The value of ionic-contrast esophagogram in diagnosis of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the value of ionic-contrast esophagogram in diagnosis of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy.Methods The data of 728 patients suffered esophagectomy were retrospectively collected.723 patients without clinical manifestations of anastomotic leakage were divided into group A(esophagogram before eating,n=465) and group B(non-esophagogram before eating,n=258).The incidence of anastomotic leakage was compared between the two groups.Results The discovery rates of anastomotic leakage in group A and B were 0.43%(2/465) and 0.78%(2/258),respectively,the difference was no statistically significant between the two group(P=0.55).The total incidence rates of anastomotic leakage in group A and B were 0.65%(3/465) and 0.78%(2/258),respectively,the difference was no statistically significant between the two groups(P=0.84).5 patients with clinically suspected anastomotic leakage,all had loculated pleural effusion,4 cases had fever,and 2 cases had abnormal chest drainage.Finally,4 cases(80%) were confirmed to be anastomotic leak by esophagogram.Conclusion Routine ionic-contrast esophagogram before eating do not improve intrathoracic anastomotic leakage detection rate after esophagectomy,but when patients have fever,loculated pleural effusion and abnormal chest drainage,esophagogram is necessary and can improve the detection rate of esophageal anastomotic leak.CT radiography may detect smaller anastomotic leakage than conventional esophagogram.