422. MANAGEMENT OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAK AFTER TOTAL GASTRECTOMY WITH THE “RENDEZ-VOUS” HYBRID TECHNIQUE: PRESENTATION OF OUR APPROACH AND RESULTS

Abstract Background Anastomotic dehiscence following total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction remains a demanding clinical scenario, associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Management options focus on controlling systemic and local sepsis while allowing for proper anastomotic healing. Optimal treatment algorithm remains to be determined and therapeutic strategy is being individualized. The primary goal of the present study is to present the modified rendezvous stenting technique, a technique implemented in our department during reoperation for washout, in critically ill anastomotic leak patients. Methods We performed a retrospective descriptive analysis of severely ill patients suffering an anastomotic leak from an esophagojejunal anastomosis, who had been operated in our department during the last five years (01/2018-12/2023). All patients were operated on by the same surgical team and endoscopy was performed by the same endoscopist. Data regarding patients who had been subjected to the modified rendezvous technique were collected. Results Since 2018, five anastomotic leak patients underwent stenting over the anastomosis using the modified rendezvous technique during relaparotomy. Stenting was effective in controlling local contamination in 4 out of 5 patients (80%). One patient required repeat stent placement due to stent migration. Overall the 30 day mortality rate was 20% and no deaths directly attributed to the leak were observed. Stents remained in position for an average of 4.25 weeks. Conclusion Anastomotic stenting using the rendezvous technique is a safe and feasible technique. It can prove useful in controlling local abdominal contamination in severe anastomotic leak patients, while minimizing the risk of stent migration. Further implementation of the technique will allow for more reliable conclusions to be drawn, regarding the technique’s actual effectiveness.