Effects of endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy on the perfusion of gastric conduit in a porcine model for esophagectomy

BackgroundAfter esophagectomy, the postoperative rate of anastomotic leakage is up to 30% and is the main driver of postoperative morbidity. Contemporary management includes endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy (EndoVAC) with good success rates. Vacuum therapy improves tissue perfusion in superficial wounds, but this has not been shown for gastric conduits. This study aimed to assess gastric conduit perfusion with EndoVAC in a porcine model for esophagectomy. Material and methods A porcine model (n=18) was used with gastric conduit formation and induction of ischemia at the cranial end of the gastric conduit with measurement of tissue perfusion over time. In three experimental groups EndoVAC therapy was then used in the gastric conduit (-40, -125, and -200 mmHg). Changes in tissue perfusion and tissue edema were assessed using hyperspectral imaging. The study was approved by local authorities (Project License G-333/19, G-67/22). Results Induction of ischemia led to significant reduction of tissue oxygenation from 65.12.5% to 44.75.5% (p<0.01). After EndoVAC therapy with-125 mmHg a significant increase in tissue oxygenation to 61.95.5% was seen after 60 min and stayed stable after 120 min (62.9 +/- 9.4%, p<0.01 vs tissue ischemia). A similar improvement was seen with EndoVAC therapy at-200 mmHg. A nonsignificant increase in oxygenation levels was also seen after therapy with -40 mmHg, from 46.3 +/- 3.4% to 52.5 +/- 4.3% and 53.9 +/- 8.1% after 60 and 120 min respectively (p>0.05). An increase in tissue edema was observed after 60 and 120 min of EndoVAC therapy with-200 mmHg but not with-40 and-125 mmHg. Conclusions EndoVAC therapy with a pressure of-125 mmHg significantly increased tissue perfusion of ischemic gastric conduit. With better understanding of underlying physiology the optimal use of EndoVAC therapy can be determined including a possible preemptive use for gastric conduits with impaired arterial perfusion or venous congestion. [GRAPHICS] .