Effectiveness and safety of bovine pericardium patch repair for cervical anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy for cancer

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bovine pericardium patch (BPP) repair for cervical anastomotic leakage after esophageal squamous cancer. Methods: Intractable cervical anastomotic leakage developed in 7 patients of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing cervical anastomosis. These patients received the BPP repair. The necrotic tissue around the cervical anastomosis was removed during the operation, and the defect was repaired with BPP according to the size of the leakage. Results: The operative duration was 60–90 min (median, 75 min). There were no signs of recurrent anastomotic leakage in each patient undergoing BPP repair. Oral intake was initiated 5–8 days (median, 6 days) after the BPP repair operation without any discomfort. Conclusions: The BPP repair is a safe and effective processing scheme for patients with cervical anastomotic fistula after resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This method may be recommended for appropriate patients with intractable cervical anastomotic fistula.