Outpatient closure in a late colo-cutaneous postoperative anastomotic leak managed with EVAC in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Case report

After Hartmann-type colostomy, the adequate selection of some patients allows reversal and closure of the colostomy, however, this reversal is not free of complications. Among complications, anastomotic leaks and fistulae can have functional, economic, and oncological consequences. Complications have been treated with surgery; yet, this management has changed considerably in recent years, moving towards less invasive therapies. This is the report of a 42-year-old man with a history of closed abdominal trauma with perforation of the sigmoid colon managed with a Hartmann-type colostomy. Six months later, he was admitted for a Hartmann reversal procedure without immediate complications. He was assessed again after 4 months observing a small area of erythema and periumbilical edema. EUS was performed without evidence of collections. Colonoscopy evidenced a 7-mm fistulous orifice in the colocolonic anastomosis. The Endo-VAC system was used, performing endoscopically exchanges twice a week following a low-residue diet. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis and the closure of the leak hole in the colonic anastomosis was achieved in 30 days. Endoluminal vacuum therapy or EVAC, is an adaptation of the therapy used for negative pressure wound closure. This minimally invasive technique has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal leaks and fistulae in selected patients and within a hospital setting. Our case presents the use of this technique in a late colocutaneous postoperative leak on an outpatient basis. To the best of our knowledge we report the first case of a late colocutaneous anastomotic leak managed with EVAC on an outpatient basis. •Endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVAC) is an adaptation of the therapy used for negative pressure wound closure.•We report the first case of a late colocutaneous postoperative fistula managed with EVAC on an outpatient basis.•In selected patients, the EndoVac therapy can be performed using easily accessible and low-cost supplies.