Abstract
Perforation of the gastric tube is a rare complication after surgery for esophageal cancer. We have experienced a case of perforation of the gastric tube occurring early time after surgery for esophageal cancer where the perforation was closed by using a hemostatic clip under esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The case involved a 73-year-old man who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer, followed by mediastinoscopic subtotal esophagectomy, reconstruction by a gastric roll via the retro-sternal route, and three-field lymph node dissection. A chest CT scan conducted on the 16th postoperative day (POD) revealed rupture at the wall of the gastric tube, and perforation of the gastric tube was diagnosed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy on the 17th POD. On the 21st POD, the perforated site at the gastric tube was closed by using a hemostatic clip. No further perforation had occurred, however, he died of recurrence on the 123rd POD.
It is common to employ the resection of the gastric tube and two-step reconstruction for the gastric tube perforation occurring in an early phase after surgery for esophageal cancer, but endoscopic closure using a hemostatic clip like in our case appears to be a therapy of choice.
