age, advanced tumour stage, tumour recurrence, anastomotic strictures, length of ICU and hospital stay and length of EVT had a significant influence on HRQOL. Conclusions EVT is a promising therapeutic option in leakages after esophagectomy. In the long-term, HRQOL of EVT-treated patients is comparable to patients, who did not suffer from postsurgical leakages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Heits
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Bernsmeier
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Benedikt Reichert
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Hendricks
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dana Seifert
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Florian Richter
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Clemens Schafmayer
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Mark Ellrichmann
- Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Bodo Schniewind
- Department of General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital of Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Hampe
- University Hospital TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Becker
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Egberts
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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Kuehn F, Loske G, Schiffmann L, Gock M, Klar E. Endoscopic vacuum therapy for various defects of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Surg Endosc 2017; 31:3449-3458. [PMID: 28078463 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-016-5404-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative, iatrogenic or spontaneous upper gastrointestinal defects result in significant morbidity and mortality of the patients. In the last few years, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has been recognized as a new promising method for repairing upper gastrointestinal defects of different etiology. However, probably due to insufficient data and no commercially available system for EVT of the upper gastrointestinal tract, until the end of 2014, covering of esophageal defects with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) were still the mainstay of endoscopic therapy. The aim of this article is to review the data available about EVT for various upper gastrointestinal defects. METHODS A selective literature search was conducted in Medline and PubMed (2007-2016), taking into account all the published case series and case reports reporting on the use of EVT in the management of upper gastrointestinal defects. RESULTS EVT works through intracorporal application of negative pressure at the defect zone with an electronic controlled vacuum device along a polyurethane sponge drainage. This results in closure of the esophageal defect and internal drainage of the septic focus, simultaneously. Compared to stenting, EVT enables regular viewing of wound conditions with control of the septic focus and adjustment of therapy. Moreover, endoscopical negative pressure is applicable in all esophageal regions (cricopharygeal, tubular, gastroesophageal junction) and in anastomotic anatomic variants. EVT can be used solely as a definite treatment or as a complimentary therapy combined with operative revision. In total, there are published data of more than 200 patients with upper gastrointestinal defects treated with EVT, showing succes rates from 70-100%. CONCLUSION The available data indicate that EVT is feasible, safe and effective with good short-term and long-term clinical outcomes in the damage control of upper GI-tract leaks. Still, a prospective multi-center study has to be conducted to proof the definite benefit of EVT for patients with esophageal defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kuehn
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Gunnar Loske
- Department for General, Abdominal, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Katholisches Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg gGmbH, 22087, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leif Schiffmann
- Westmecklenburg Hospital - Helene von Buelow, 19230, Hagenow, Ludwigslust, Germany
| | - Michael Gock
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ernst Klar
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057, Rostock, Germany
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Fischer A, Thimme R, Hopt UT, Richter-Schrag HJ. Two-sided sponge (TSS) treatment: Description of a novel device and technique for endoscopic vacuum treatment (EVT) in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Endosc Int Open 2016; 4:E937-40. [PMID: 27652297 PMCID: PMC5025318 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-111078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoscopic vacuum treatment (EVT) is increasingly used in the treatment of anastomotic leakages and perforations in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, sponges often have to be mounted individually on a gastric tube and endoscopic introduction of the latter into an infected extraluminal cavity is challenging. In order to facilitate this procedure in some anatomical situations, we developed the prototype of a new sponge for EVT called a two-side sponge (TSS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fischer
- University Hospital Freiburg, Interdisciplinary Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medicine II, Freiburg, Germany
- Corresponding author Andreas Fischer, MD University Hospital FreiburgInterdisciplinary Gastrointestinal EndoscopyDepartment of Medicine IIHugstetter Str. 55Freiburg 79106Germany+4976127025411+4976127025410
| | - Robert Thimme
- University Hospital Freiburg, Interdisciplinary Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medicine II, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich T. Hopt
- University Hospital Freiburg - Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Richter-Schrag
- University Hospital Freiburg, Interdisciplinary Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medicine II, Freiburg, Germany
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Acute Cholangitis following Biliary Obstruction after Duodenal OTSC Placement in a Case of Large Chronic Duodenocutaneous Fistula. Case Rep Gastrointest Med 2015; 2015:647806. [PMID: 26185690 PMCID: PMC4491398 DOI: 10.1155/2015/647806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over-the-Scope Clip system, also called “Bear Claw,” is a novel endoscopic modality used for closure of gastrointestinal defect with high efficacy and safety. We present a patient with history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis and multiple abdominal surgeries including Billroth II gastrectomy complicated by a large chronic duodenocutaneous fistula from a Billroth II afferent limb to the abdominal wall. Bear Claw clip was used for closure of this fistula. The patient developed acute cholangitis one day after placement of the Bear Claw clip. Acute cholangitis due to papillary obstruction is a potential complication of Bear Claw placement at the dome of the duodenal stump (afferent limb) in patient with Billroth II surgery due to its close proximity to the major papilla.
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Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure system (E-VAC): case report and review of the literature. Wideochir Inne Tech Maloinwazyjne 2015; 10:299-310. [PMID: 26240633 PMCID: PMC4520842 DOI: 10.5114/wiitm.2015.52080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has become a standard in the treatment of chronic and difficult healing wounds. Negative pressure wound therapy is applied to the wound via a special vacuum-sealed sponge. Nowadays, the endoscopic vacuum-assisted wound closure system (E-VAC) has been proven to be an important alternative in patients with upper and lower intestinal leakage not responding to standard endoscopic and/or surgical treatment procedures. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted wound closure system provides perfect wound drainage and closure of various kinds of defect and promotes tissue granulation. Our experience has shown that E-VAC may significantly improve the morbidity and mortality rate. Moreover, E-VAC may be useful in a multidisciplinary approach - from upper gastrointestinal to rectal surgery complications. On the other hand, major limitations of the E-VAC system are the necessity of repeated endoscopic interventions and constant presence of well-trained staff. Further, large-cohort studies need to be performed to establish the applicability and effectiveness of E-VAC before routine widespread use can be recommended.
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