Clinical Endoscopy

The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (대한소화기내시경학회)
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Endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal postsurgical leaks: a narrative review

  • Renato Medas (Gastroenterology Department, Centro Hospitalar Sao Joao) ;
  • Eduardo Rodrigues-Pinto (Gastroenterology Department, Centro Hospitalar Sao Joao)
  • Received : 2023.01.28
  • Accepted : 2023.04.01
  • Published : 2023.11.30
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Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal postsurgical leaks are life-threatening conditions with high mortality rates and are one of the most feared complications of surgery. Leaks are challenging to manage and often require radiological, endoscopic, or surgical intervention. Steady advancements in interventional endoscopy in recent decades have allowed the development of new endoscopic devices and techniques that provide a more effective and minimally invasive therapeutic option compared to surgery. Since there is no consensus regarding the most appropriate therapeutic approach for managing postsurgical leaks, this review aimed to summarize the best available current data. Our discussion specifically focuses on leak diagnosis, treatment aims, comparative endoscopic technique outcomes, and combined multimodality approach efficacy.

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References

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