Endoscopic negative-pressure therapy for duodenal leakage using new open-pore film and polyurethane foam drains with the pull-through technique

Few reports have described the use of endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for duodenal defects [1] [2] [3] [4]. We treated a complicated duodenal leak with EVT using the pull-through technique with a new type of open-pore polyurethane-foam drain (OPD) [5] and a novel type of open-pore film drain (OFD).

Construction of an OFD is shown in [Video 1]. First the distal ends of two drainage tubes (Ventrol; 12 – 18 Fr × 120 cm; Covidien, Argyle, Ireland) are connected. This coupling segment is then wrapped with open-pore polyurethane-foam or a very thin double-layered film (Suprasorb CNP drainage film; Lohmann & Rauscher, Germany) ([Fig. 1]). The diameter of the OPD is 1.5 – 3 cm and of the small-bore OFD is 4 – 6 mm ([Fig. 2]). Both drain types can be placed by the pull-through technique along an intestinal–cutaneous fistula. The oral end is passed out nasally and a vacuum is applied to drain the intraluminal secretions; the distal end is passed out cutaneously ([Fig. 3]).

Video 1 Construction of an open-pore film drain (OFD) for the pull-through method is demonstrated. Different types of pull-through drains are illustrated. Insertion of an open-pore polyurethane-foam drain (OPD) is shown using the pull-through technique in a patient with duodenal leakage.

Fig. 1 Materials for construction of an open-pore film drain for the pull-through technique, including gastric tubes with diameters of 12 Fr and 18 Fr (t), open-pore film (oF), and a suture (S).

Fig. 2 The different types of drains that can be used for the pull-through technique in endoscopic negative-pressure therapy include the open-pore polyurethane-foam drain (OPD), an OPD coated with an open-pore film (OPFD), and the new open-pore film drain (OFD).

Fig. 3 One end of the tube from the open-pore polyurethane-foam drain is passed out cutaneously along the operative fistula channel.

We report a 53-year-old patient who presented for endoscopic examination with a persisting duodenocutaneous fistula after a very complicated course including multiple operations. Duodenal secretions were running along an intra-abdominal drain placed next to the duodenum and a 2-cm transmural defect of the duodenal wall was found near to the papilla of Vater. The operative drain could be seen through this defect.

An OPD was inserted using the pull-through technique following the course of the operative drain. The foam was pulled into the internal opening of the duodenal fistula. Application of negative pressure with an electronic vacuum device (KCI Activac; setting 125 mmHg, continuous, intensity high) resulted simultaneously in closure of the defect around the tube, collapse of the duodenal lumen, and internal drainage of duodenal secretions. The drainage of secretions cutaneously stopped immediately.

On day 4, the OPD was replaced, before being changed to a small-bore OFD on day 8, which was again replaced on day 11. The size of the opening of the defect shrank to a small fistula. EVT was continued for 14 days in total, and the OFD was then removed. Follow-up endoscopies 1 month and 3 months after the end of therapy revealed complete healing ([Fig. 4]).

Fig. 4 Endoscopic views showing complete healing of the duodenal defect: a 28 days after the end of therapy; b 3 months after the end of therapy. Sc, scare; dL, duodenal lumen.

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Competing interests

Gunnar Loske is a consultant for Lohmann & Rauscher GmbH & Co. KG. The other authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

• References

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• 2 Loske G, Schorsch T. Intraluminal vacuum therapy – A new endoscopic approach in the treatment of duodenal leakage. Endoskopie heute 2010; 23: 267-269
• 3 Glatz T, Fischer A, Hoeppner J. et al. Vacuum sponge therapy using the pull-through technique via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy to treat iatrogenic duodenal perforation. Endoscopy 2015; 47: E567-E568
• 4 Loske G, Rucktäschel F, Schorsch T. et al. Successful endoscopic vacuum therapy with new open-pore film drainage in a case of iatrogenic duodenal perforation during ERCP. Endoscopy 2015; 47: E577-E578
• 5 Fischer A, Thimme R, Hopt UT. et al. Two-sided sponge (TSS) treatment: Description of a novel device and technique for endoscopic vacuum treatment (EVT) in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Endosc Int Open 2016; 4: E937-E940