Successful sealing of benign esophageal leaks after temporary placement of a self-expanding plastic stent without fluoroscopic guidance

Introduction: We report on our experience with the temporary use of a self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) in the treatment of non-malignant esophageal leaks. Material and Methods: Between November 2001 and May 2005 ten patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforations (n = 4), post-surgical leaks (n = 5) and esophago-mediastinal fistulas after caustic injury (n = 1) were treated by temporary SEPS placement. In eight out of ten patients SEPS placement was done without fluoroscopy due to the emergency setting. Stent removal was performed with a rat-toothed forceps. Results: Leaks were located in the proximal (n = 1), middle (n = 6) and distal (n = 3) parts of the esophagus. The mean leakage size was 2 cm. Stent placement without fluoroscopy was always successful. The median duration of stent therapy was 55.5 days (range 15 438). In 7/10 cases the SEPS was readily removed, showing complete healing of the former leak. Four patients died during the follow-up. However, their deaths were not related to the stent therapy. Discussion: The temporary use of the SEPS represents a safe method for sealing benign esophageal leaks. In the emergency-setting SEPS placement without fluoroscopy is feasible and the stent can be easily removed. In contained perforations without severe mediastinitis of the mid esophagus the SEPS should be discussed as a gentle first-line therapy.