Role of endoscopic vacuum therapy in the management of gastrointestinal transmural defects

Figure 1 Sponge placement. A: Intraluminal endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT); B: Intracavitary EVT.

Figure 2 Open-pore polyurethane sponge drain. A: Open-pore polyurethane sponge; B: Open-pore polyurethane sponge drain for endoscopic vacuum therapy.

Figure 3 Open-pore film drain. A: Open-pore film; B: Open-pore film drain for endoscopic vacuum therapy.

Figure 4 A low cost modified endoscopic vacuum therapy drain system made with a gauze coated with perforated sterile plastic.

Figure 5 Endoscopic vacuum therapy in the management of an esophageal defect. A: Complete dehiscence of the esophageal leak and the mediastinal drainage; B: Open-pore polyurethane foam drain; C: Intracavitary sponge placement; D: Granulation tissue after second sponge exchange; E: Granulation tissue after fourth sponge exchange; F: Reduction of the defect size after seven sponge exchanges; G: Complete closure after nine sponge exchanges; H: Scar after esophageal closure with endoscopic vacuum therapy.