Endovascular Management of Gastric Conduit Hemorrhage Following Transthoracic Esophagectomy

Abstract

Seven patients underwent angiography and attempted embolization for massive hemorrhage of the gastric conduit after transthoracic esophagectomy. Endoscopy revealed ulcers in 5 patients, tumor recurrence in 1 patient, and unknown etiology in 1 patient. Arteriography revealed extravasation, pseudoaneurysm, or tumor blush arising from the intercostal artery (n ¼ 4) or right gastric artery (n ¼ 2), which were successfully embolized. The bleeding source was not identified in 1 patient, who died from persistent hemorrhage.