Endoluminal vacuum therapy for anastomotic leaks after rectal surgery.

Anastomotic leakage after rectal surgery is a very serious complication and is the main cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. We describe three cases of rectal leakage which we treated with endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure. We used the Endo-SPONGE (B. Braun Aesculap AG, Germany), which consists of an open-cell, cylindrical polyurethane sponge connected to a drainage tube which is linked to a vacuum system to exert constant suction. The possible role of this new tool in the management of anastomotic leaks is also discussed.