218. INITIAL EXPERIENCES WITH VACUUM-STENT AS NOVEL TREATMENT OPTION FOR TRANSMURAL DEFECTS IN THE UPPER GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT: A SINGLE-CENTER CASE SERIES
Lisanne Pattynama, Wietse J Eshuis, Jacques J Bergman, Mark I Berge Henegouwen, Roos Pouw- Gastroenterology
- General Medicine
Abstract
Background
Transmural defects in the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) tract (anastomotic leak, Boerhaave syndrome, iatrogenic defects) are associated with severe morbidity. Recently, a vacuum-stent was introduced as novel treatment device, combining the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy and an intraluminal stent, while allowing for oral intake of a soft diet. The aim of this prospective case series was to describe the first experiences with the vacuum-stent for the upper GI tract in an academic hospital.
Methods
All patients treated with a vacuum-stent between March 2022 and March 2023 were included. Patients who were already treated with vacuum-sponge and received a vacuum-stent when it became available were also included. Outcome measures included successful closure of the defect, adverse events, number of EVT-related endoscopies and treatment duration.
Results
23 patients were included (18 male, median age 65 years). Fourteen patients had anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy, five patients an iatrogenic perforation and four had Boerhaave syndrome. Twelve patients were treated with vacuum-stent alone and eleven with a combination of vacuum-stent and vacuum-sponge (Table 1), which was mostly due to the later availability of or limited experience during the implementation period of the vacuum-stent. Success rate was 91%, median 4 (IQR 3–8) EVT-related endoscopies were performed during median 14 (IQR 12–31) days of treatment in successful cases. During median 120 (IQR 15–221) days follow-up, four patients developed an anastomotic stricture treated with endoscopic dilation. No other adverse events were observed.
Conclusion
The vacuum-stent combines the benefits of EVT and an intraluminal stent and shows great feasibility and efficacy in treatment of transmural defects in the upper GI tract. More research is necessary, as this device could possibly prevent major (re-)surgery in these patients.