Necrotizing pelvic infection after rectal resection - a rare indication of endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy. A case report

Abstract Introduction Anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery is a major problem associated with higher morbidity and mortality. In most cases of contained leaks, treatment recommendations are clear and effective. However, in rare cases like necrotizing pelvic infection, there is no clear treatment of choice, despite the mortality rate almost 21 %. We present successful management with endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy. The presentation of a case A 68-year-old female patient with BMI 26, hypothyroidism and high blood pressure was indicated to low anterior rectal resection because of high-risk neoplasia of lateral spreading tumor type of the upper rectum. Four days after the primary operation, sepsis (SOFA 12) with diffuse peritonitis and unconfirmed leak according to CT led to surgical revision with loop ileostomy. On postoperative days 6-10, swelling, inflammation and subsequent necrosis of the right groin and femoral region communicating with the leak cavity developed. The endoscopy confirmed a leak of 30 % of the anastomotic circumference with the indication of debridement and endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy. EVAC sessions with 3-4 day intervals healed the leak cavity. Secondary healing of the skin defects required 4 months. Conclusion Necrotizing pelvic infection after a leak of the colorectal anastomosis is a very rare complication with high morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy should be implemented in the multimodal therapeutic strategy in case of major leaks, affecting up to 270 degrees of the anastomotic circumference.