Stenting for Esophageal Perforation and Anastomotic Leak

Abstract

Discontinuity of the esophagus is a critical and potential life-threatening condition with a high rate of morbidity and mortality.1,2 Most often esophageal discontinuities are caused by iatrogenic perforations, traumatic perforations, spontaneous esophageal perforations or anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy. As invasive endoscopic techniques became more popular, the overall incidence of esophageal perforations has risen and the leading cause of perforation has shifted from spontaneous or traumatic to iatrogenic which nowadays account for more than 60% of all perforations.3