Management and outcome of esophageal stenting for spontaneous esophageal perforations

Laparoscopic Repair of Spontaneous Esophageal Perforation After Multiple Endoscopic Failures

Spontaneous esophageal perforation (SEP) (Boerhaave syndrome) carries high morbidity and mortality. Delay in diagnosis, because of the non-specific complaints and the rarity of the condition, further increases the mortality. While patients diagnosed early can be managed by primary closure of esophageal perforation, those presenting beyond 24 hours often require an esophagectomy with salivary diversion and feeding access with a plan for the reconstruction of the alimentary tract at a later date. In a minority of patients with a controlled esophageal fistula and feeding access, source control could be achieved by endotherapy. Patients with mediastinitis and associated systemic sepsis would be better served by surgical intervention. We present a case of an SEP with a delayed diagnosis, who underwent three unsuccessful endotherapy attempts and decortication before referral for surgical repair. The patient had an established esophageal fistula. He underwent a laparoscopic repair of the fistula. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. At the one-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and had gained weight. Though surgery is the treatment of choice, the optimal management of SEP with delayed diagnosis is not clearly defined. In the current era of advanced endotherapy, more cases are being managed endoscopically. However, they carry a high failure rate, resulting in increased morbidity among the patients. Early involvement of a surgical team in the decision-making is crucial for optimal outcomes of the disease.

Circumferential esophageal perforation resulting in tension hydropneumothorax in a patient with septic shock

Esophageal perforations occur traumatically or spontaneously and are typically associated with high mortality rates. Early recognition and prompt management are essential. We present the case of a 76-year-old man who was admitted to the medical intensive care unit with fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis, shock, and multi-organ failure. After an initial period of improvement, his condition rapidly deteriorated despite aggressive medical management, and he required mechanical ventilation. Radiography after endotracheal intubation showed interval development of pneumomediastinum and bilateral hydropneumothorax with tension physiology. Chest tube placement resulted in the drainage of multiple liters of dark fluid, and pleural fluid analysis was notable for polymicrobial empyemas. Despite the unusual presentation, esophageal perforation was suspected. Endoscopy ultimately confirmed circumferential separation of the distal esophagus from the stomach, and bedside endoscopic stenting was performed with transient improvement. Two weeks after admission, he developed mediastinitis complicated by recurrent respiratory failure and passed away. This report further characterizes our patient’s unique presentation and briefly highlights the clinical manifestations, management options, and outcomes of esophageal perforations.

Suitable Diagnosis and Treatment of Esophageal Ruptures in Cases of Non-Boerhaave Syndrome: A Comparison With Boerhaave Syndrome

Boerhaave syndrome (BS) is frequently reported in cases of esophageal perforation; however, there are relatively few studies on non-Boerhaave syndrome (nBS). This study clarifies the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for patients with nBS among those with esophageal ruptures. Twelve patients with esophageal ruptures who underwent surgery at our department over 14 years were classified into 2 groups: 4 in the nBS group and 8 in the BS group. Patient characteristics, surgical methods, surgical outcomes, and complications were compared between the groups. The chief complaints varied between the groups. The nBS group had significantly higher preoperative C-reactive protein (P = .007) and required 5 days (median) from onset to surgery. Moreover, the perforation diameter was significantly smaller in the nBS group than in the BS group (P = .013). Suturing of the perforation site was performed during the initial surgery in 8 BS group patients (100%) and 1 nBS group patient (25%; P = .018). Only drainage was performed during the initial surgery for 3 nBS group patients (75%). The complications did not significantly differ between the groups (P = 1.000), and no deaths were reported. The chief complaints of patients with nBS are diverse, and esophageal perforation should be cited as a differential diagnosis even in the absence of vomiting or chest pain symptoms. In the initial surgery for patients with nBS, the perforation site does not necessarily need to be closed. It is treatable by second-stage surgery or by natural closing.

Challenges faced in the management of complicated Boerhaave syndrome: a tertiary care center experience

Spontaneous esophageal perforation is rare and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A spectrum of various surgical modalities ranging from primary surgical repair to esophagectomy is available for its management. The optimal management of patients presenting late in a hemodynamically stable condition is not clearly defined in the literature. A retrospective review of all patients with Boerhaave syndrome managed by a single surgical team in a tertiary care center between 2008 and 2019 was performed (n = 16). Eleven patients were initially managed in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) as non-esophageal cause and 5 patients were referred after failed management (conservative/endoscopic). Demographics, clinical presentation, characteristics of perforation, initial diagnosis, and treatment were analyzed. All patients were males with a mean age of 42.2 years. A history of ethanol use was present in 6 patients. The median delay in diagnosis and referral was 16 days (range: 11-40 days). The common presenting symptoms were chest pain (n=11), dyspnoea (n=10), vomiting (n=4) and cough (n=2). The perforation was directed into right, left, and bilateral pleural cavities in 6, 8, and 2 patients respectively. The location of perforation was distal esophagus except for one patient. One patient was successfully treated with conservative management. The remaining patients underwent esophagectomy as a definitive surgical procedure. There was no significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. Esophagectomy can be done as a one-stage definitive procedure for patients with Boerhaave syndrome who present late in a hemodynamically stable condition with acceptable morbidity and good long term outcome.

Laparoscopic transhiatal suture and gastric valve as a safe and feasible treatment for Boerhaave's syndrome: an Italian single center case series study

Background

Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS) is a rare life-threating condition with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, due to its very low incidence, no clear evidences or definitive guidelines are currently available: in detail, surgical strategy is still a matter of debate. Most of the case series reports thoracic approach as the most widely used; conversely, transhiatal abdominal management is just described in sporadic case reports. In our center, the laparoscopic approach has been adopted for years: in the present study, we aim to show his feasibility by reporting the outcomes of the largest clinical series available to date.

Methods

Clinical records of patients admitted for BS to the General and Upper GI Surgery Division of Verona from February 2014 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected. Clinico-pathological characteristics, preoperative workup, surgical management, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Seven patients were admitted; epigastric/thoracic pain and vomiting were the most frequent symptoms at diagnosis. Laboratory findings were not specific; conversely, radiological imaging always revealed abnormal findings: particularly, CT had excellent sensitivity in detecting signs of esophageal perforation. All but one case had diagnostic workup and received surgery within 24 h. Every patient had laparoscopic transhiatal direct suture and gastric valve; 2 patients (28.6%) also needed a thoracoscopic toilette. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (57%), but in only two of them (29%), the complication was severe according to Clavien-Dindo classification (both received thoracentesis or thoracic drainage for pleural effusion). Of note, no cases of postoperative esophageal leak were recorded. Postoperative mortality was 14% due to one patient who died for cardiovascular complications. Most of the patients (71.4%) were admitted to ICU after surgery (average length, 8.8 days); mean hospital stay was 14.7 days. No patients had readmissions.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the largest case series reporting laparoscopic management of BS. We show that laparoscopy is a safe and feasible approach associated with a shorter length of hospital stay when compared with clinical series in which thoracic approach had been chosen. Of note, laparoscopic management would be easily adopted by surgical centers treating benign gastro-esophageal junction entailing a proper management more widely.

Surgical management of Boerhaave's syndrome with early and delayed diagnosis in adults: a retrospective study of 88 patients

BACKGROUND

spontaneous esophageal rupture (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a rare and challenging clinical condition.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the outcome of different surgical treatments for patients with Boerhaave's syndrome with an early diagnosis (< 24 h) and delayed diagnosis (> 24 h), using a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

eighty-eight patients with Boerhaave's syndrome who underwent surgical treatment were identified from March 1994 to March 2019 in the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. Subsequently, they were retrospectively divided into two groups according to time from symptom onset to diagnosis (group 1, < 24 h, n = 16; group 2, > 24 h, n = 72). Primary suture repair was used in group 1 and reinforcement with a vascular muscle flap was used in group 2, in order to reduce the incidence of fistula. Patients in group 2 were further divided into two subgroups according to reinforcement using diaphragmatic flaps (subgroup 1) or intercostal muscle flaps (subgroup 2).

RESULTS

the duration of hospitalization and stay in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was significantly shorter in group 1 (p = 0.027 and p = 0.001). Group 1 had fewer postoperative esophageal leaks (p = 0.037) compared to group 2. Various aspects were compared in the two subgroups and the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

it is very important to establish an early diagnosis for patients with Boerhaave's syndrome. Early (< 24 h) and primary suture repair is superior to delayed (> 24 h) primary repair, even for those reinforced with vascular muscle flaps. Furthermore, repair reinforcement with different muscle flaps appears to render similar results for patients with delayed diagnosis.

Boerhaave's syndrome with late presentation. Experience in an Argentine single center: Case series

Background

In the year 1724, Hermann Boerhaave reported a case of a Dutch admiral who died due to spontaneous rupture of the esophagus following vomiting. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze the therapeutic modality, morbidity and mortaliy of a group of patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture treated in our hospital.

Methods

Ten patients were treated from March 1990 to August 2016. Seven patients were males and three were females. The age range was, 52-72 years, with an average of 66.2 years. In four patients, the diagnosis and posterior treatment were performed within 24 h (Group I) and the remaining six patients after 24 h (Group II).

Results

The mean hospital stay was 36.6 days (range 17-62 days). The mortality rate was 50%, which was due to septic shock and the morbidity of patients who survived was 40% due to pneumonia in one case and fistula in another.

Discussions

This condition has a high mortality rate with a lethality that depends on the time between recognition of symptoms and proper surgical treatment.

Boerhaave's Syndrome: Delayed Management Using Over-the-Scope Clip

Patient: Male, 43

Final Diagnosis: Boerhaave’s syndrome

Symptoms: Dyspnoea • epigastric pain • vomiting

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Over-the scope-clip and pleurodesis

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Esophageal emergencies: WSES guidelines

The esophagus traverses three body compartments (neck, thorax, and abdomen) and is surrounded at each level by vital organs. Injuries to the esophagus may be classified as foreign body ingestion, caustic ingestion, esophageal perforation, and esophageal trauma. These lesions can be life-threatening either by digestive contamination of surrounding structures in case of esophageal wall breach or concomitant damage of surrounding organs. Early diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention are the keys of successful management.

Boerhaave's syndrome: A case report of damage control approach

INTRODUCTION

Boerhaave's syndrome is a life-threatening oesophageal perforation that carries a high mortality rate (20-50%). Diagnosis is difficult by its rarity and the absence of typical symptoms. Treatment of this condition usually requires surgical intervention.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the case of a 77-year-old man that resorted to the emergency room with dyspnoea and thoracic pain after vomiting. CT scan revealed pneumomediastinum, left collapse lung and loculated pleural effusion. A left intercostal chest tube was inserted with food drainage. Hence, Boerhaave's syndrome was suspected. Thoracotomy with mediastinum debridement, pleural drainage and oesophageal T-tube drainage was performed. Patient was admitted on the Intensive Care Unit with septic shock, with need for ventilatory support and vasopressor therapy. Two days later, a second look thoracotomy was done with definitive oesophageal repair and pleural patch. The post-operative course was complicated by pneumonia and stroke. Patient was discharged home on the 38th day and remains well at 3 month of follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Delayed diagnosis and treatment are the principal causes of high mortality in Boerhaave's syndrome. The classic Mackler's triad (vomiting, lower thoracic pain and subcutaneous emphysema) is present in less then 50% of cases. A thoracic drainage may be useful to confirm diagnosis promptly. There is no standard treatment option. In this case report, the authors used a damage control approach to control sepsis, allowing for a delayed definitive oesophageal repair.

CONCLUSION

Prompt diagnosis with thoracic drainage and a damage control treatment plan might lead to good prognosis for patients with this rare and potentially fatal condition.

Surgical management and prognostic factors in esophageal perforation caused by foreign body

OBJECTIVES

Esophageal perforation is associated with multiple serious complications and high mortality. Herein, we identify some predictors for postoperative outcomes, compare the outcomes of various surgical approaches, and summarize our experience with esophageal perforation over the past 13 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients diagnosed with esophageal perforation caused by foreign body between November 2004 and May 2018. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify potential risk factors related to prognosis. Effects of different surgery were compared based on postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 38 patients, the number of females was equal to males with a mean age of 55.6 ± 14.9 (range 23-93) years; 22 had thoracic perforations and 16 had cervical perforations. The overall mortality rate was 5.3%. Univariate analysis revealed that sex (p = 0.049), type of foreign body (p = 0.042), abscess (p = 0.049), and site of perforation (p = 0.031) were associated with prognosis. The interval between perforation and surgery did not significantly influence prognosis (p = 0.929). No significant difference was found in postoperative outcomes among various surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

The interval between perforation and treatment was not as important as previously reported. Surgical management should be performed early when feasible, even if the interval between perforation and surgery is 24 h or longer.

Two rare complications in a single patient of lung cancer: Radiation-induced spontaneous esophageal perforation and aortic rupture and their successful management

Adjuvant radiotherapy is indicated in few operated cases of lung cancer for effective local control. Oesophageal perforation and aortic rupture are rare and lethal complications of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Both of these complications happened in a 64 year male patient with squamous cell carcinoma of lung. Radiation induced oesophageal perforation occurred immediately after completion of radiotherapy. Endoscopic Self Expanding Radio Therapy (SEMS) was placed, thoracic cavity was debrided and window thoracostomy was performed. After few months of this episode, he had torrential bleeding from descending thoracic aorta. Thoracic Endo Vascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) was done and bleeding was controlled. This case is unique because both these fatal events happened in a single patient. This report also highlights the use of above mentioned novel therapeutic methods for successful management of these complications in these frail patients.

The Role of Operation in the Treatment of Boerhaave's Syndrome

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the appropriate treatment strategy for spontaneous esophageal rupture.

Methods

Clinical data from twenty-one cases were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters included etiology, time interval between onset and treatment, therapy methods, prognosis, and length of stay.

Results

The ratio of males/females was 17/4, age range was 32–82 years (mean = 43.1), and the time interval between onset and treatment was as follows: <24 h: nine cases (42.8%); 24–48 h: six cases (28.6%); and >72 h: six cases (28.6%). All patients underwent operative treatment, and the following primary healing rates were achieved: <24 h: 88.9%, 24–48 h: 66.7%, and >72 h: 0. No patients died in this study. All patients were discharged with recovery, and the average hospitalization times were 18.1 days (<24 h), 27.8 days (24–48 h), and 51.2 days (>72 h).

Conclusions

Surgical treatment remains an effective method for treating spontaneous esophageal rupture, and the shorter the time interval between onset and treatment, possibly the better the prognosis.

Esophageal Stenting in Clinical Practice: an Overview

OPINION STATEMENT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Esophageal stents are used in clinical practice for endoscopic treatment of a wide variety of esophageal diseases and conditions. This review provides key principles and a literature update on the utility and limitations of esophageal stenting in clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Indications for esophageal stenting can be subdivided into two groups. The first group consists of patients with malignant or benign dysphagia, in which an esophageal stent restores luminal patency. In the past years, temporary stent placement has increasingly been used in the therapeutic management of refractory benign esophageal strictures. When endoscopic repeated bougie dilation and other endoscopic treatment modalities have failed, an esophageal stent could be considered. Based on the literature, a fully covered self-expandable metal stent may be the preferred choice for the treatment of both malignant and benign dysphagia. The second group consists of patients with leakage from the esophageal lumen into the surrounding tissue. Esophageal leakage can be subdivided into three forms, benign esophageal perforations (iatrogenic and spontaneous), anastomotic leakage after reconstructive esophageal surgery, and fistula. In a carefully selected group of patients, a covered esophageal stent may be used for sealing off the leakage, thereby preventing further contamination of the tissue surrounding the defect. The past few years, several validated prediction tools have been developed that may assist clinicians in the selection of patients eligible for esophageal stent placement. Based on retrospective studies and expert opinion, a partially or fully covered self-expandable metal stent may have a role in treatment of esophageal leakage. Research do date supports the utilization of esophageal stents for the treatment of malignant or benign dysphagia and esophageal leakage.

A surgical case of radiotherapy induced esophageal perforation accompanying pyogenic spondylodiscitis: a case report

Background

Stereotactic body radiotherapy has been a treatment choice for lung cancer, especially in medically inoperable patients. However, the acute and late toxicity to adjacent organs have been reported as an uncommon but severe adverse effect.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old male was presented with his back pain and pyrexia. He had been followed up for non-small-cell lung cancer, which was treated by the stereotactic body radiotherapy 4 years prior to the current visit. The endoscopy revealed an esophageal perforation on its left side in the upper thoracic locus. Because of his poor lung function, he was managed by the conservative treatment. After 3 months, his back pain recurred with developing paraplegia in the lower extremities. The MRI revealed an abscess formation at the posterior side of the upper thoracic esophagus which destroyed the vertebral body and compressed the spinal cord. Laminectomy and two-stage operation—the first stage, nontransthoracic esophagectomy, cervical and transhiatal approach using mediastinoscope and laparoscope, and the second stage, esophageal reconstruction—were performed.

Conclusion

This complex disease status was successfully managed by the orthopedic surgery followed by a two-stage esophagectomy without transthoracic approach.