Intraluminal and intracavitary vacuum therapy for esophageal leakage: a new endoscopic minimally invasive approach.

Endoscopic treatment by placement of a vacuum sponge drainage system is a new option in the management of leakages in the digestive tract. We now distinguish between two treatment variants: the intracavitary and intraluminal techniques. A drainage system comprising an appropriately trimmed polyurethane foam sponge and a gastric-type tube is either placed through the esophageal defect into an extraluminal wound cavity (intracavitary method), or directly onto the defect with the sponge remaining within the esophageal lumen (intraluminal method). Continuous negative pressure of 125 mmHg is then applied, resulting in stabilizing of the sponge and continuous drainage and sealing of the defect. We report a case series of 14 patients, presenting the full range of possible esophageal defects that were successfully treated with either intracavitary or intraluminal vacuum therapy. Complete healing of the esophageal defect was achieved in 13 patients; one patient died due to fulminant pseudomembranous colitis while the esophageal defect was nearly healed.