Treatment and prevention of esophagogastrostomy leaks using anchoring silicone stent

Abstract

Esophagogastrostomy leakage is a severe complication after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Cervical anastomosis usually has a higher leak rate than intrathoracic anastomosis. Esophageal stents will be considered in the management or prevention of esophagogastrostomy leaks. Previously we have used an externally fixed silicone tube in the treatment of cervical esophagogastrostomy leaks. Recently, we started to use anchoring silicone stent for managing or preventing esophagogastrostomy leaks. In the management of one patient with anastomotic leakage, the stent was kept in place for 27 days. In three patients who had a high risk of esophagogastrostomy leaks, the anchoring silicone stents were kept in place for 1 week to protect the anastomosis.