Evaluation of Esophageal Anastomotic Integrity With Serial Pleural Amylase Levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Serial PALs for the detection of esophageal anastomotic leaks proved to be accurate, safe, and inexpensive. Elimination of barium swallows and computed tomography scans for evaluation of anastomotic integrity may decrease aspiration risks as well as associated pulmonary failure during the postoperative period. Serial PALs may be the preferred method of detecting an anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. A prospective randomized study is warranted. PMID: 29191359 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29191359?dopt=Abstract

Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - December 29, 2017 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Miller DL, Helms GA, Mayfield WR Tags: Ann Thorac Surg Source Type: research