Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT) for the Treatment of Post-Bariatric Surgery Leaks and Fistulas: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Endoscopic vacuum therapy for gastrointestinal transmural defects: a literature review

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has emerged as a transformative approach for managing gastrointestinal (GI) transmural defects, offering a less invasive and more promising alternative to surgery. Initially developed to address anastomotic leaks after rectal surgery, the application of EVT has expanded to include other locations within the GI tract. This review investigated the principles, indications, procedures, outcomes, challenges, and future perspectives of EVT for the management of GI transmural defects. In conclusion, EVT has demonstrated favorable outcomes in GI defect closure, with reduced complications, shortened hospital stay, and decreased morbidity rates as compared with conventional treatments. Although EVT faces challenges in some specific anatomical locations and in managing severe complications such as major bleeding, ongoing advancements in technology and standardization efforts offer promise for broader indications and better outcomes. Future perspectives include exploring novel EVT devices, refining patient selection criteria and pre-emptive applications, and standardizing procedural protocols.

Ileoanal pouch salvage rates with endoluminal vacuum therapy for early vs late anastomotic leaks

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leaks after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) significantly compromise patient outcomes and increase healthcare resource utilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of endoluminal vacuum therapy (EndoVac) for pouch leaks. We hypothesized that EndoVac for early compared with late leaks was associated with a higher pouch survival rate.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive pouch anastomotic leaks treated with EndoVac therapy at our institution between 2013 and 2023. Patients were stratified into early (≤30 days) and late (>30 days) leak groups. Anastomotic healing was defined as complete closure of the leak site and resolution of symptoms. Pouch failure was defined as a permanent ileostomy or pouch excision. The probability of pouch survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients with IPAA were included: median age, 34 years; 71% were males; and median body mass index, 23.46 kg/m2. The following were the diagnoses made: ulcerative colitis (n = 12) and familial adenomatous polyposis (n = 2). The median (IQR) time from pouch construction to leak was 44.5 (12-192) days; of these, 6 (43%) were early, and 8 (57%) were late. All (100%) leaks were at the anastomosis; all (100%) were diverted at the time of EndoVac therapy: 10 (71%) still diverted, and 4 (29%) rediverted. Patients underwent a median of 5.5 EndoVac changes (3-7) over a 13.5 (6-21) day period from initiation of treatment to cessation of therapy. After EndoVac therapy, healing was observed in 10 (71%) patients; 2 of whom required a minor handsewn anastomotic revision but healed completely, and 4 did not heal; 3 had pouch excision, and 1 underwent redo pouch surgery. Anastomotic healing (66.7% vs 75%, P = .7) and pouch survival (83.3% vs 75%, P = .73) were not significantly different between the early and late leak groups. The overall pouch salvage rate was 78.5%.

CONCLUSION

EndoVac therapy was effective in achieving high rates of pouch salvage and anastomotic healing in patients with ileoanal pouch leaks, irrespective of the timing of intervention postoperatively. This supports the use of EndoVac as a viable treatment option for both early and late anastomotic leaks.

Endoscopic therapies for bariatric surgery complications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to present the current state of the field, highlight recent developments, and describe the clinical outcomes of endoscopic therapies for bariatric surgery complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

The field of interventional endoscopy now presents a range of minimally invasive procedures for addressing postbariatric complications. Lumen-opposing metal stents have emerged as a reliable solution for managing gastrojejunal strictures following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, whether with or without associated leaks. Additionally, they serve as a conduit for performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) post-RYGB via EUS-directed ERCP (EDGE). Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, originally designed for gastroparesis, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating postgastric sleeve stenosis, particularly the challenging helical stenosis cases. Furthermore, innovative endoscopic antireflux techniques are showing encouraging outcomes in addressing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following sleeve gastrectomy. Additionally, several modifications have been proposed to enhance the efficacy of transoral outlet reduction (TORe), originally developed to treat weight regain due to gastrojejunal anastomotic issues post-RYGB.

SUMMARY

Endoscopic management of bariatric surgery complications is continuously evolving. The development of new techniques and devices allows endoscopists to provide novel, minimally invasive alternatives that were not possible in the near past. Many techniques, however, are limited to expert centers because they are technically demanding, and specialized training in bariatric endoscopy is still required.

Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy as Effective Treatment for Patients with Postoperative Leakage After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery-A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is standardized and safe. Nevertheless, complications such as anastomotic leakage (AL) or staple-line leakage (SLL) can occur. In upper GI or colorectal surgery, endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) offers a therapeutic alternative to revisional surgery. Data on EVT in patients with leakage after MBS remain scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of EVT and its potential as endoscopic alternative to revisional surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients treated for AL or SLL with EVT after MBS between 01/2016 and 08/2023 at the Department for General Surgery, Medical University Vienna, were included in this retrospective, single-center study. Therapeutic value of EVT as management option for acute postoperative leakage after MBS in daily practice was evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed descriptively.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were treated with EVT within the observational period of 7 years. In 11 cases (52.4%), the index surgery was a primary bariatric intervention; in 10 cases (47.6%), a secondary surgery after initial MBS was performed. Favored approach was a combination of revisional surgery and EVT (n = 18; 85.7%), intermediate self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) in 16 (76.2%) cases. EVT was changed six times (0-33) every 3-4 days. Mean EVT time was 25.1 days (3-97). No severe associated complications were detected and EVT showed an efficacy of 95.2%.

CONCLUSION

This small case series supports the trend to establish EVT in daily clinical practice when revisional surgery after MBS is needed, thus preventing further reoperation and reducing associated morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.

Treatment of Leakage Following Sleeve Gastrectomy by Laparo-Endoscopic Gastrostomy (LEG)

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is widely recognized as the leading bariatric procedure worldwide. However, leakage, its major complication, remains a significant concern. This study focuses on the challenges of managing leakage, especially when conventional endoscopic treatments are ineffective. Although a novel one-step approach as reported by Pulimuttil James Zachariah from Wei-Jei Lee's team has demonstrated promise, further investigations and reports on its efficacy are currently insufficient. Between January 2021 and November 2023, we analyzed five patients treated at our center for SG leakage. Patient data include demographics, comorbidities, surgical details, and outcomes. The study details Laparo-Endoscopic Gastrostomy procedures performed post-SG leakage diagnosis, highlighting differences between acute and chronic instances. The study effectively implemented Zachariah's one-step approach, achieving favorable results in all five cases. Patient characteristics, presentation, postoperative progression, and additional treatments were documented. The outcome supports Zachariah's assertion that the one-step approach is a simple, safe, and cost-effective approach for SG leakage, avoiding digestive tract reconstruction. Despite potential limitations, including challenges in closing large defects and extended healing times, the procedure's effectiveness in decompression, drainage, and nutritional support significantly contributes to its elevated healing rate. The study emphasizes the importance of timely abdominal drain removal based on clinical conditions, challenging traditional practices for better clinical outcomes.

Digestive neo-epithelialization after endoscopic stenting for upper digestive tract complete disunion

BACKGROUND

Complete digestive disunion due to anastomotic necrosis is considered a contraindication to endoscopic repair. However, recent publications have suggested that endoscopic treatment by insertion of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is possible. The report of this patient series aims to demonstrate the use of endoscopic management in selected cases with complete digestive disunion.

METHODS

Seven consecutive patients with complete and circumferential upper gastrointestinal anastomotic disunion were treated at two European tertiary care centers between 2009 and 2021 by endoscopic insertion of an SEMS. Treatment was performed with a therapeutic gastroscope under general anesthesia, carbon dioxide insufflation, and fluoroscopic guidance, after surgical or percutaneous drainage.

RESULTS

All patients were successfully treated by endoscopic insertion of fully or partially covered SEMS left in place for a median of 8 weeks, with a median of 3 endoscopic sessions. Digestive neo-epithelialization was associated with a restored circumferential gut lumen in all cases. The rate of stent migration was 23% and three patients (43%) experienced symptomatic strictures, which were successfully treated by endoscopic dilation.

CONCLUSION

Complete digestive rupture could be successfully treated by endoscopy in selected cases, adding proof-of-concept data regarding guided tissue regeneration alongside SEMS placement.

Endoscopic Management of Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Complications

Obesity is associated with several chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and malignancy. Bariatric surgery, most commonly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, is an effective treatment modality for obesity and can improve associated comorbidities. Over the last 20 years, there has been an increase in the rate of bariatric surgeries associated with the growing obesity epidemic. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most widely performed bariatric surgery currently, and while it serves as a durable option for some patients, it is important to note that several complications, including sleeve leak, stenosis, chronic fistula, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, may occur. Endoscopic methods to manage post-sleeve gastrectomy complications are often considered due to the risks associated with a reoperation, and endoscopy plays a significant role in the diagnosis and management of post-sleeve gastrectomy complications. We perform a detailed review of the current endoscopic management of post-sleeve gastrectomy complications.

Homemade endoscopic vacuum therapy device for the management of transmural gastrointestinal defects

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) possesses a unique mechanism of action providing a less invasive alternative for the management of transmural gastrointestinal defects (TGID). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a novel homemade EVT (H-EVT) for the treatment of TGID.

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter study including patients who underwent H-EVT for TGID between January 2019 and January 2022. Main outcomes included technical and clinical success as well as safety outcomes. Subgroup analyses were included by defect location and classification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors for successful closure.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients were included. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with clinical success achieved in 88.89% after a mean of 3.49 H-EVT exchanges over an average of 23.51 days. After excluding 10 cases wherein it was not possible to achieve negative pressure, successful closure occurred in 95.52% of patients. Time to clinical success was less for defects caused by endoscopic (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-1.20) compared to surgical procedures and for patients with simultaneous intracavitary and intraluminal H-EVT placement (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.55-0.91). Location and classification of defect did not impact clinical success rate. Simultaneous placement of both an intraluminal and intracavitary H-EVT (odds ratio 3.08; 95% CI 1.19-7.95) was a significant predictor of clinical success. Three device-related adverse events (2.08%) occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the H-EVT is feasible, safe, and effective for the management of TGID.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy as a first-line treatment option for gastric leaks after bariatric surgery: evidence from 10 years of experience

BACKGROUND

Gastric (anastomotic or staple-line) leaks after bariatric surgery are rare but potentially life-threatening complications. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has evolved as the most promising treatment strategy for leaks associated with upper gastrointestinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of our gastric leak management protocol in all bariatric patients over a 10-year period. Special emphasis was placed on EVT treatment and its outcome as a primary treatment or as a secondary treatment when other approaches failed.

SETTING

This study was performed at a tertiary clinic and certified center of reference for bariatric surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-center cohort study, clinical outcomes of all consecutive patients after bariatric surgery from 2012 to 2021 are reported, with special emphasis placed on gastric leak treatment. The primary endpoint was successful leak closure. Secondary endpoints were overall complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) and length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 1046 patients underwent primary or revisional bariatric surgery, of whom 10 (1.0%) developed a postoperative gastric leak. Additionally, 7 patients were transferred for leak management after external bariatric surgery. Of these, 9 patients underwent primary and 8 patients underwent secondary EVT after futile surgical or endoscopic leak management. The efficacy of EVT was 100%, and there were no deaths. Complications did not differ between primary EVT and secondary treatment of leaks. Length of treatment was 17 days for primary EVT versus 61 days for secondary EVT (P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

EVT for gastric leaks after bariatric surgery led to rapid source control with a 100% success rate both as primary and secondary treatment. Early detection and primary EVT shortened treatment time and length of stay. This study underlines the potential of EVT as a first-line treatment strategy for gastric leaks after bariatric surgery.

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leaks: How to Deal with the Challenges (with Video)

Anastomotic leaks after gastrointestinal surgery have an important impact on surgical outcomes because of the high morbidity and mortality rates. Multiple treatment options exist requiring an individualized patient-tailored treatment plan after multidisciplinary discussion. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is a novel treatment option that is nowadays recognized as an effective and useful endoscopic approach to treat leaks or perforations in both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. EVT has a very good safety profile. However, it is a time-consuming endeavour requiring engagement from the endoscopist and understanding from the patient. To the unexperienced, the EVT technique may be prone to several hurdles which may deter endoscopists from using it and depriving patients from a potentially life-saving therapeutic option. The current review highlights the possible difficulties of the EVT procedure and aims to provide some practical solutions to facilitate its use in daily clinical practice. Personal tips and tricks are shared to overcome the pre-, intra- and post-procedural hurdles. An instructive video of the procedure helps to illustrate the technique of EVT.

Applications of endoscopic vacuum therapy in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is an increasingly popular treatment option for wall defects in the upper gastrointestinal tract. After its initial description for the treatment of anastomotic leaks after esophageal and gastric surgery, it was also implemented for a wide range of defects, including acute perforations, duodenal lesions, and postbariatric complications. Apart from the initially proposed handmade sponge inserted using the "piggyback" technique, further devices were used, such as the commercially available EsoSponge and VAC-Stent as well as open-pore film drainage. The reported pressure settings and intervals between the subsequent endoscopic procedures vary greatly, but all available evidence highlights the efficacy of EVT, with high success rates and low morbidity and mortality, so that in many centers it is considered to be a first-line treatment, especially for anastomotic leaks.

Bariatric endoscopy: from managing complications to primary metabolic procedures

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and is the second leading cause of preventable death. The approach to treating obesity involves a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle interventions, pharmacological therapies, and bariatric surgery. Endoscopic interventions are emerging as important tools in the treatment of obesity with primary and revisional bariatric endoscopic therapies. These include intragastric balloons, aspiration therapy, suturing and plication, duodenal-jejunal bypass liners, endoscopic duodenal mucosal resurfacing, and incisionless magnetic anastomosis systems. Endoscopic interventions have also demonstrated efficacy in treating complications of bariatric surgery. Approaches include stenting, endoscopic internal drainage, and endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure. This review aimed to discuss the current endoscopic procedures used as primary and revisional bariatric therapy including those used for managing bariatric surgical complications.

Choosing the best endoscopic approach for post-bariatric surgical leaks and fistulas: Basic principles and recommendations

Post-surgical leaks and fistulas are the most feared complication of bariatric surgery. They have become more common in clinical practice given the increasing number of these procedures and can be very difficult to treat. These two related conditions must be distinguished and characterized to guide the appropriate treatment. Leak is defined as a transmural defect with communication between the intra and extraluminal compartments, while fistula is defined as an abnormal communication between two epithelialized surfaces. Traditionally, surgical treatment was the preferred approach for leaks and fistulas and was associated with high morbidity with significant mortality rates. However, with the development of novel devices and techniques, endoscopic therapy plays an increasingly essential role in managing these conditions. Early diagnosis and endoscopic therapy initiation after clinical stabilization are crucial to success since clinical success rates are higher for acute leaks and fistulas when compared to late and chronic leaks and fistulas. Several endoscopic techniques are available with different mechanisms of action, including direct closure, covering/diverting or draining. The treatment should be individualized by considering the characteristics of both the patient and the defect. Although there is a lack of high-quality studies to provide standardized treatment algorithms, this narrative review aims to provide a summary of the current scientific evidence and, based on this data and our extensive experience, make recommendations to help choose the best endoscopic approach for the management of post-bariatric surgical leaks and fistulas.