Late-onset lethal complication of non-surgically managed massive gastric conduit necrosis after esophagectomy: a case report.

Background: Gastric conduit necrosis (GCN) after esophagectomy is a serious complication that can prove fatal. Herein, we report a rare case of GCN with a severe course that improved with conservative treatment.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 78-year-old male patient who underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and developed a massive GCN. The patient was critically ill in the initial phase but recovered quickly; he also had a ruptured gallbladder and a bleeding jejunal ulcer. On the 22nd postoperative day, massive GCN was revealed on endoscopy. Considering the recovery course, careful observation with a decompressing nasal gastric tube was the treatment of choice. The GCN was managed successfully, having been completely replaced by fine mucosa within 9 months postoperatively. The patient completed his follow-up visit 5 years after surgery without any evident disease recurrence. Five and a half years after the surgery, the patient presented with progressive weakness and deterioration of renal function. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a large ulcer at the anastomotic site. Three months later, computed tomography revealed a markedly thin esophageal wall, accompanied by adjacent lung consolidation. An esophagopulmonary fistula was diagnosed; surgery was not considered, owing to the patient's age and markedly deteriorating performance status. He died 2013 days after the diagnosis.

Conclusions: Massive GCN after esophagectomy often requires emergency surgery to remove the necrotic conduit. However, this report suggests that a conservative approach can save lives and preserve the gastric conduit in these cases, thereby augmenting the quality of life.