Introduction: Anastomotic leakage is an important and undesirable major complication after upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery. This complication can lead to significant morbidity and mortality and prolonged hospital stay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and technical and clinical outcomes of temporary partially covered self-expandable metallic stent (PCSEMS) placement for treating anastomotic leaks after gastrointestinal tract surgery.
Material and methods: Medical records of 9 patients who had undergone partial covered self-expandable esophageal or colonic stenting either for colorectal anastomotic leak or esophageal anastomotic leak in Kartal Kosuyolu Higher Specialty Training and Research Hospital between April 2012 and October 2015 were collected. Living patients were recalled for the policlinic follow-up and recent status was recorded.
Results: The mean age was 57 (37–78) years. Six of the patients were male and 3 of them female. Stents were successfully placed in all patients in the fistula localization on the first attempt. Stent migration was encountered in 3 patients and restenting was performed in 2 of these patients. No complications were seen related to the indwelling stents. Stent treatment failure occurred in 2 of the 9 patients. The mean removal time of the stent was 43 (5–70) days and it was not possible to get the stent out in 1 patient.
Conclusions: Endoscopic stenting is a minimally invasive and highly effective procedure that gives promise for the treatment of fistula after digestive surgery in the future.