19. ERAS GUIDELINES-DRIVEN UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL CONTRAST STUDY AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY CAN DETECT DELAYED GASTRIC CONDUIT EMPTYING AND IMPROVE OUTCOMES

Abstract

Abstract Delayed gastric conduit emptying can occur after esophagectomy and has been shown to be associated with increased risk for postoperative complications. Application of a standardized clinical protocol after esophagectomy including an upper gastrointestinal contrast study has the potential to improve postoperative outcomes. Prospective cohort including all patients operated with esophagectomy at two high-volume centers for esophageal surgery. The standardized clinical protocol included an upper gastrointestinal contrast study on day 2 or 3 after surgery. All images were compiled and evaluated for the purpose of the study. Clinical data was collected in IRB approved institutional databases at the participating centers. The study included 119 patients of whom 112 (94.1%) completed an upper gastrointestinal contrast study. The results showed that 8 (7.1%) patients had no emptying of contrast from the gastric conduit, partial emptying was seen in in 34 (30.4%) patients, and 70 (62.5%) patients had complete conduit emptying. Complete or partial emptying was associated with significantly earlier nasogastric tube removal (3 vs. 6 days) and hospital discharge 8 vs. 17 days, P < 0.001). Radiological signs of delayed gastric conduit emptying were shown to be associated with increased risk of postoperative complications. There was, however no association with severe postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo score, pulmonary complications, anastomotic leaks or need for intensive care. The results of the study demonstrate that postoperative upper gastrointestinal contrast studies can be used to assess the level of emptying of the gastric conduit after esophagectomy. Application of upper gastrointestinal contrast study in the ERAS guidelines-driven standardized clinical pathway after esophagectomy can improve postoperative outcomes.