Symbolic illustration of endoscopic vacuum therapy repairing the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Life After Esophageal Repair: How Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy Impacts Long-Term Quality of Life

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how a minimally invasive approach to treating upper GI tract defects can lead to a satisfactory quality of life for patients."

Anastomotic leakages and perforations in the upper gastrointestinal tract (uGIT) can be serious complications. Fortunately, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has emerged as a successful treatment option. But what about life after the procedure? How does EVT impact a patient's long-term quality of life (QoL)?

Previously, there was a lack of data on the long-term quality of life following successful EVT for uGIT defects. Now, a recent prospective survey provides valuable insights by assessing the QoL of patients treated with EVT and comparing their outcomes to those who underwent esophagectomy without experiencing anastomotic insufficiency.

This article delves into the findings of this survey, exploring how EVT affects various aspects of a patient's life and highlighting the factors that contribute to a better overall QoL after undergoing this innovative treatment.

EVT and Quality of Life: What the Research Shows

Symbolic illustration of endoscopic vacuum therapy repairing the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The study, published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, assessed the long-term QoL of 52 patients treated with EVT for uGIT defects. Researchers compared these patients with 63 individuals who had undergone esophagectomy without experiencing anastomotic insufficiency. The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life-Index (GIQLI) score, determined through a 36-item questionnaire, was used to evaluate QoL.

Key findings from the study reveal:

Overall QoL: The median GIQLI score did not significantly differ between the EVT group and the non-EVT group, indicating a similar overall quality of life.
Specific Categories: While most categories showed no significant difference, the "social function" category favored patients who did not undergo EVT. However, other categories like 'symptoms', 'emotions', 'physical functions', and 'medical treatment' were comparable between both groups.
Factors Influencing QoL: A high GIQLI score was associated with a low ASA score (indicating better overall health), a benign pathology, and a shorter hospital stay (less than 21 days).

These findings suggest that EVT is well-tolerated by patients and leads to a satisfactory long-term QoL, comparable to those who undergo esophagectomy without complications. While social function may be slightly impacted, the overall benefits of EVT make it a valuable treatment option.

The Future of EVT and Quality of Life

This research provides valuable insights into the long-term impact of EVT on patient QoL. As EVT becomes increasingly recognized as a safe and effective treatment for uGIT defects, understanding its effects on various aspects of a patient's life is crucial.

While this study offers promising results, further research is needed to explore specific factors that may influence QoL after EVT. Future studies could focus on larger patient cohorts, different types of uGIT defects, and the impact of EVT compared to other treatment modalities.

Ultimately, EVT offers a promising approach to managing uGIT defects without negatively impacting long-term QoL. By addressing the underlying issue and supporting patients throughout the treatment process, healthcare professionals can help individuals regain their health and maintain a satisfactory quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11605-018-4038-9, Alternate LINK

Title: Long-Term Quality Of Life Assessment After Successful Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy Of Defects In The Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Quality Of Life After Evt

Subject: Gastroenterology

Journal: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Sameer A. Dhayat, Rosanna Schacht, Rudolf Mennigen, Daniel Palmes, Thomas Vogel, Thorsten Vowinkel, Norbert Senninger, Mike Georg Laukoetter

Published: 2018-11-14

Everything You Need To Know

What is Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT)?

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT) is a minimally invasive treatment used to repair defects, like anastomotic leakages and perforations, in the upper gastrointestinal tract (uGIT). It is a successful treatment option that offers a way to address serious complications in the uGIT.

What is the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)?

The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) is a 36-item questionnaire used to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients. It evaluates different aspects of a patient's life, including symptoms, emotions, physical functions, social function, and medical treatment. This tool is used to compare the QoL of patients treated with Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT) to those who underwent esophagectomy without complications.

What were the key findings regarding quality of life after Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT)?

The study found that the overall quality of life for patients treated with Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT) was similar to those who underwent esophagectomy without experiencing anastomotic insufficiency. The GIQLI scores were comparable between the two groups, indicating that EVT is a well-tolerated treatment option that leads to a satisfactory long-term QoL. However, the 'social function' category slightly favored the patients who did not undergo EVT.

What factors contribute to a better quality of life after undergoing treatment?

Factors influencing a high Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) score include a low ASA score (indicating better overall health), a benign pathology, and a shorter hospital stay (less than 21 days). These factors highlight the importance of overall health and the impact of the treatment on recovery time in achieving a better quality of life after Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT).

What are the implications of Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT) for patients?

The implications of Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT) are that it offers a safe and effective treatment option for uGIT defects, leading to a satisfactory long-term quality of life (QoL). The research provides valuable insights into the long-term impact of EVT on patient QoL, reinforcing its value as a treatment for serious complications. As EVT becomes increasingly recognized, its positive effects on various aspects of a patient's life are crucial.