Fully covered metal stents for the treatment of leaks after gastric and esophageal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The use of fully covered metal stents (FCMS) for the treatment of benign conditions is increasing. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of FCMS in the management of post-operative leaks after gastric or esophageal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a three year period (2011-2013), patients who underwent a surgery related with esophageal or gastric cancer and developed a postoperative anastomotic leak treated with FCMS were prospectively included. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included (11 men, 3 women), with median age of 65 years. Placement of at least one stent was achieved in 13 patients (93% of cases), with initial closure of the leak in 12 of these 13 cases (92.3%). A final success (after removal of the stent) could be demonstrated in 9 cases (69.2%, intention to treat analysis); stent failed only in one case (7.7%) and there were 3 patients (23.1%) not evaluated because death before stent retrieval (not related with the endoscopic procedure). One stent were used in 9 cases (69.2%), and two in 4 (30.8%). Migration was observed in two cases (15.3%). There were no major complications related with the use of stents. There were no complications related with retrieval. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of FCMS to achieve the leak closure after esophageal or gastric surgery is an effective and probably safe alternative feasible with minor risks.