Esophageal Stenting and Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Esophageal Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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https://doi.org/10.71079/ASIDE.IM.07262576Abstract
Background: Spontaneous esophageal perforation, particularly Boerhaave syndrome, is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Traditional surgical management is increasingly being supplemented by minimally invasive approaches, including esophageal stenting and endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT). However, the optimal treatment strategy remains debated due to variations in reported outcomes and the lack of randomized controlled trials. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of esophageal stenting and EVT in managing esophageal defects by specifically assessing sealing rates, failure rates, and mortality.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to March 24, 2025. Only observational studies and case series were included. The primary outcomes were the pooled sealing rate, failure rate, and mortality for esophageal stenting, and the closure rate for EVT. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.
Results: Fourteen studies on esophageal stenting demonstrated a pooled sealing rate of 86.1% (95% CI: 80.2–92.0%) with a failure rate of 14.9% (95% CI: 8.5–21.3%). Mortality associated with stenting was 7.4% (95% CI: 3.5–11.4%). EVT studies reported a closure rate ranging from 80% to 94%.
Conclusion: Both esophageal stenting and EVT show high efficacy in sealing esophageal defects. Although EVT exhibits promising closure rates, further comparative studies are needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines.
Keywords:
Esophageal Stenting, Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy, Esophageal Defects, Meta-analysis, Observational StudiesReferences
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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Saqib, Muhammad Iftikhar, Khaqan Ahmed, Humna Shahid, Shehr I Yar Khan, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Hassan Mumtaz
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Article history
- Received
- 21 Apr 2025
- Received in revised form
- 3 Jul 2025
- Accepted
- 16 Jul 2025
- Published
- 26 Jul 2025
