Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01480-z (2020)

Reviewer’ s report
Title: Three-tube method and covered metallic stent for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after
esophagectomy
Version: 0Date: 26 Aug 2020
Reviewer: Enzo Masci
Reviewer's report:
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The Authors performed a retrospective analysis on their experience in treating esophageal
anastomotic leaks. Results are reported on 24 patients.The results of this series are interesting.- The main concern it is that no information on the characteristics of the leaks are reported.Treatment results may be related to the size of the leak. In this sense, effective results ofbiodegradable fistulae plugs or fibrin glue application are generally observed only in small leaks.- The pictures of the two cases reported are not small leaks. I suggest considering the size ofthe leaks and comparing it with the treatment results.- Drainage of an abscess cavity is also possible percutaneously under CT Scan control and itis generally easier for the subsequent follow-up. It would be interesting to include a comparisonbetween endoscopic and radiologic drainage in the discussion.
- The more frequent complication was stent migration. Do you have any experience or
suggestion for reducing the migration rate (clips, SEMS with flaps, ...)?
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I agree to the terms of the CC-BY 4.0 license; please publish my name with my report.Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use of appropriate
controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence presented?
YesAre the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?Yes
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No
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