Management Of Leaks Research Articles

Management of Air Leaks in the Newborn.

Air leaks, especially pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), are increasingly uncommon respiratory complications of the newborn. Despite PIE having a decreasing incidence, it continues to have a high morbidity and mortality rate. This makes PIE one of the most severe respiratory complications to affect a newborn. Air leaks occur when there is overdistension of the terminal airways or alveoli, which results in air dissecting into extra-alveolar spaces. Recognizing the signs of air leaks is paramount to allow for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the newborn to improve morbidity and mortality. Treatment modalities range from positioning the newborn in the decubitus position to surgical intervention. To summarize current evidence on the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and management of PIE and pneumothorax. Two databases were systematically reviewed with key words later. Articles in English with date restrictions from 2016 to current were included. Inclusion criteria of randomized controlled trials, case studies/reports, and review articles were utilized. Twenty articles, primarily case reports and studies, were reviewed. Guidelines for data abstraction were followed via independent extraction by a single observer. Qualitative results were utilized to formulate current treatment of air leaks. This article provides guidance for frontline neonatal providers on current treatment and management of air leaks in the newborn population.

P639 Percutaneous drainage vs surgery as definitive treatment for anastomotic leak after intestinal resection in patients with Crohn’s disease.

Abstract Background Anastomotic leak remains one of the most relevant complications after intestinal resection for Crohn’s disease (CD). While surgery has always been considered the standard treatment for perianastomotic abscess or collection, percutaneous drainage (PD) has been proposed as a potential alternative. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the success rate of percutaneous drainage with that of surgery for the management of anastomotic leak in CD patients. Methods Retrospective, single-centre study including all consecutive patients who were diagnosed with an anastomotic leak as a complication of intestinal resection for CD between 2004 and 2022. Patients requiring emergency surgery due to generalised peritonitis or clinical instability were excluded. Anastomotic leak was defined as a perianastomotic fluid collection confirmed by radiological findings within 30 days from surgery. Patients underwent either PD or surgery as a primary treatment for the complication. The success after PD was defined as the removal of the drainage with clinical and radiological resolution of the complication. The need for further surgical treatment was considered as a failure in both groups. Primary aim: to compare the success rate of PD vs surgery. Secondary aims: to compare the outcomes at 90 days after the procedures; to identify the variables associated with the indication to PD. Results Among the 47 patients included, 25 (53%) underwent PD and 22 (47%) surgery. Table 1 shows the outcomes by the procedure. Success rate was 84% in PD and 95% in surgery group (p=0.20). The median time to success was 14 days after PD (drainage removal) and 12.5 days after surgery (discharge) (p=0.92). Similar rates of post-procedure medical (12% vs 18%, p=0.55) and surgical (24% vs 36%, p=0.62) complications were shown. An ileostomy was required in 91% of surgery cases. At 90 days, similar rates of discharges (100% vs 95%, p=0.28), readmissions (8% vs 0%, p=0.18) and reoperations (16% vs 9%, p=0.48) were observed between PD and surgery cases, respectively. In the multivariate analysis (Table 2), PD was more likely to be performed in patients whose anastomotic leak was diagnosed later after surgery (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.03-1.53, p=0.027), in those who underwent an ileo-colic anastomosis alone (OR 3.72, 95%CI 2.29-12.45, p=0.034) and in those who were treated after 2016 (OR 6.36, 95%CI 1.04-39.03, p=0.046). Conclusion The present study confirms that PD is a safe and effective procedure to treat anastomotic leak and perianastomotic abscess in CD patients. Surgery, in particular, is associated with a high risk of stoma formation, which would require a subsequent operation. PD should be indicated in all eligible patients as an effective alternative to surgery.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Changes in diagnosis and management of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy for underlying malignancy reduce postoperative mortality and improve patient outcome

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Changes in diagnosis and management of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy for underlying malignancy reduce postoperative mortality and improve patient outcome

Chylothorax and chylopericardial tamponade following lobectomy and lymphadenectomy: a rare presentation

BackgroundAlthough postoperative chylothorax following lung cancer surgery is rare, it is a recognized complication in 0.25–3% of patients. However, cases of cardiac tamponade caused by chylopericardium after lung cancer surgery are extremely rare.Case presentationWe describe hitherto unreported sequelae of chyle leak following lobectomy and systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection (SLND) causing pericardial tamponade and cardiovascular compromise. The patient was successfully treated with minimally invasive surgical repair and ligation. We also discuss the development of chylopericardium as a potential complication of lobectomy and SLND.ConclusionsThe anatomical characteristics of the thoracic duct warrant special attention in postoperative chyle leak management in patients who undergo definitive mediastinal lymph node dissection. Surgeons should be aware that chylopericardium is a rare but potential complication of lobectomy and SLND as it may help with early diagnosis, management, and prevention of cardiac tamponade.

Management of anastomotic leakage after robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy with an intrathoracic anastomosis.

Anastomotic leakage is a feared complication after esophagectomy and associated with increased post-operative morbidity and mrotality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of leakage after robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis. From a single center prospectively maintained database, all patients with anastomotic leakages defined by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group between 2016 and 2021 were included. Contained leakage was defined as presence of air or fluid at level of the anastomosis without the involvement of the mediastinum or thorax. Non-contained leakage was defined as mediastinitis and/or mediastinal/pleural fluid collections. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality and the secondary outcome was successful recovery. In this study, 40 patients with anastomotic leakage were included. The 90-day mortality rate was 3% (n = 1). Leakage was considered contained in 29 patients (73%) and non-contained in 11 patients (27%). In the contained group, the majority of the patients were treated non-surgically (n = 27, 93%) and management was successful in 22 patients (76%). In the non-contained group, all patients required a reoperation with thoracic drainage and management was successful in seven patients (64%). Management failed in 11 patients (28%) of whom 7 developed an esophagobronchial fistula, 3 had a disconnection of the anastomosis and 1 died of a septic bleeding. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the management anastomotic leakage in patients who underwent RAMIE with an intrathoracic anastomosis was successful in 73% of the patients with a 90-day mortality rate of 3%. A differentiated approach for the management of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage is proposed.

Management of massive air leak with persistent pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum in a 1.2kg preterm neonate: A case report

Background: Pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition with potential iatrogenic causes which can extend to pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum. Risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax include prematurity, low birth weight, low APGAR scores, and cesarean-section delivery. Case Presentation: A 1255 grams preterm boy (Twin-2) was born at 28+3 weeks of gestation by emergency lower segment cesarean section. He showed signs of respiratory distress after uncomplicated endotracheal tube insertion which was required due to apneic episodes during continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. Recurring tube thoracocentesis and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) treated persistent right-sided pneumothorax and nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum, with improvement on day 10, gradual removal of five chest drains by day 19, and extubation on day 24. Transillumination and chest radiography were the main diagnostic investigations. Laryngotracheobronchoscopy on day 16 identified erythema and possible old injury at the carina. He was also treated for hypotension, suspected sepsis, and pulmonary hypertension and was discharged home on day 66. Conclusion: Identifying pneumothorax promptly is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Management is patient-specific and includes needle and tube thoracocentesis and often, mechanical ventilation. Our case demonstrates the challenges of managing a massive air leak in a premature newborn, who with adequate tube thoracocentesis and HFOV, successfully recovered from presumed iatrogenic persistent pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum.

Chest tube-free video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery secured by quantitative air leak monitoring: a case series.

Although chest tube-omitted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been proven to be safe and efficacious, its universal application is precluded by a varying morbidity rate due to a lack of standardization. Since digital chest drainage has already shown improved accuracy and consistency in the management of postoperative air leak, we incorporated it in the strategy of intraoperative chest tube withdrawal, aiming to achieve better results. We collected the clinical data of 114 consecutive patients who underwent elective uniportal VATS pulmonary wedge resection at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from May 2021 to February 2022. Their chest tubes were withdrawn intraoperatively after an air-tightness test facilitated by digital drainage: the end flow rate had to be kept ≤30 mL/min for >15 s at the setting of -8 cmH2O suctioning. The recordings and patterns of the air suctioning process were documented and analyzed as potential standards of chest tube withdrawal. The mean age of the patients was 49.7±11.7 years. The mean size of the nodules was 1.0±0.2 cm. The location of the nodules encompassed all lobes, and 90 (78.9%) patients received preoperative localization. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 7.0% and 0%, respectively. Six patients had clinically overt pneumothorax and two patients had postoperative bleeding that required intervention. All of the patients recovered on conservative treatment except for one case of pneumothorax that required additional tube thoracostomy. The median length of postoperative stay was 2 days; and the median time of suctioning, peak flow rate, and end flow rate were 126 s, 210 mL/min, and 0 mL/min, respectively. The median numeric rating scale for pain was 1 on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 0 on the day of discharge. Chest tube-free VATS assisted by digital drainage is feasible with minimal morbidity. Its strength of quantitative air leak monitoring produces important measurements for the prediction of postoperative pneumothorax and future standardization of the procedure.

Endoscopic trans-gastric stent placement for the management of post-operative pancreatic leak

Background: Pancreatic resections(PR) are associated with significant morbidity and post-operative pancreatic leaks are a significant burden upon patients and healthcare. Patients sometimes require their drains for months or the placement of additional drains which can significantly impact quality of life. We sought to examine outcomes associated with endoscopic placement of axial stents via trans-gastric approach as the management post-operative pancreatic leaks.

Management of anastomotic leaks after oesophagectomy and gastric pull-up.

To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic and surgical intervention in treating anastomotic leaks after oesophagectomy. Anastomotic leak after oesophagectomy is a severe complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyse our experience with the management of anastomotic leak after oesophagectomy. A retrospective study evaluated the treatment outcome and duration of treatment in patients with anastomotic dehiscence or conduit necrosis after oesophagectomy from November 2008 to November 2021. The group consists of forty-seven patients. Twenty-one (44.7 %) patients had dehiscence of the neck anastomosis, twenty patients (42.6 %) had dehiscence of the chest anastomosis, and six (12.8 %) patients had conduit necrosis. Nineteen patients with dehiscence were primarily treated by endoscopic insertion of a self-expanding metal stent with perianastomotic drainage; the other patients were primarily treated surgically. Mortality associated with anastomosis dehiscence was 27.7 % (thirteen patients). Stent use in treatment was a statistically significant parameter regarding the length of hospital stay and mortality. Self-expanding metal stents can reduce leak-related morbidity and mortality after oesophagectomy and may be considered a cost-effective treatment alternative (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 21).

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Inguinal Lymphorrhea

Inguinal lymphorrhea is a complication of surgery, such as lymphadenectomy and revascularization. The inguinal region repeatedly flexes and extends, and lymphorrhea is often intractable. Persistence of this condition for a long period can lead to impaired wound healing and infection, which reduces patient’s quality of life and is a concern from the perspective of medical costs. Conservative treatment is often the first choice for managing lymphorrhea, but surgery is considered if the condition becomes intractable. In recent years, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used as a conservative treatment, but there are few reports on the use of this method for inguinal lymphorrhea due to problems with management of air leaks and contamination. We used NPWT and NPWT with instillation and dwelling in four cases of inguinal lymphorrhea and obtained improved wound healing with the formation of granulation tissue in the early phase. Outcomes of these cases suggest that NPWT may be a useful treatment method for inguinal lymphorrhea.

Novel techniques for the management of esophageal anastomotic leaks

Anastomotic leaks (ALs) after esophageal resection remain a dreaded complication and are associated with high morbidity and mortality, along with an increased cost of care and prolonged hospitalization. Management strategies include confirming conduit viability, controlling sepsis with drainage/antibiotics, and maintaining nutrition. Traditional treatment of ALs has given way to nonoperative management including endoscopic and radiological techniques, which are associated with decreased morbidity. This article aims to review novel technologies and techniques for the management of esophageal ALs, including self-expandable metal stents, endoluminal vacuum therapy, leak content drainage, and radiology-guided drain placement.

Pernicious effects and management of lead leakage from perovskite solar cells

The potential threats of lead to the environment and biological species are discussed, followed by a summary of the advances in developing functional materials and effective techniques to prevent lead leakage.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy: a retrospective analysis at a tertiary university center

IntroductionAnastomotic leakage after esophagectomy with gastric-pullup is the most feared postoperative complication associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Management of anastomotic leakage underwent an evolution in the last decade from surgical and conservative to an endoscopic management. However, to date there is no clear consensus on management and if endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) is the most superior therapy. Material and methodsBetween 2012 and 2022 all patients that underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for an underlying malignancy were included in this study. Patients that developed an anastomotic leakage and received endoscopic vacuum therapy were further analysed. ResultsA total of 17 patients were treated with EVT following AL after esophagectomy. The median duration of EVT was 23 days with a median number of 5,5 vacuum sponge changes per patient. EVT-systems were placed 12 times intraluminal and 5 times extraluminal. Successful closure of the defect was achieved in 14 patients. ConclusionEndoscopic vacuum therapy can be successfully applied in the treatment of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy even in septic patients with an extraluminal cavity. Event-related complications are present but rare.

Surgical Management of Periprosthetic Leakage after Prosthetic Voice Restoration: Report of 2 Cases

Surgical Management of Periprosthetic Leakage after Prosthetic Voice Restoration: Report of 2 Cases

Bath-plug technique for the endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks in children.

The safety and efficacy of the bath-plug technique for the closure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in children remain unknown. We undertook this study to ascertain whether the bath-plug technique was safe and effective for the repair of CSF leaks. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent endoscopic repair of CSF leaks with the fat graft as a plug-in at Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2016 to May 2020. Demographic data, medical history, defect sites and sizes, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. One representative clinical case was additionally selected to highlight the procedure and the healing process. A total of 18 pediatric patients were included in this study. The group was composed of 11 boys and seven girls, aged from 5 to 123 months. The etiologies included congenital CSF leaks (n = 9) and head trauma (n = 9). Among all patients, 12 fistulas (66.7%) were located at the cribriform plate area, two (11.1%) at the roof of the ethmoid sinuses, two (11.1%) in the sphenoid sinus, and two (11.1%) at the frontal sinus. The maximum diameters of fistulas ranged from 5 to 20 mm, with a median value of 8 mm. Encephaloceles were identified in 14 (77.8%) patients. No hydrocephalus was recognized. All CSF leaks were successfully repaired with a bath-plug technique. Follow-up ranged from 50 to 70 months. No surgical complications were encountered in any patient. Bath-plug technique is safe and reliable for the endoscopic management of CSF leaks in children. Meticulous peri-operative preparations are important for pediatric patients.

Early detection of anastomotic leak with C-reactive protein increases the chances of anastomotic salvage.

Anastomotic leak results in increased morbidity and affects functional and oncological outcomes after colectomy. Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) allows early detection of anastomotic leaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit to the patient of earlier diagnosis and management of anastomotic leaks, namely avoiding takedown of the anastomosis. Patients with an anastomotic fistula after elective colorectal surgery from 2010 to 2020 were included. Three periods were defined according to progressive adherence to the CRP protocol in our department. A comparison was made between the periods 'before' (2010-2013) and 'after' (2016-2020) in terms of morbidity, mortality, anastomotic salvage, days spent in hospital within the first postoperative month, timely adjuvant chemotherapy and anastomotic stenosis. Out of 2655 elective colorectal operations, 171 patients presented with an anastomotic leak and 123 patients were included in the study. In univariate analysis, patients in the 'after' group had fewer severe complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade III to IV, 66.7% vs. 56.9; p= 0.017); the difference did not reach significance regarding timely postoperative chemotherapy (p= 0.058) and anastomotic stenosis (p= 0.682). In both, univariate and multivariate analysis, the 'after' period increased the chances of preserving the anastomosis (OR=2.37 [1.08-5.17]) and increased the number of days out of hospital (p= 0.0002). A CRP-based protocol for the screening of anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery was related to increased anastomotic conservation, a decreased impact and severity of the leak and a shorter length of hospital stay.

Analysis of Reported Adverse Events Related to Over-the-Scope Clips: A MAUDE Database Analysis

Background and AimsOver-the-scope clips (OTSCs) have been increasingly used in the management of bleeding, perforations, fistulae, and anastomotic leaks in the gastrointestinal tract. However, since their Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2010, data on the adverse events of OTSC systems have been lacking. The aim of our study was to report and analyze adverse events and device failures associated with OTSC systems using the FDA's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. MethodsWe analyzed the FDA MAUDE database post-marketing surveillance data from January 2013 through May 2022 on the two OTSC systems available in the United States. ResultsForty medical device reporting claims were found from January 2013 through May 2022. Adverse events were classified as device-related problems and patient-related adverse events. Forty device-related problems were reported, along with 20 device-related adverse events. Most device-related problems were reported in the Padlock defect closure system (n = 23), followed by the Padlock pro clip system (n = 8) and Ovesco OTSC system (n = 9). The most common device-related problem was related to the failure of OTSC deployment (n = 13), followed by material protrusion or extrusion (n = 7). The most common patient adverse events were perforation (n = 4), esophageal laceration (n = 4), bleeding (n = 3), and luminal stenosis (n = 3). All 4 patients required surgical management of the perforation. No deaths related to the use of OTSCs were reported. ConclusionFailure of OTSC deployment and perforation were the most common device-related problem and patient-related adverse event, respectively. As the use of OTSC systems continues to increase, it is important for endoscopists to be mindful of both the common and rare adverse events associated with OTSC use.

Effective initial management of anastomotic leak in the maintenance of functional colorectal or coloanal anastomosis.

The present study assessed the factors associated with the maintenance of a functional anastomosis in a large consecutive series of patients with anastomotic leakage (AL). All consecutive patients presenting with AL after colorectal or coloanal anastomosis (2012-2019) were analyzed. The primary end point was a functional anastomosis without a stoma at 1year. A total of 156 patients were included. AL was initially treated by antibiotics (38%), drainage (43%) or urgent surgery (19%). Initial treatment of AL was not adequate in 24.3%, and reintervention in the form of drainage or surgery was required. A total of 60.9% of patients had a functional anastomosis without a stoma 1year after surgery. Factors associated with the risk of anastomotic failure at 1year were diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 4.24 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.39-14.24] p = 0.014), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (OR = 3.03 [95% CI 1.14-8.63] p = 0.03) and Grade B (OR = 6.49 [95% CI 2.23-21.74] p = 0.001) or C leak (OR = 35.35 [95% CI 9.36-168.21] p < 0.001). Among patients treated initially by drainage, side-to-end or J-pouch anastomoses were significantly associated with revision of the anastomosis compared to end-to-end (OR = 12.90, p = 0.04). After acute AL following coloanal or colorectal anastomosis, 60.9% of patients had a functional anastomosis without a stoma at the 1year of follow-up. The type of treatment of AL influenced the risk of anastomotic failure.

Endoscopic management of refractory leak and gastro-cutaneous fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGastro-cutaneous fistula is a rare complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with incidence of occurrence 1–2%. Most of gastro-cutaneous fistulae do not respond to conservative management and need intervention either surgically or endoscopically.MethodsThis prospective randomized clinical study included referred patients who had LSG performed at our department or other centers, and complicated with post-LSG leak or gastro-cutaneous fistula between December/2019 and March/2021. Included patients were ASA Physical status I–II. Primary and secondary outcomes were recurrence of the fistula and mortality in each group after the intervention during the 18 months follow-up period, respectively.ResultsThirty patients were randomized into two groups: Surgery Group (SG, n = 15) and Endoscopy Group (EG, n = 15). Mean age of patients was 42.3 ± 8.7 and 42.6 ± 8.3 years-old in SG and EG, respectively. Females constituted 73.3% and 80% in SG and EG, respectively. Median time-to-gastric leak post LSG was six (range: 4–7) days in both groups. SG patients were surgically managed with primary repair of the gastric fistula and gastrojejunostomy in 13 patients or converting SG into Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in two patients, while EG patients were endoscopically managed with stitching, stenting, stenting and dilation, and clipping and dilation in 5, 4, 4 and 2 patients, respectively. Incidence of recurrent leak during 1st week was significantly higher in SG than EG (p < 0.001). No mortality reported in EG, while 2 patients died in SG (p = 0.48).ConclusionEndoscopic intervention may offer a successful modality in managing post-LSG gastric leak and gastro-cutaneous fistula that do not respond to conservative measures in stable patients.

Management of Anastomotic Leaks in Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis.

Anastomotic leaks remain a dreaded complication after ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). Their impacts can be devastating, ranging from an acute leak leading to postoperative sepsis to chronic leaks and sinus tracts resulting in long-term pouch dysfunction and subsequent pouch failure. The management of acute leaks is intricate. Initial management is important to resolve acute sepsis, but the type of acute intervention impacts long-term pouch function. Aggressive management in the postoperative period, including the use of IV fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and operative interventions may be necessary to preserve pouch structure and function. Early identification and knowledge of the most common areas of leak, such as at the IPAA anastomosis, are important for guiding management. Long-term complications, such as pouch sinuses, pouch-vaginal fistulas, and diminished IPAA function complicate the overall survival and functionality of the pouch. Knowledge and awareness of the identification and management of leaks is crucial for optimizing IPAA success.