521. SHORT-TERM PROPHYLACTIC STENTING FOR HIGH-RISK ESOPHAGEAL ANASTOMOSIS: A CASE SERIES

Abstract Background Anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is a cause of major morbidity, increases surgical mortality and can affect long-term survival outcomes. Early recognition and treatment of anastomotic leaks has greatly improved the rescue rates for this catastrophic complication. However, for some patients, successful rescue is not sufficient to prevent major morbidity and worse long-term outcomes. Prevention of esophageal anastomotic leaks would benefit these patients. Prophylactic stenting after esophagectomy can be one of the tools used in addition to all other factors that are implemented to improve surgical outcomes in this complex cohort of patients. Methods We present a series of seven patients who underwent esophagectomy for malignant disease at our institution. They had insertion of prophylactic esophageal stents at the time of esophagectomy due to a combination of patient factors and intraoperative complications. All anastomoses were carried out using the modified Orringer technique of linear stapled esophagogastric anastomosis. All patients underwent insertion of an 18mm diameter, fully covered EGIS (S&G Biotech, Korea) esophageal stent with antireflux valve. This was fixed to the esophagus / gastric tube using two 2-0 Vicryl Rapide (Polyglactin 910) sutures. The stents were removed endoscopically between postoperative day 14 and 28. Results None of the seven patients who underwent prophylactic esophageal stenting had any clinical or radiological evidence of anastomotic leak. In one patient, at the time of stent removal, a possible anastomotic defect was noted but it was not possible to enter the cavity. A new stent was inserted, and the patient was clinically observed. He remained clinically well throughout. Another patient developed a severe hospital acquired pneumonia requiring ventilatory support without evidence of anastomotic leak. Median length of stay was 13 days. There was no mortality within 90 days of surgery. Conclusion Short term prophylactic esophageal stenting is possible and safe. The technique of stent fixation and early removal helps to mitigate the risks of stent migration and erosion. In our small series, the stents were effective in preventing anastomotic leaks with no stent related complications. This provides optimism for patients and surgeons that morbidity from anastomotic leaks can be minimised, enabling patients to recover from surgery and proceed to adjuvant treatment if indicated. The safety profile of prophylactic esophageal stents should be investigated further and both short- term and long-term outcomes compared to current standards of care by randomised studies.