Chinese expert consensus on the surgical treatment for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (Edition 2024)

Abstract

The publication of Chinese expert consensus on the surgical treatment for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (2018 edition) has widely accelerated the standardization and homogenization on the surgical treatment of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG). In China, the surgical outcomes of AEG, the universality and practicability of this consensus has also been affirmed after the clinical practice during the past 5 years. Due to the persistent increasing incidence of AEG, the specificity on anatomic site, clinicopathological characteristics, molecular biological characteristics, AEG had been always the hotspot of many clinical trials and more clinical evidences had been published. However, its definition, classification, staging, surgical approach, resection pattern, extent of lymphadenectomy, and the digestive tract reconstruction etc. remain controversial. In light of the above, it is necessary to update the 2018 edition of consensus. The Chinese expert consensus on the surgical treatment for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (2024 edition) is generated based on the currently available and best clinical evidence, the latest global guidelines or consensuses, and the opinions from the Chinese expert panel. The present consensus focuses on the key points of surgical treatment and issues in dispute, and provides scientific recommendations. The goal of this expert consensus was to improve the homogeneity in understanding and practice between Chinese thoracic and gastrointestinal surgeons, and to further standardize surgical treatment of AEG. Those pending issues in this consensus need high-quality clinical research to further investigate.