Treatment of Surgical Complications by Endoscopic Approaches

After digestive surgery (removal of the esophagus, stomach, bariatric surgery for weight loss, removal of part of the colon), leakage can sometimes occur at the digestive suture (or a fistula if it persists over time). This may lead to a local abdominal infection and other complications.

Our endoscopy team has developed a range of techniques to treat these complications endoscopically, sometimes in combination with radiological treatment, in order to avoid reoperation. It is thus possible to temporarily place an oesophago-gastric stent, use vacuum-assisted therapies or place an internal drain to achieve healing. Likewise, after pancreatico-biliary surgery, leakage of bile or pancreatic secretions may occur. Various approaches allow these to be resolved using the different endoscopic techniques available (retrograde/percutaneous cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage, etc.).

The management of these potential complications requires discussion between the surgical, radiological and endoscopic teams in order to choose the best solution for each patient. The daily availability of all techniques makes it possible to rapidly treat patients who require it. The expertise of the Endoscopy Clinic team, specifically in the management of these complications, as well as its available equipment, make it a renowned centre for this activity, to which many patients are referred by other hospitals.

If you suffer from a surgical complication, speak to your doctor. They can contact the physicians of the Endoscopy Clinic to discuss a possible endoscopic treatment by telephone at +32 (0)2 555 32 72.

Numerous scientific publications have been produced by the members of the department in recent years on this topic (oesophago-gastric stents or double pigtail prostheses to treat leaks after bariatric surgery, ultrasound-guided drainage or retrograde cholangiography for postoperative biliary leaks, for example).

In addition, within the department, a new instrument is being developed to automatically cut and resolve post-surgical problems of diverticula and strictures that prevent patients from eating properly (Candy cane syndrome). Studies are ongoing to treat patients who need it using this new instrument.