VACStent closure of oesophageal defects by covered stent and endoscopic vacuum therapy: initial use and clinical outcomes.

Abstract

Endoscopic management of transmural oesophageal defects following esophagectomy or spontaneous perforations, such as Boerhaave's syndrome, is often complicated by stent migration and luminal occlusion [1]. The Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) stent, which integrates a covered stent with endoscopic vacuum therapy, aims to address these issues by providing functional drainage and promoting wound healing [2]. This case series presents our initial experience with VACStent therapy in four patients treated between February 2023 and April 2024. Two patients had staple line defects post-esophagectomy, and two had Boerhaave's syndrome. Treatment involved stent placement under general anaesthesia, followed by evaluations and scheduled stent exchanges every 6 days. All patients achieved successful defect closure, with no procedural complications noted. Three patients required one stent application, while one needed two applications. VACStent therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for transmural oesophageal defects, potentially establishing a new standard of care.