Endovascular embolization for managing anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis

Background Anastomotic bleeding is an infrequent but life-threatening complication after stapled digestive tract anastomosis. Endovascular embolization is one of the available treatments, but precise clinical outcomes are yet to be evaluated. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular embolization for managing anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis. Material and Methods Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Curative effect was summed for analysis. Results All bleeding arteries were located in the stoma and were identified by contrast agent spillover by DSA. The offending arteries were superselectively catheterized and embolized with microcoils and/or gelatin sponge particles. Laboratory examinations showed normal hemoglobin and red blood cell counts when the patients’ abdominal cavity drainage tubes stopped draining blood. The follow-up period was 3.2–84.7 months (median, 19.7 months). Four patients died during this time, of which two had cholangiocarcinoma, one had gastric cancer with tumor recurrence and multiple organ failure, and the final patient had a subarachnoid hemorrhage 4 months after embolization. In the surviving patients, no rebleeding occurred after embolization and no additional intervention or surgery was required. Conclusion Endovascular embolization is safe and effective for managing anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis.