EGS P03 Outcomes from 450 Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy (EVT) Procedures in the Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Leaks and Perforations

Abstract

Abstract Background Anastomotic leaks and perforations of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract are life-threatening conditions which result in significant rates of morbidity. There is no consensus with respect to how these challenging cases should be optimally managed. Endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) is a novel approach for the management of leaks and perforations in the UGI tract. Proponents highlight the benefits of its use particularly in cases where major invasive surgery or re-operation would otherwise usually be required. We present the outcomes from nearly 450 EVT related procedures during the last 5 years. Methods A retrospective analysis of all UGI leaks and perforations managed with EVT between September 2018 and June 2023 was undertaken. This included patients who had undergone cancer resections (oesophagectomy and gastrectomy), bariatric surgery (both within and out with our centre) and those presenting with benign disease (e.g. oesophageal perforation and iatrogenic injury). The setting was a regional tertiary oesophago-gastric and bariatric centre in the North-West of England serving a population of over 3.5 million people. Demographic data, patient and disease factors, nutrition-related data, and outcomes related to EVT were collected. Descriptive and statistical analysis was undertaken. Results 59 patients (43 males; median age 61) underwent 446 EVT related procedures during the study period, of which 52 (88%) were alive at discharge. Median LOS was 43 days. 66% (39/59) cases related to post-operative leak (resection 28, bariatric surgery 11) vs 11/59 spontaneous and 8/59 iatrogenic perforations. Median number of procedures was 6 (IQR 3-11) over a median of 21 days (IQR 11-41). Successful healing was achieved in 86% (51/59) cases. There was no difference in success rate between pathologies (p=0.88), however, iatrogenic perforations required fewer EVT procedures before healing (p=0.00). No adverse events were directly attributable to EVT. Conclusions UGI leaks and perforations represent a heterogeneous group which pose a significant management challenge. Our study suggests that EVT is a safe and effective approach in managing a broad range of different UGI leaks and perforations. EVT opens the possibility of active treatment for patients unsuitable for more invasive surgical intervention. Further study is required to standardise nomenclature, indications and follow-up. Comparisons to other management approaches are required to further explore the benefits for patients, taking into consideration clinical efficacy, impacts on quality of life and cost-effectiveness.