Esophagogastric Anastomosis Research Articles

435. CIRCULAR-STAPLED ESOPHAGOGASTROSTOMY USING THE KEYHOLE PROCEDURE: TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Abstract Background The optimal reconstruction method after radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has been under debate. For avoiding an anastomotic stricture, we developed a novel method of circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy by employing the keyhole procedure, which uses a linear stapler (LS) to enlarge the anastomotic opening made with a circular stapler (CS). We report the technique and the clinical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 70 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy and reconstruction via cervical CS-mediated anastomosis with or without the keyhole procedure between 2018 and 2020. The primary outcome was postoperative anastomotic stricture incidence within 180 days after surgery. Surgical procedures: After a 3.5 cm-wide gastric conduit was created, the blood supply was examined via indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. Usually, anastomosis was made at the site which was dominated by the last branch of the right epiploic artery owing to Kocher’s maneuver. The CS was inserted through the anterior wall of the gastric conduit, and the end-to-side anastomosis was established on the greater curvature side of the gastric conduit. Then, a 45-mm long LS was used to create a keyhole over the circular staples, and the entry hole was closed with a 60-mm long LS. Results Among 70 patients, 22 underwent the keyhole procedure (CS + K group) and the remaining did not (CS group). A smaller CS was used in the CS + K group (p < 0.001). The incidence of anastomotic stricture was significantly different (CS vs. CS + K, 18.8 vs. 0%, p = 0.049), especially when a 21 or 23 mm CS was used (CS vs. CS + K, 50.0 vs. 0%, p = 0.005). The univariate analysis confirmed that CS ≤ 23 without a keyhole was a significant risk factor (p = 0.001). Conclusions The keyhole procedure could be a simple and useful alternative technique that reduces the risk of stricture formation in the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, especially when using the smaller-sized CS.

374. RADIOGRAPHICALLY-DETERMINED FRAILTY IS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPAIRED GASTRIC CONDUIT PERFUSION DURING ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Frailty is considered a preoperative risk factor for complications after esophagectomy while impaired gastric conduit perfusion is associated with anastomotic leaks. Patients with impaired conduit perfusion may be candidates for gastric ischemic preconditioning, a surgical procedure performed prior to definitive esophagectomy to improve gastric conduit perfusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between radiographic determinants of frailty (morphomics) and gastric conduit perfusion assessed during esophagectomy. Methods Patients undergoing an esophagectomy with a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (2015–2021) were included. Preoperative CT scans were processed using semiautomated algorithms (MATLAB; MathWorks, MA) to assess skeletal muscle (cross-sectional area, Martin’s criteria), subcutaneous fat (cross-sectional area, decreased when below the cut-off) and bone mineral density (decreased when below the cut-off). Indocyanine green perfusion was assessed intraoperatively (SPY Elite; Stryker, MI) and Ingress Index was calculated (standardized perfusion at the evaluated point). The morphomic index (MI), as an indicator of frailty, was determined using the number of decreased morphomic factors present (0–3). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. Results One hundred and thirty-six patients were evaluated, with 25 patients developing anastomotic leaks (18.4%). Morphomic indices (MIs) of 2 or 3 were independently associated with reduced Ingress Index (p = 0.019 and 0.004, Table). In a sub-analysis for MI, MIs of 2 or 3 were associated with higher age (p = 0.029), lower BMI (p = 0.003), and cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, and vascular disease, p = 0.017). Other patient demographic factors including age, sex, and comorbidities did not affect Ingress Index. Conclusion Higher Morphomic Index (indicating lower than normal radiographic measures) were associated with impaired gastric conduit perfusion. More patients will be needed to investigate whether increased MI also is associated with development of anastomotic leaks. These findings may be useful in risk stratification and preoperative decision making in patients undergoing esophagectomy. Patients with MI of 2 or higher should be considered for gastric ischemic preconditioning.

184. INTRATHORACIC SIDE-OVERLAP ESOPHAGOGASTROSTOMY DURING MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCER

Abstract Backgrounds Surgical algorithm for esophagogastric junction cancer have been proposed according to the results of a recent prospective study. However, reconstruction method has yet to be standardized. Esophagogastrostomy is often performed for esophagogastric junction cancer with esophageal invasion, although, it has been related to frequent and severe complications. Recently, we have introduced IntraThoracic Side-overlap EsophagoGastrostomy (ITS-EG), an eazy and novel intrathoracic anastomotic method with reflux prevention mechanism during minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patient backgrounds and surgical/short term outcomes for the patient who underwent ITS-EG during minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer between February 2018 to April 2023 at our institute. Results The study cohort included ten patients, with a median age of 67 (55–77) years. All tumors were classified as Siewert type II, and the median esophageal invasion length was 32 (11.8–40) cm. After extended proximal gastrectomy, patients underwent either thoracoscopic (five patients) or robot-assisted (five patients) minimally invasive esophagectomy followed by ITS-EG. ITS-EG consist of overlap anastomosis utilizing surgical stapler, and reflux prevention mechanism owing to the creation of pseudo-fornix and a slit-shaped anastomosis. The initial case suffered anastomotic leakage, however, recovered by conservative measures. All the other patients had an uneventful recovery without reflux esophagitis nor anastomotic stricture. Conclusion ITS-EG is an easy and safe esophagogastric anastomosis with reflux prevention mechanism during minimally invasive esophagectomy, and may be considered for esophagogastric junction cancers with esophageal invasion. Further accumulation of cases is needed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ITS-EG. Surgical procedure for ITS-EG would be presented by video.

Successful resuscitation from acute coronary syndrome during mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy: a case report

BackgroundAlthough unexpected cardiac arrest is a very rare intraoperative complication, strategies regarding preoperative screening and procedures to be taken in the event of an emergency need to be well established.Case presentationA man in his late 70 s diagnosed with thoracic esophageal cancer, cT3N1M0, and cStage III was admitted. His metabolic equivalents were 4 or more. Electrocardiogram (ECG), ultrasound cardiography, and hematological examinations revealed no severe abnormalities. Computed tomography (CT) showed highly calcified coronary arteries. We performed mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy. Procedures in the mediastinum involving access from the neck and abdomen were completed uneventfully. Middle mediastinal lymph node dissection and gastrointestinal reconstruction with the patient in the prone position were scheduled for later. However, before the change in position, pulseless nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) suddenly occurred and caused blood pressure to drop sharply to below 30 mmHg. The VT disappeared in approximately 20 s, and there was a return to sinus rhythm after cardiac resuscitation; however, the ECG showed a decrease in the ST segments of leads II, III, and aVF. Immediately thereafter, the patient was transferred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for percutaneous coronary intervention. Cardiac catheterization revealed diffuse stenosis of 90% in the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery (segment no. 6). Plain old balloon angioplasty and stent placement were performed. Dual antiplatelet therapy was needed. On the next day, thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed in the left lateral decubitus position, followed by cervical esophagostomy in the supine position. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and thoracic aortic dissection on the 5th postoperative day (POD) and intraperitoneal bleeding on the 16th POD. On the 105th POD, laparoscopic-assisted cervical esophagogastric anastomosis was performed. Parkinson’s disease was diagnosed on the 126th POD. On the 313th POD, the patient was discharged.ConclusionSurgeons should be familiar with the guidelines for patient screening and management of intraoperative cardiac arrest. In patients with severe coronary artery calcification, further investigation such as coronary angiography CT may be necessary before esophagectomy. Furthermore, highly invasive surgery should be performed in well-equipped hospitals.

Esophageal replacement with pedunculated gastric conduit interposition and duodenal transection for refractory anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy

BackgroundLeakage of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis is a serious complication of esophagectomy. However, there is no established way to treat the anastomosis leakage.Case presentationThe case is a 69-year-old man with locally advanced esophageal and two early gastric cancers. After induction chemotherapy, we performed minimally invasive esophagectomy, but on postoperative day 11, the anastomotic leakage was observed. Nutritional therapy, negative-pressure wound therapy, and suture closure could not treat it. Therefore, we performed pedunculated gastric conduit interposition with duodenal transection. In this procedure, the main trunk of the right gastroepiploic artery and vein was preserved, and the duodenum and gastric antrum are resected with cutting the branch from the right gastroepiploic artery and vein to gastric antrum, which dramatically improved the flexibility of the gastric conduit, and it is pulled up through the subcutaneous route. Improved blood supply and flexibility of the gastric conduit enabled a tension-free and safe anastomosis.ConclusionsThe flexibility and favorable blood flow of pedunculated gastric conduit interposition with duodenal transection can be an effective treatment option for refractory anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive laparo-thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with semi-mechanical triangular anastomosis: Short-term outcomes of 114 consecutive patients.

Several surgical teams have developed so-called minimally invasive esophagectomy techniques with the intention of decreasing post-operative complications. The goal of this report is to determine the feasibility, reproducibility, morbidity and mortality of esophagectomy and intrathoracic anastomosis via thoracoscopy. This retrospective series included 114 consecutive non-selected patients who underwent Lewis Santy type esophagectomy between 2016 and 2020. The procedure was performed via abdominal laparoscopy, thoracoscopy with the patient in a supine position, without selective intubation, with intra-thoracic semi-mechanical triangular esophagogastric anastomosis. Mean patient age was 62.8years. Conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy was required in three patients (2.6%); no patient required conversion from thoracoscopy to thoracotomy. A semi-mechanical triangular esophagogastric anastomosis was successfully performed in all patients. Median duration of hospital stay was 16 (8-116) days. Mortality was 2.6%; 34 patients (29.8%) had major complications, 55 (48%) had a respiratory complication. The leakage rate was 12.3%; most were type I. Only 5.2% required an additional procedure. There was no mortality. The analysis of this consecutive series found that this operative technique was reproducible and reliable. These results need to be confirmed by other studies. Pulmonary morbidity was high and remains the main challenge in this type of surgery.

Impact of Minimally Invasive Intrathoracic Hand-sewn Esophago-gastric Anastomosis in Esophagectomy for Cancer.

Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is considered the gold standard approach for the treatment of distal esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction Siewert I-II tumors. Minimally invasive esophagectomy has provided improved outcomes compared to the open approach, offering reduced morbidity, and improved clinical and oncological outcomes. This is the largest study so far reporting the impact of hand-sewn esophago-gastric anastomosis in the prone position, during the 2-stage totally minimally invasive esophagectomy. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data regarding consecutive patients with distal-esophageal and gastroesophageal junction Siewert I-II tumors was conducted. All patients underwent 2-stage totally minimally invasive esophagectomy with thoracoscopic manual esophago-gastric anastomosis in the prone position. Clinical and oncological outcomes were examined and presented. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients were included in the study during a period of five years. Median operative time was 320 minutes, while median time for the construction of anastomosis was 45 minutes. We had no conversions to open esophagectomy. Anastomotic leakage was observed in 2% of the patients; anastomotic stricture rate reached up to 7.33%. Respiratory complications were seen in 18% and cardiac complications in 6.66% of the patients, respectively. Thirty-day mortality and 90-day mortality rates were 1.33% and 2.66%, accordingly. Intrathoracic hand-sewn esophago-gastric anastomosis in the prone position during totally minimally invasive esophagectomy has provided favorable outcomes in our cohort of patients, offering significantly reduced anastomotic-related complications, compared to other standardized techniques. Further prospective comparative studies are needed, to better interpret and amplify our results, that may lead to a paradigm shift regarding the preferred method of reconstruction from esophageal surgeons.

Impact of intravenous injection of glucagon on anastomotic leakage in esophagectomy

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage after esophagectomy affects the early postoperative state and prognosis. However, effective measures to prevent anastomotic leakage in esophagogastric anastomosis have not been established. MethodsThis single-center, retrospective, observational study included 147 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2010 and 2020. Glucagon was administered to extend the gastric tube in patients who underwent esophagectomy from January 2016. The patients were divided into two groups: a glucagon-treated group (2016–2020) and a control group (2010–2015). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was compared between the two groups for evaluation of the preventive effects of glucagon administration on anastomotic leakage. ResultsThe length of the gastric tube from the pyloric ring to the final branch of the right gastroepiploic artery was extended by 2.8 cm after glucagon injection. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly lower in the glucagon-treated group (19% vs. 38%; p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis showed that glucagon injection was the only independent factor associated with a reduction in anastomotic leakage (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.87). Esophagogastric anastomosis was performed proximal to the final branch of the right gastroepiploic artery in 37% patients in the glucagon-treated group, and these cases showed a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage than did those with anastomosis distal to the final branch of the right gastroepiploic artery (10% vs. 25%, p = 0.087). ConclusionsExtension of the gastric tube by intravenous glucagon administration during gastric mobilization in esophagectomy for esophageal cancer may be effective in preventing anastomotic leakage.

Fully Robotic Side-to-Side Linear-Stapled Anastomosis During Robotic Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.

The adoption of robotic surgery for esophageal cancer has been expanding rapidly over the recent years. In the setting of two-field esophagectomy, different techniques exist for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis, although the superiority of one over another has not been clearly demonstrated. Potential benefits in terms of anastomotic leakage and stenosis have been reported in association with a linear-stapled anastomosis as compared to the more widespread techniques of circular mechanical and hand-sewn reconstructions, however, there is still limited reported evidence on its application to robotic surgery. We here report our fully robotic technique of side-to-side, semi-mechanical anastomosis. All consecutive patients undergoing fully robotic esophagectomy featuring intrathoracic side-to-side stapled anastomosis by a single surgical team were included in this analysis. Operative technique is detailed, and perioperative data are assessed. A total of 49 patients were included. There were no intraoperative complications and no conversion occurred. The rate of overall postoperative morbidity was 25, 14% being the relative rate of major complications. With anastomotic-related morbidity in particular, one patient developed minor anastomotic leakage. Our experience demonstrates that a linear, side-to-side fully robotic stapled anastomosis can be created with a high technical success and minimal incidence of anastomosis-related morbidity.

A novel laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy esophagogastric anastomosis procedure with left placket muscle flap plasty (modified Kamikawa anastomosis): Two cases report and brief literature review

Background: The use of left placket single muscle flap covered anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy has not been reported in the literature. The occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux after proximal gastrectomy is closely related to the mode of digestive tract reconstruction. The currently available digestive tract reconstruction approach affects patient’s postoperative quality of life due to the disadvantages of gastroesophageal reflux and anastomotic stenosis. Therefore, the use of left open flap single muscle flap covered anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy may improve the postoperative quality of life of patients. We present a case report and literature review to illustrate the therapeutic results of left-opening single muscle flap covered anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy. Case presentation: Two male patients with average age of 70.5 years and average BMI of 20.5 underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with an intraoperative left open flap single muscle flap covered overlap anastomosis. The average duration of surgery was 277.5 min, with average intraoperative bleeding of 100 ml, and no anastomotic stenosis was detected by contrast examination on the sixth postoperative day. The postoperative exhaust time was 3 days in both cases, liquid diet was given for 7 days and discharged from the hospital on the 8th day after operation. On an average 19 lymph nodes were dissected. The postoperative pathological stages were T3N2M0 and T1bN0M0. No gastroesophageal reflux or anastomotic fistula was detected in the recent follow-up. Conclusion: The application of the left flap covering the overlap anastomosis in laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy has achieved good results. Multi center large sample clinical studies are needed to further determine its role in gastroesophageal reflux.

Reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy for cancer

The study on gastrointestinal tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy (PG) for stomach cancer aimed to identify the most optimal way to restore the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. The study involved a comparative analysis of 23 papers with a total of 1,517 cases of reconstructions after PG from four countries during the period 2010—2021. The five most commonly described types of reconstruction after PG were analyzed: jejunal interposition, esophagogastric anastomosis, ‘double tract' reconstruction, ‘double flap' reconstruction, and jejunal pouch interposition. The comparison criteria included the duration of surgeries, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, as well as postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, reflux esophagitis, and residual food. The results of the study can provide valuable insights for surgeons in choosing the most optimal type of reconstruction after PG, thus reducing the risk of postoperative complications and improving the quality of life of patients with stomach cancer.

Comparison of Pressure Resistances of Different Esophagogastric Anastomosis Techniques: An Ex Vivo Ovine Model Study

Background: Current anastomosis techniques including conventional esophageal (CEAT) and region expanding anastomosis techniques (REAT) in esophagus cancer surgeries have high mortality and morbidity rates, which underlines the lack of a golden standard method. Anastomosis techniques are one of responsible factors for stricture formation. In this regard, the study conducted on ex vivo ovine tissues was aimed to compare pressure resistances of different anastomosis techniques in term of stricture formation. Methods: Thirty-five esophagus and gastric samples from 35 male lambs aged 12 months were used ex vivo for the study. Samples were divided into 5 groups according to anastomosis techniques including Hand-Made Sutured Technique (HM), Circular Stapler Sutured Technique (CS), Reinforced Circular Stapler Sutured Technique (rCS), Modified Plus “+” Incision Technique (mP+IT), and Modified Arrow-Bow Hand-Made Sutured Technique (mabHM). The intraluminal pressure resistance of the CEAT (e.g. the HM, CS and rCS) and REAT (e.g. the mP+IT and mabHM) were recorded. Results: The pressures of different incision techniques from the highest to the lowest were found as follows: the rCS (114.71±3.77 cm H2O) > the CS (95.43±3.45 cm H2O) > the HM (84.14±3.67cm H2O) > the mabHM (79.71±2.87 cm H2O) > the mP+IT (77.14±6.23 cm H2O) (p < 0.001). Except the comparison of the HM versus the mabHM (p=0.558), and the mP+IT versus the mabHM, the other techniques differ statistically significantly from each other. Conclusion: In our study, the durability of anastomoses using CEAT was found to be higher and compatible with the literature. Although in vivo live animal studies are necessary, REAT can be safely used to prevent the development of stricture, which is the second most common complication of esophagogastric anastomoses. Our findings suggest that the CEAT especially the rCS can be safely administered to prevent leakage.

Clinical analysis of tubular stapler-assisted nested anastomosis in the prevention of postoperative esophageal cancer complications.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumor types. Surgery is considered the treatment of choice for patients with early- and mid-stage EC. However, because of the traumatic nature of EC surgery and the need for gastrointestinal reconstruction, high rates of postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage or stenosis, esophageal reflux, and pulmonary infection exist. Its time to explore a novel esophagogastric anastomosis method for McKeown EC surgery to reduce the postoperative complication. This study recruited a total of 544 patients who underwent McKeown resection for EC between January 2017 and August 2020. The tubular stapler-assisted nested anastomosis was taken as the time node, including 212 patients in the traditional tubular mechanical anastomosis group and 332 patients in the tubular stapler-assisted nested anastomosis group. The 6-month postoperative incidence of anastomotic fistula and anastomotic stenosis was recorded. Anastomosis in McKeown operation for EC and the influence of different anastomosis methods on clinical efficacy were investigated. Compared with traditional mechanical anastomosis, tubular stapler-assisted nested anastomosis had a lower incidence of anastomotic fistula (0% vs. 5.2%), lung infection (3.3% vs. 11.8%), gastroesophageal reflux (6.9% vs. 16.0%), anastomotic stenosis (3.0% vs. 10.4%), neck incision infection (0.9% vs. 7.1%), anastomositis (16.6% vs. 23.6%), and a shorter surgical duration (11.02±1.54 vs. 18.53±3.20 min). Statistical significance was indicated at P<0.05. No significant difference was detected in the incidence of arrhythmia, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, or chylothorax between the 2 groups. Due to its good effect in McKeown surgery for EC, stapler-assisted nested anastomosis has been widely used in McKeown surgery for EC, and has become a common anastomosis method in our department for McKeown surgery for EC. However, large sample-sized studies and long-term efficacy observation are still needed. The use of tubular stapler-assisted nested anastomosis can significantly reduce the incidence of complications such as anastomotic fistula, anastomotic stricture, gastroesophageal reflux, and pulmonary infection; therefore, it constitutes the preferred technique for cervical anastomosis in McKeown esophagogastrectomy.

Clinical effect and follow-up of laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy for upper gastric carcinoma.

To evaluate the safety and clinical effect of tubular esophagogastric anastomosis in laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy. A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 191 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2017 to October 2020. Patients were divided into tubular esophagogastric anastomosis group (TG group) and traditional esophagogastric anastomosis group (EG group) according to the digestive tract reconstruction. Their intraoperative conditions, perioperative recovery and postoperative follow-up were compared. Patients were also divided into indocyanine green group and non-indocyanine green group according to whether or not indocyanine green tracer technology was used during the operation. Their intraoperative condition and perioperative recovery were compared and analyzed after propensity score matching. The operation was successfully completed in all patients. Compared with the EG group, the TG group had less volume of gastric tube drainage, shorter gastric tube drainage time and proton pump inhibitors application time, and lower reuse rate of proton pump inhibitors. However, the TG group had a higher anastomotic stenosis at three months after surgery, as measured using anastomotic width and dysphagia score. Nevertheless, the incidence of reflux esophagitis and postoperative quality of life score in the TG group were lower compared with the EG group at 1st and 2nd year after surgery. In the indocyanine green analysis, the indocyanine green group had significantly shorter total operation time and lymph node dissection time and less intraoperative blood loss compared with the non-indocyanine green group. However, compared with the non-indocyanine green group, more postoperative lymph nodes were obtained in the indocyanine green group. Laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy is safe and effective treatment option for upper gastric cancer. Tubular esophagogastric anastomosis has more advantages in restoring postoperative gastrointestinal function and reducing reflux, but it has a higher incidence of postoperative anastomotic stenosis compared with traditional esophagogastrostomy. The application of indocyanine green tracer technique in laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy has positive significance.

Preservation of remnant esophagus during total pharyngolaryngectomy in a patient with previous subtotal esophagectomy: a case report

BackgroundWith the improved survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer, secondary cancers, including pharyngolaryngeal cancer, have become a problem. Phanryngolaryngeal cancer surgery often requires esophagogastric anastomosis resection in patients with a previous history of subtotal esophagectomy. Owing to adhesions, especially surrounding the esophagogastric anastomosis, caused by the initial surgery, the second surgery might cause postoperative complications.Case presentationA 65-year-old man was diagnosed with early stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and underwent endoscopic mucosal dissection. However, the histopathological depth of the tumor was pT1b, and additional treatment was required. After administration of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, he underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy and retrosternum reconstruction via a gastric tube (pT1N3M0 stage III). Eight months after the first surgery, tumor recurrences were observed at the anastomosis and left cervical lymph node. Definitive chemoradiotherapy was performed for the recurrences, and complete response was achieved. Seven months after chemoradiotherapy, he was diagnosed with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the right piriform fossa (cT2N2bM0 stage IVA), and salvage surgery was chosen as treatment. The surgical findings revealed strong adhesion around the remnant esophagus, which was difficult to dissect from surrounding tissue and was associated with a risk of breaking of the anastomosis. However, indocyanine green fluorescence imaging findings indicated sufficient blood flow to preserve the remnant esophagus, including the anastomosis, even after the interruption of blood flow from the proximal side of the esophagus by total pharyngolaryngectomy. Finally, approximately 4 cm of the remnant esophagus was preserved, and the free jejunum reconstruction with cervical vascular anastomosis was performed. Moreover, the patient was discharged without complications on postoperative day 38. After 10 months of the second surgery, a metastatic lymph node was observed in the right neck. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy were administered, and the patient is alive and under treatment 1.5 years after the second surgery.ConclusionsBlood supply to the remnant cervical esophagus was thought to be from the gastric conduit over the anastomosis and surrounding capillaries. Thus, the preservation of the remnant esophagus can be considered in total pharyngolaryngectomy even after < 2 years of esophagectomy by blood flow evaluation using indocyanine green fluorescence.

The Esophagogastric Anastomosis: The Importance of Anchoring Sutures in Reducing Anastomotic Leak Rates.

The incidence of anastomotic leakage in gastrointestinal surgery is highest after esophagogastric anastomosis, with leakage rates of 10% to 38% still being reported, but little consensus as to cause or corrective. The role of anastomotic tension from a series of physiological forces acting on the anastomosis from the moment of recovery from anesthesia may be underestimated. It was hypothesized that anchoring the conduit in the mediastinum would provide the greatest protection during the vulnerable healing phase. A prospectively maintained database was interrogated for anastomotic leakage following the introduction of an anastomotic technique employing anchoring sutures where the gastric conduit was secured to the mediastinal pleura with 3 obliquely inserted load-bearing sutures. A contrast study was performed between days 5 and 7 and all intrahospital mortalities underwent autopsy. Clinical, radiological, and autopsy leaks were recorded. Of 146 intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomoses in 144 patients, 81 (55%) of which were stapled, there was 1 clinical leak and 1 patient with an aortoenteric fistula, considered at autopsy to be possibly due to an anastomotic leak, to give an anastomotic leak rate of 2 in 146 (1.37%). The low anastomotic leak rate in this series is potentially due to the protective effect of anchoring sutures, the chief difference from an otherwise standard anastomotic technique. These sutures protect the anastomosis from a series of distracting forces during the most vulnerable phase of healing. It is intuitive that the absence of tension would also reduce any risk posed by a minor impairment of blood supply or any imperfection of the technique.

Management of esophageal perforations and postoperative leaks

: Esophageal perforations and postoperative leaks are challenging and life-threatening conditions, with a not well-defined management, yet. Perforation is defined as a full-thickness tear in the esophageal wall due to a trauma on the esophageal lumen or to a sudden increase of endoluminal pressure, like in spontaneous perforations. The most frequent causes are: iatrogenic injuries, spontaneous perforations, foreign body or caustic ingestion, trauma, tumors etc. The onset of symptoms varies depending on the location of perforation (cervical, intrathoracic or intraabdominal), the degree of tissue destruction and extension of contamination of surrounding organs, the cause, the timing of diagnosis and the presence of underlying esophageal disorders. Post-operative esophageal leaks have a different origin but a quite similar clinical presentation and treatment to esophageal perforations. The higher reported incidence is after cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, followed by intrathoracic anastomosis (above all after trans-hiatal one). It is already proven that short diagnostic timing and correct treatment can reduce mortality of 50%. Recent evidence also shows how better outcomes are achieved when the management is multidisciplinary, led by an expert team, and individualized treatments are adopted, involving all available modalities (medical, endoscopic and surgical). The purpose of this article is to review current standard practice, expert opinions and outcomes in the management of esophageal perforations and postoperative leaks.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy significantly improves clinical outcomes of anastomotic leakages after 2-stage, 3-stage, and transhiatal esophagectomies

BackgroundAnastomotic leakages after esophagectomies continue to constitute significant morbidity and mortality. Intrathoracic anastomoses pose a high risk for mediastinitis, sepsis, and death, if a leak is not addressed timely and appropriately. However, there are no standardized treatment recommendations or algorithms as for how to treat these leakages.MethodsThe study included all patients at the University Hospital Regensburg, who developed an anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up reconstruction from 2007 to 2022. Patients receiving conventional treatment options for an anastomotic leakage (stents, drainage tubes, clips, etc.) were compared to patients receiving endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (eVAC) therapy as their mainstay of treatment. Treatment failure was defined as cervical esophagostomy formation or death.ResultsIn total, 37 patients developed an anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy with a gastric pull-up reconstruction. Twenty patients were included into the non-eVAC cohort, whereas 17 patients were treated with eVAC. Treatment failure was observed in 50% of patients (n = 10) in the non-eVAC cohort and in 6% of patients (n = 1) in the eVAC cohort (p < 0.05). The 90-day mortality in the non-eVAC cohort was 15% (n = 3) compared to 6% (n = 1) in the eVAC cohort. Cervical esophagostomy formation was required in 40% of cases (n = 8) in the non-eVAC cohort, whereas no patient in the eVAC cohort underwent cervical esophagostomy formation.ConclusioneVAC therapy for leaking esophagogastric anastomoses appears to be superior to other treatment strategies as it significantly reduces morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we suggest eVAC as an essential component in the treatment algorithm for anastomotic leakages following esophagectomies, especially in patients with intrathoracic anastomoses.

How to do robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for lower third oesophageal cancer.

Transthoracic subtotal esophagectomy with two-field lymph node (mediastinal and abdominal) and monobloc posterior mediastinectomy is called Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. This intervention requires an abdominal and thoracic time that is carried out here entirely by robotic way. It is performed a reconstruction by gastroplasty with a manual esophago-gastric anastomosis also by robotic way.

Hybrid esophagogastric tube anastomosis after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy to prevent stenosis in patients with esophageal cancer.

The use of a small circular stapler has been reported to increase the incidence of benign anastomotic stenosis in reconstruction. In circular stapling anastomosis after esophagectomy, the anastomotic lumen is dependent on the size of the esophagus and the replacement organ. We developed a new and foolproof method to prevent stenosis in esophagogastric tube anastomosis for patients with esophageal cancer that is not dependent on operator skill. Seven patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy in our hospital. Esophagogastric tube anastomosis was tried for all patients using the novel "hybrid esophagogastric tube anastomosis" technique. A 21-mm circular stapler was applied to perform an end-to-side anastomosis between the cervical esophagus and the posterior wall of the gastric tube. Then, a 30-mm linear stapler was positioned in the esophagogastric anastomosis formed by the 21-mm circular stapler with the anvil fork inserted into the esophagus and the cartridge fork inserted into the gastric tube. A supplementary side-to-side anastomosis of appropriately 15mm was created. Afterward, the entry hole was closed with a linear stapler. The hybrid esophagogastric tube anastomosis was successful in all seven patients receiving it between June 2020 and March 2022. No postoperative complications related to this anastomosis were observed in any of the patients. Five patients underwent follow-up gastrointestinal endoscopy at 6months after esophagectomy. No patient had an anastomotic stenosis. Hybrid esophagogastric tube anastomosis can be performed easily and safely and can reduce the complications associated with anastomosis.