Background: Endoscopic treatment of post-esophagectomy/gastrectomy anastomotic dehiscence includes Self-Expandable Metal Stents (SEMS), which have represented the “gold standard” for many years, and Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT), which was recently introduced, showing promising results. The aim of the study was to compare outcomes of SEMS and EVT in the treatment of post-esophagectomy/gastrectomy anastomotic leaks, focusing on oncologic surgery. Methods: A systematic search was performed on Pubmed and Embase, identifying studies comparing EVT versus SEMS for the treatment of leaks after upper gastro-intestinal surgery for malignant or benign pathologies. The primary outcome was the rate of successful leak closure. A meta-analysis was conducted, performing an a priori-defined subgroup analysis for the oncologic surgery group. Results: Eight retrospective studies with 357 patients were eligible. Overall, the EVT group showed a higher success rate (odd ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% CI 1.43–4.66), a lower number of devices (pooled mean difference [pmd] 4.90, 95% CI 3.08–6.71), shorter treatment duration (pmd −9.18, 95% CI −17.05–−1.32), lower short-term complication (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.71) and mortality rates (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24–0.92) compared to stenting. In the oncologic surgery subgroup analysis, no differences in the success rate were found (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.74–3.40, I² = 0%). Conclusions: Overall, EVT has been revealed to be more effective and less burdened by complications compared to stenting. In the oncologic surgery subgroup analysis, efficacy rates were similar between the two groups. Further prospective data need to define a unique management algorithm for anastomotic leaks.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology is published by Nature Publishing Group (NPG) on behalf of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). Ranked the #1 clinical journal covering gastroenterology and hepatology*, The American Journal of Gastroenterology (AJG) provides practical and professional support for clinicians dealing with the gastroenterological disorders seen most often in patients. Published with practicing clinicians in mind, the journal aims to be easily accessible, organizing its content by topic, both online and in print. www.amjgastro.com, *2007 Journal Citation Report (Thomson Reuters, 2008)

Esophagectomy, while a pivotal treatment for esophageal cancer, is not without adverse events. Among these, anastomotic leak (AL) is the most feared complication, threatening patient lives and incurring significant healthcare costs. The management of AL is complex and lacks standardization. Given the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with redo-surgery, which poses risks for already fragile patients, various endoscopic treatments have been developed over time. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) were the most widely used treatment until the early 2000s. The mechanism of action of SEMSs includes covering the wall defect, protecting it from secretions, and promoting healing. In 2010, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) emerged as a viable alternative for treating ALs, quickly gaining acceptance in clinical practice. EVT involves placing a dedicated sponge under negative pressure inside or adjacent to the wall defect, aiming to clear the leak and promote granulation tissue formation. More recently, the VAC-Stent entered the scenario of endoscopic treatment of post-esophagectomy ALs. This device combines a fully covered SEMS with an integrated EVT sponge, blending the ability of SEMSs to exclude defects and maintain the patency of the esophageal lumen with the capacity of EVT to aspirate secretions and promote the formation of granulation tissue. Although the literature on this new device is not extensive, early results from the application of VAC-Stent have shown promising outcomes. This review aims to synthesize the preliminary efficacy and safety data on the device, thoroughly analyze its advantages over traditional techniques and disadvantages, explore areas for improvement, and propose future directions.

Anastomotic strictures are a common complication following esophagogastric surgery, with prevalence varying depending on the type of surgery and anatomical site. These strictures can lead to debilitating symptoms such as dysphagia, pain, and malabsorption, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Endoscopic treatment of anastomotic strictures has established a role as the first-line strategy in this setting instead of revision surgery, offering benefits in terms of lower morbidity. Various endoscopic methods are available for anastomotic stricture management, including balloon dilation, stent placement, the new lumen-apposing metal stent, and endoscopic incision techniques. However, there is currently no strong evidence and established guidelines for the optimal treatment strategy. Available data suggest that endoscopic treatments, when performed in tertiary referral centers, can provide favorable outcomes in terms of symptom relief and reduced need for rescue surgical intervention. Nonetheless, challenges remain regarding the management of recurrent strictures and procedural complications, underscoring the need for a personalized, multidisciplinary approach to optimize clinical outcomes. This review aims to provide an updated overview of endoscopic techniques and available evidence with a focus on the most recent technologies, supporting clinicians in effectively managing anastomotic strictures in complex clinical settings.