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DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-108542
Successful closure of anastomotic dehiscence after colon–rectal cancer resection using the Apollo overstitch suturing system
Publication History
Publication Date:
14 June 2017 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/endoscopy/201708/lookinside/thumbnails/106_10-1055-s-0043-108542-1.jpg)
Anastomotic dehiscence is the most common cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The Overstitch endoscopic suturing system (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA) is a disposable, single-use suturing device that is mounted onto a double-channel therapeutic endoscope and allows placement of either running or interrupted full-thickness sutures. Several reports have described endoscopic suturing as a treatment option for management of gastrointestinal defects and for stent anchorage [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. To our knowledge, there is no report on the closure of colonic anastomotic dehiscence with this device.
We describe the case of a 70-year-old man who underwent left colectomy for colon cancer. On the seventh postoperative day, fecal material appeared from his abdominal drain, but he had no signs of fever or peritonitis. A computed tomography (CT) scan of his abdomen confirmed the clinical suspicion of anastomotic dehiscence. We then performed an endoscopic evaluation, which confirmed the presence of a large anastomotic dehiscence ([Fig. 1]).
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/endoscopy/201708/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0043-108542-i0106cl1.jpg)
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We decided to treat the lesion with the Apollo Overstitch device. The procedure was carried out using CO2 insufflation, with the patient under conscious sedation. Initial tissue preparation prior to closure was done by creating a surgical surface using argon plasma coagulation at the immediate perimeter of the leak; subsequently, running sutures were placed with a distal to proximal technique, attempting to create a full-thickness suture ([Video 1]). The procedure was successful with no complications occurring over the following days. However, because radiological follow-up performed a week later showed the persistence of a minimal leak at the site of the dehiscence, we decided to repeat the procedure with the Apollo device.
Video 1 Successful closure of an anastomotic dehiscence after colon – rectal cancer resection using the Apollo Overstitch suturing system.
Quality:
At 1 month after the second procedure, no complications or symptoms were reported; moreover, no further fecal material and no contrast leakage on radiological follow-up had been observed. Repeat endoscopic evaluation at 6 months showed complete closure of the dehiscence ([Fig. 2]).
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/endoscopy/201708/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0043-108542-i0106cl2.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
This clinical report demonstrates the effectiveness of an endoscopic suturing device for closure of postoperative colorectal leakage.
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References
- 1 Watson R, Thompson C. Application of a novel suturing device in the GI tract. Gastrointest Endosc 2011; 73: AB105
- 2 Pauli EM, Delaney CP, Champagne B. et al. Safety and effectiveness of an endoscopic suturing device in a human colonic treat-and-resect model. Surg Innov 2013; 20: 594-599
- 3 Stavropoulos SN, Modayil R, Friedel D. Current applications of endoscopic suturing. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2015; 7: 777-789
- 4 Kantsevoy SV, Bitner M, Hajiyeva G. et al. Endoscopic management of colonic perforations: clips versus suturing closure (with videos). Gastrointest Endosc 2016; 84: 487-493
- 5 Sharaiha RZ, Kumta NA, DeFilippis EM. et al. A large multicenter experience with endoscopic suturing for management of gastrointestinal defects and stent anchorage in 122 patients: a retrospective review. J Clin Gastroenterol 2016; 50: 388-392