Endoscopic closure of postoperative esophageal leaks with a novel over-the-scope clip system

Abstract

Management of esophageal anastomotic leaks is associated with high morbidity and mortality and remains an interdisciplinary challenge. We describe the first two cases of endoscopic closure of postoperative leaks following gastrectomy and primary repair after spontaneous acute esophageal perforation, using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tübingen, Germany). Both leaks were successfully sealed with one clip. While one patient recovered without reintervention, in the other patient the postoperative leak reappeared following clip displacement 13 days later.