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A minimally invasive option for the treatment of persistent postoperative esophageal leak


A Al-Rabeah
SA Jadaan
O Oda
MA Namshan
S Crankson
M Zamakhshary

Abstract

Persistent postoperative leaks in esophageal surgery in children are highly morbid. They usually require technically difficult major reoperations. A less invasive approach is always desirable. During the period 2003 to 2007, we used a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of persistent postoperative esophageal leaks in two children by injection of fibrin glue into the leak site through a small catheter that was introduced through the chest tube. The procedure was successful in one case. We introduce this approach as an alternative to surgery. We found it to be a safe and viable option for the treatment of persistent postoperative esophageal leaks.

Keywords: chest tube, esophageal leak, fibrin glue


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eISSN: 1687-4137
print ISSN: 1687-4137