Transnasal inner drainage: an option for managing anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy

Purpose: Anastomotic leakage, a serious complication of esophagectomy, continues to contribute to high surgery-related mortality. Management of anastomotic leakage has become a serious concern for surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of transnasal inner drainage using a Salem Sump tube for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. Methods: We inserted a Salem Sump tube into the esophagus through one nostril. By using a 0.035-inch guide wire under fluoroscopic guidance, we advanced this drainage tube into the abscess through the site of the anastomotic leakage. We also used upper endoscopy if necessary. Results: We performed transnasal inner drainage in five patients with anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. The average interval from the operation to diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was 7.8 days (median: 7, range: 3–18 days). The average duration of drainage was 15.8 days (median: 16, range: 11–21 days). No patients required additional surgical treatment and there was no operative mortality. No stricture was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Transnasal inner drainage is successful, and may decrease the duration of drainage and reduce surgery-related mortality caused by anastomotic leakage. Additionally, this technique enables treatment of abscesses that cannot be managed by percutaneous drainage because of their locations, and can be safely undertaken in most institutions. Transnasal inner drainage is a safe, useful, inexpensive, and minimally invasive method, which may be an option for management of post-esophagectomy anastomotic leakage.