Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage and Benign Esophageal Perforation By Esophageal Or Colorectal Self-Expandable Metal Stents (SEMS)

Abstract

Background: The intrathoracic anastomotic leakage and the benign esophageal perforation carry a high morbidity and mortality. Methods: Nine patients (6 males, 3 females), mean age 58.5 years (range: 43–70) were treated for bronchoesophageal fistulas following esophagogastrostomy (3), anastomotic leaks after total gastrectomy (2), Boerhaave's syndrome (2), perforation after oesohageal dilation (1) and after a foreign body ingestion (1) by esophageal or colorectal SEMS (eSEMS or cSEMS) placement. The mean defect diameter was 2 cm.