Endo-SPONGE ® treatment for anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery

Anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery is a serious, fearful and the most important complication mainly after anterior resection of the rectum and is the main cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Endo-SPONGE (B-Braun Medical ® ), an endoluminal vacuum therapy minimally invasive, was shown to be an effective alternative in the treatment of colorectal anastomotic leakage with local infection in the minor pelvis. A case of endoscopic closure of anastomotic leakage is shown after anterior resection of the rectum using an endo- sponge and the role of this new device in the treatment of anastomotic leakage is discussed. © 2012 Sociedade Portuguesa de Gastrenterologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.