Endoscope-assisted mediastinal drainage therapy for anastomosis leakage after esophagectomy: a retrospective cohort study

Background: Anastomosis leakage after esophagectomy is a major threat which leads to many subsequent complications even mortality. But current diagnosis and treatment methods are inefficient. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the utilization of endoscope-assisted mediastinal drainage therapy in treatment for anastomosis leakage after esophagectomy. Methods: Between January 2014 and June 2018, 51 patients were confirmed anastomosis leakage using gastroscopy. Of them, 23 patients were treated with endoscope-assisted mediastinal drainage therapy (drainage group); and the other 28 patients received endoscope-assisted biomedical fibrin glue occlusion (occlusion group). Short-term clinical outcomes were examined. Factors related to length of postoperative hospitalization (LPH) was analyzed. Results: Endoscope provided highly accurate information on the condition of anastomosis leakage. And there was no evidence that early endoscopy could cause damage to the anastomosis or gastric conduit. One patient from drainage group and two from occlusion group discharged against medical advice. Other 48 patients were completely cured without reoperation or mortality. The median LPH was 32 days in drainage group (range from 17 to 80 days) and 81 days in occlusion group (range from 32 to 190 days), respectively (P<0.05). Linear regression indicated statistically significant correlation between LPH and length from diagnosis to drainage or occlusion (R=0.688, P<0.001). Conclusions: Endoscope-assisted mediastinal drainage therapy is a satisfactory treatment for anastomosis leakage. Early diagnosis and treatment may facilitate the recovery of anastomosis leakage and reduce LPH.