3-field Lymph Node Dissection Research Articles

Thoracoscopic McKeown esophagectomy in a patient with an azygos lobe

BackgroundThe azygos lobe is a relatively rare anatomical variation, and there have been no reports, until date, of thoracoscopic McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in a patient with an azygos lobe. The azygos lobe can be diagnosed by chest X-ray or CT, and is usually not associated with any symptoms. However, surgeons should be aware that transthoracic surgical procedures in patients with an azygos lobe could be associated with a high risk of complications.Case presentationAn 83-years-old man was brought to our emergency room with fever, severe headache, and difficulty in moving. MRI revealed a brain abscess, which was treated by abscess drainage and systemic antibiotic treatment. Further examinations to determine the cause of the brain abscess revealed esophageal cancer. In addition, CT revealed an azygos lobe in the right thoracic cavity. Although intrathoracic adhesions were anticipated on account of a previous history of bacterial pyothorax, we decided to perform esophagectomy via a thoracoscopic approach. Despite the difficulty in dissecting the intrathoracic adhesions, we were able to obtain the surgical field thoracoscopically. Then, we found the azygos lobe, as diagnosed preoperatively, and the azygos vein was supported by the mesentery draining into the superior vena cava. After dividing the mesentery, we clipped and cut the vessel, and both ends were further ligated. After these procedures, we safely performed esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 21st postoperative day.ConclusionsAlthough there was a firm adhesion in the thoracic cavity, preoperative recognition of the azygos lobe could help in preventing intraoperative injury. Especially, esophageal surgeons are required to deal with the azygos lobe safely to avoid serious intraoperative injury.

Preventing Pneumonia in High-risk Patients After Esophageal Cancer Surgery: Mini-tracheostomy and Tazobactam/Piperacillin.

We evaluated the usefulness of prophylactic mini-tracheostomy (PMT) and perioperative administration of tazobactam/piperacillin (TAZ/PIPC) in high-risk patients after esophagectomy. We retrospectively studied 89 consecutive high-risk patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between January 2013 and December 2021. We defined patients with two or more of the following factors as high risk: age ≥70 years, performance status ≥1, respiratory dysfunction, liver dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, albumin <3.5 g/dl, and Brinkman index >600. Standard management was administered to the first 50 patients (standard group). PMT and TAZ/PIPC were administered to the next 39 patients (combination group). Patient characteristics and short-term outcomes were compared before and after propensity-score matching. Before propensity-score matching, 24-hour urine creatinine clearance, retrosternal route, 3-field lymph node dissection, and open abdominal approach were more common, postoperative pneumonia (13% vs. 36%, p=0.045) and complications of grade ≥3b (2.6% vs. 22%, p=0.01) were less frequent, and the postoperative hospital stay was shorter (median: 23 vs. 28 days, p=0.022) in the combination group than in the standard group. In propensity-score matching, patient characteristics, except for 24-h creatinine clearance and reconstructive route, were matched for 23 paired patients. Postoperative pneumonia (8.7% vs. 39%, p=0.035) and complications of grade ≥3b (0% vs. 26%, p=0.022) were less frequent and postoperative hospital stay was shorter (median: 22 vs. 25 days, p=0.021) in the combination group than in the standard group. PMT with TAZ/PIPC can potentially prevent postoperative pneumonia in high-risk patients after esophagectomy.

Clinical and Pathologic Supraclavicular Lymph Node Metastases in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated by Esophagectomy with Three-Field Lymph Node Dissection.

This study investigated the survival outcomes for surgically treated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients based on clinically suspicious supraclavicular lymph node (SCN) metastasis (cSCN+) and pathologically confirmed SCN metastasis (pSCN+). Using an institutional registry between 1994 and 2018, this study retrospectively analyzed 611 patients who received curative-intent esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection for ESCC. The study used computed tomography and positron emission tomography to define cSCN+. Among 611 patients, 24.4% had cSCN+ and 12.2% had pSCN+. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 68.2% for cN0, 43.5% for cN+ without cSCN+, and 30.3% for cN+ with cSCN+ (p = 0.018). Although the univariable analysis showed that cSCN+ was associated with poorer survival than cN0 or cN+ with cSCN- (hazard ratio [HR], 1.818; p < 0.001), the multivariable analysis did not support this finding (HR, 1.281; p = 0.681). The 5-year OS rates were 64.2% for pN0, 41.5% for pN+ without pSCN+, and 25.6% for pN+ with pSCN+ (p = 0.054). Univariable analysis showed an association of pSCN+ with poor OS (HR, 1.830; p < 0.001), but the difference in the multivariable analysis was not significant (HR, 0.912; p = 0.587). The presence of SCN metastasis did not have a significant impact on the OS of ESCC patients with 3-field lymph node dissectionregardless of clinical suspicion or pathologic confirmation.

415. STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO CERVICAL LYMPHADENECTOMY IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sByes2_wNgSmb8DW9BjNQknjN7HCXtf1/view Background Cervical lymphadenectomy is an essential component of the treatment of esophageal cancer. Over the last six years, our upper gastrointestinal unit has carried out 180 esophagectomies, with 20% of them involving 3-field lymph node dissection. According to our unit’s protocol, the procedure is indicated for the following conditions: supraclavicular lymph node metastases, upper thoracic esophageal cancer, and recurrent nerve lymph node metastasis. We aim to present a step-by-step approach to cervical lymphadenectomy. Methods Our upper gastrointestinal unit has implemented several learning protocols that aim to design the most efficient and effective training environment. The primary objective is to enhance the learning process and surgical performance while maintaining quality standards. One of the essential components of this learning environment is video coaching, which provides a powerful tool for demonstrating and deconstructing surgical procedures. In recognition of the importance of cervical lymphadenectomy, we have developed a video that is incorporated into our unit’s existing curriculum. Results As an essential component of our comprehensive teaching protocol, we have included a video demonstrating the systematic approach to cervical lymphadenectomy. It offers a clear and concise overview of the anatomical landmarks that must be identified during the procedure, as well as the steps involved and the main pitfalls that must be avoided. Conclusion Our unit is committed to a phased and systematized approach to learning based on steps through the deconstruction of complex procedures. The unit’s structured teaching protocol allows the acquisition of competencies that enable the performance of cervical lymphadenectomy in an effective and efficient way, without compromising patient safety. We believe that our step-by-step approach to cervical lymphadenectomy will be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals working in our upper gastrointestinal unit.

Usefulness of three-dimensional thoracoscope for prone position thoracoscopic esophagectomy improves mediastinal lymph node dissection and prognosis for esophageal cancer.

This study aimed to assess the superiority of 3D flexible thoracoscope against 2D thoracoscope for lymph node dissection (LND) and prognosis for prone-position thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in esophageal cancer. Three hundred and sixty-seven esophageal cancer patients who underwent prone-position TE with 3-field LND between 2009 and 2018 were evaluated. 2D and 3D thoracoscope was used in 182 (2D group) and 185 cases (3D group), respectively. Short-term surgical outcomes, numbers of retrieved mediastinal lymph node (LN), and rates of LN recurrence were compared. Risk factors for mediastinal LN recurrence and long-time prognosis were also evaluated. No differences in postoperative complications were observed between the groups. The numbers of retrieved mediastinal LN were significantly higher, and the rates of LN recurrence were significantly lower in the 3D group compared to 2D group. Use of 2D thoracoscope was a significant independent factor of middle mediastinal LN recurrence by multivariable analysis. Survival was compared by cox regression analysis, and the 3D group had a significantly better prognosis than the 2D group. Prone position TE using 3D thoracoscope may improve the accuracy of mediastinal LND and prognosis without increasing postoperative complications for esophageal cancer.

196. RISK FACTORS OF CERVICAL LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN ESCC AND ESTABILISHMENT OF PREDICTION MODEL

Abstract Cervical lymph node metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important basis for lymph node dissection of ESCC. Now, there are still disputes about whether to perform two field lymph node dissection or three field lymph node dissection. Establishing prediction model by analysis big data could promote the accuracy of prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC which can help clinicians to select individualized surgical scheme for patients. The clinical data of 102 consecutive patients with ESCC who underwent radical esophagectomy and three-field lymph node dissection between December 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into positive group and negative group according to cervical lymph node metastasis. The differences between the two groups were compared, and after the univariate analysis those who were statistically significant were included in multivariable logistic regression analysis to establish the risk prediction model and plot a nomogram by software R. Among the 102 patients, univariate analysis(P&amp;lt;0.2)indicated that cervical lymph node metastasis of ESCC was related to the distance from upper edge of the tumor to the incisors (P = 0.101), vascular invasion (P = 0.144) and recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes metastasis (P = 0.159). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the distance from upper edge of the tumor to the incisors (P = 0.032) and the vascular invasion (P = 0.147) were independent risk factors. The AUC of ROC curve is 0.6817 (95% confidence interval: 0.5775–0.7859) and the Youden index is 0.294, 95% CI (0.620, 0.742). The prediction model includes two variables: the distance from upper edge of the tumor to the incisors and the vascular invasion. It plays a certain role in predicting the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis of ESCC, and can assist doctors in individualized treatment for patients with ESCC.

513. RISK FACTORS OF CERVICAL LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA AND ESTABLISHMENT OF RISK PREDICTION MODEL

Abstract Cervical lymph node metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important basis for lymph node dissection of ESCC. Now, there are still disputes about whether to perform two field lymph node dissection or three field lymph node dissection. Establishing prediction model by analysis big data could promote the accuracy of prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC which can help clinicians to select individualized surgical scheme for patients The clinical data of 102 consecutive patients with ESCC who underwent radical esophagectomy and three-field lymph node dissection between September 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into positive group and negative group according to cervical lymph node metastasis. The differences between the two groups were compared, and after the univariate analysis those who were statistically significant were included in multivariable logistic regression analysis to establish the risk prediction model and plot a nomogram by software R. Among the 102 patients, univariate analysis (P&amp;lt;0.2) indicated that cervical lymph node metastasis of ESCC was related to the distance from upper edge of the tumor to the incisors (P=0.085), vascular invasion (P= 0.141) and recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes metastasis (P = 0.157). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the distance from upper edge of the tumor to the incisors (P=0.153) and the vascular invasion (P=0.198) were independent risk factors. The AUC of ROC curve is 0.682 (95% confidence interval: 0.578-0.786) and the Youden index is 0.294, 95% CI (0.620, 0.742). The prediction model includes two variables: the distance from upper edge of the tumor to the incisors and the vascular invasion. It plays a certain role in predicting the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis of ESCC, and can assist doctors in individualized treatment for patients with ESCC.

Minimally Invasive Cervical Esophagectomy (MICE), radical esophagectomy and 3-field lymphadenectomy without thoracic access.

Background: Radical esophagectomy combined with two field lymph node dissection is the cornerstone for curative treatment of esophageal cancer. Despite the employment of minimally invasive transthoracic approaches, pulmonary complications remain high (30%).

308 PROGNOSTIC FACTORS OF PATIENTS WITH LYMPH NODE RECURRENCE AFTER ESOHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background: Lymph node recurrence (LNrec) is a frequent form of recurrence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but is often characterized as a systemic disease. However, loco-regional treatment may provide cure for lymph node-only recurrence without distant metastases. There is no consensus on the outcome of multidisciplinary treatment, including surgical resection. The aim of this study is to identify the prognostic factors and to establish treatment strategy for LNrec. Methods Methods: Among 1160 patients who underwent esophagectomy for ESCC between 2004 and 2017 in our hospital, 117 patients (12.4%) who had LN-only recurrence without distant recurrence were analyzed retrospectively. The standard operation consisted of subtotal esophagectomy with 2- or 3-field lymph node dissection via right thoracotomy or video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and gastric tube reconstruction. Recurrence site, treatment for LN rec, and survival after recurrence were examined. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences between survival curves were compared using the log-rank Test. Results The 3-year survival rate after recurrence of all lymph node-only cases was 19.5%. The 3-year survival rate after recurrence was significantly better in patients with single recurrence: 25.1%/multiple recurrence 12.4% (p = 0.0222). The 3-year survival rate after recurrence was initial p-stage: II or lower/III or higher = 39.0/14.1% (p = 0.0107). Patients with a high p-stage at initial surgery had a significantly poor prognosis. Patients who underwent local treatment (C RT or surgery) after recurrence had significantly better prognosis than those who did not (25.8/10.6%; p = 0.0006). Conclusion Single LN rec, low initial p-stage, local treatment (CRT or surgery) were identified as prognostic factors in patients with LN-only recurrence.

Parallel-Group Controlled Trial of Surgery Versus Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Stage I Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Surgery is the standard of care for T1bN0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), whereas chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a treatment option. This trial aimed to investigate the noninferiority of CRT relative to surgery for T1bN0M0 ESCC. Clinical T1bN0M0 ESCC patients were eligible for enrollment in this prospective nonrandomized controlled study of surgery versus CRT. The primary endpoint was overall survival, which was determined using inverse probability weighting with propensity scoring. Surgery consisted of an esophagectomy with 2- or 3-field lymph node dissection. CRT consisted of 2 courses of 5-fluorouracil (700 mg/m2) on days 1-4 and cisplatin (70 mg/m2) on day 1 every 4 weeks with concurrent radiation (60 Gy). From December 20, 2006 to February 5, 2013, a total of 368 patients were enrolled in the nonrandomized portion of the study. The patient characteristics in surgery arm and CRT arm, respectively, were as follows: median age, 62 and 65 years; proportion of males, 82.8% and 88.1%; and proportion of performance status 0, 99.5% and 98.1%. Comparisons were made using the nonrandomized groups. The 5-year overall survival rate was 86.5% in the surgery arm and 85.5% in the CRT arm (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.64 [<1.78]). The complete response rate in the CRT arm was 87.3% (95% confidence interval, 81.1-92.1). The 5-year progression-free survival rate was 81.7% in the surgery arm and 71.6% in the CRT arm. Treatment-related deaths occurred in 2 patients in the surgery arm and none in the CRT arm. CRT is noninferior to surgery and should be considered for the treatment of T1bN0M0 ESCC.

Successful treatment of enterocutaneous fistula after esophagectomy with scopolamine ointment and negative pressure wound therapy: a case report

BackgroundDespite improved surgical techniques and perioperative management, anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophageal cancer surgery remains a potential complication. In most cases, spontaneous healing upon proper drainage is observed, but sometimes, AL results in intractable enterocutaneous fistulas. We here report a case of intractable enterocutaneous fistula caused by post-esophagectomy AL and successfully treated by scopolamine ointment and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).Case presentationA 77-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection, followed by gastric tube reconstruction through the posterior mediastinal route. On the 6th postoperative day, AL was identified, forming an enterocutaneous fistula. Initially, conservative treatment was performed, but the fistula failed to close. We hypothesized that the substantial amount of exudate might be hampering fistula closure. Scopolamine ointment was used to reduce the amount of fluid. NPWT was also initiated to promote wound healing. Approximately 3 weeks after the beginning of the treatment, the fistula closed; oral intake became possible, and the patient was discharged from the hospital without any symptoms.ConclusionsThe combination of scopolamine ointment and NPWT may be regarded as one effective treatment option for intractable enterocutaneous fistula due to AL after esophagectomy.

Postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is associated with pneumonia in minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

During the past decade, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer has been adopted worldwide with expectations of lower invasiveness. However, the rate of postoperative pneumonia, which is an independent risk factor for oncological prognosis in esophageal cancer, remains high. The aim of this retrospective follow-up study is to clarify whether there is a strong correlation between recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and postoperative pneumonia in MIE. This retrospective follow-up study included 209 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TEP) at Kobe University between 2011 and 2018. Inclusion criteria included age 18-85years; cT1-3, cN0-3 disease; upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy; and ability to undergo simultaneous esophagectomy and reconstruction of the gastric conduit or pedicled jejunum. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to identify independent risk factors for pneumonia. Among 209 TEPs, pneumonia of Clavien-Dindo classification grade > II occurred in 44 patients (21%). In the pneumonia positive and negative groups, there were significant differences in age (67.9 ± 7.5 vs. 64.9 ± 8.6years), 3-field lymph node dissection [27 (61%) vs. 67 (41%)], transfusion [20 (45%) vs. 41 (25%)], left RLN palsy [19 (43%) vs. 18 (11%)], and any RLN palsy [20 (45%) vs. 18 (11%)]. In multivariate analysis, any RLN palsy was associated with a higher incidence of pneumonia [odds ratio (OR), 6.210; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.728-14.480; P < 0.0001]. In addition, age was associated with a higher incidence of pneumonia (OR, 1.049; 95% CI, 1.001-1.103; P = 0.046). Changes in the rate of any RLN palsy over time were quite similar to changes in the incidence of pneumonia. There is a strong correlation between RLN palsy and pneumonia in MIE for esophageal cancer. Prevention of RLN palsy may reduce the incidence of pneumonia, leading to better oncological prognosis.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Anastomosis Leak After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer.

The present study aimed to identify risk factors for anastomosis leak (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. One-hundred twenty-two patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018 were included. The rate of AL was measured based on the definition of leak as adapted from the Surgical Infection Study Group. To identify the risk factors for AL, logistic regression analysis was used. AL was found in 44 of the 122 patients (36.1%). Among the factors examined, the lymph node dissection status (p=0.007) and preoperative serum albumin level (p=0.022) were significant independent risk factors for AL. The incidence of AL was 26.7% (20 of 75) among patients who received 2-field lymph node dissection and 51.1% (24 of 47) among those who received 3-field lymph node dissection. The incidence of AL was 29.9% (23 of 77) in the preoperative serum albumin levels ≥4.0 g/dl group and 46.7% (21 of 45) in the serum albumin levels <4.0 g/dl group. Lymph node dissection status and preoperative serum albumin levels were risk factors for AL in patients who received esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Prognostic Significance of the Upper-Mediastinal Elective Nodal Irradiation in Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer Treated with Preoperative Chemoradiation Followed By Surgery

Appropriate RT field in preoperative CRT for locally advanced thoracic esophageal carcinoma is still controversial. We investigated retrospectively a cohort of patients with clinically staged T3 to T4 with intention to treat (ITT) preoperative CRT followed by surgery in order to clarify the significance of ENI related to tumor location. We started a cohort study from 2011 for clinically staged T3 to T4 thoracic ESCC with preoperative CRT (50.4Gy/28F and concurrent 2 courses of FP) followed by planned surgery with a fixed 3-field lymph node dissection. When the 3-field ENI was used, lung constrains were V5<55%, V10<37%, and V20<25% to keep risk of Grade 3-5 radiation pneumonitis (RP) less than 4%. After 2015 we adopted the concepts of involved field (IF) or ENI related to tumor location without any necessary 3-field ENI. This change in fields setting has made it possible to analyze retrospectively whether ENI affects prognosis. The prognostic factors were derived from 161 patients, and 131 of them in fact were treated with surgery 1.5 months after CRT. In 30 patients without surgery, 14 experienced CR after CRT, and other 13 and 3 were inoperable because of tumor progression and toxicities, respectively. After ENI setting became to be optional, a few regulations were as follows: when tumor location was Ut, the upper end of ENI was No104 level, when tumor location was Mt or Lt, the upper end was No101 level. Five-year overall survival (OS) in 161 patients (average 65 years old) was 50.9%. There was no significance in 5-Y OS between each 2 groups in cT3 vs. cT3/4 (T3 undeniable T4 and T4) and in cN0 vs cN1-3 (T3: 59 vs. T3/4:102; p=0.11, cN0:15 vs cN1-3:146; p=0.09). In the single variate analyses, gender (male: 127 vs. female: 34; p=0.012), surgery (CRT-S: 131 vs. CRT alone: 30; p=0.009), and upper mediastinal ENI (UM-ENI)(UM-ENI+: 123 vs. ENI-: 38; p=0.009 were significant. These 3 prognostic factors were also significant in the multivariate analysis and each hazard ratio (Exp.β) and p-value were as follows; female: (3.29) p＝0.002, surgery: (2.31) p=0.003, and UM- ENI: (1.44) p=0.012. On the other hand, abdominal ENI (A-ENI)(A- ENI＋: 133 vs. ENI-: 28)was not significant (p＝0.076) and neither in 79 patients whose tumor location was Lt (A-ENI+: 67 vs. ENI-:12, p＝0.067). To find out serious toxicities which affected OS, causes of 70 deaths were analyzed excluding 3 unrelated deaths. Six (3.7%) died of the adverse events, and 3 out of them died of RP. As all of them were treated with UM-ENI, 3 out of 123 (2.4%) treated with UM-ENI died of RP. Clinical relevance of the UM-ENI in preoperative CRT was suggested in this study, because of the object limited in locally advanced stages and with a constant surgical method. Furthermore, clinical evaluation of the UM-ENI combined and RP risk should be done with a randomized controlled trial.

The clinical significance of the intraoperative pathological examination of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes using frozen sections in cervical field lymph node dissection of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate intraoperative pathological examination of the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes (LNs) using frozen section as a predictor of cervical LN metastasis. Retrospectively collected data from 69 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who had undergone intraoperative pathological examination of the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerve LNs using frozen sections and three-field LN dissection in the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from December 2015 to April 2018, was used to explore the relationship between recurrent laryngeal nerve LN metastasis and cervical LN metastasis and to determine whether cervical-field LN dissection should be performed in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer. In the entire cohort, 15.9% (11/69) of patients had metastasis in the cervical LNs. We detected 1,195 cervical LN, with an average of 17.3 LN dissections per patient; 28 (2.3%) cases had LN metastasis. Patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve LN metastasis tended to have a high incidence of cervical LN metastasis (P=0.017). Multivariate analysis showed that left recurrent laryngeal nerve LN metastasis was the only independent risk factor for cervical LN metastasis (P=0.02). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection was 18.8% (13/69), chylothorax was 2.9% (2/69), anastomotic leakage was 2.9% (2/69), and hoarseness was 8.7% (6/69) for the entire cohort. There was no significant increase in complications compared with patients with 2-field LN dissection in our hospital during the same period. Additional studies are necessary to establish postoperative locoregional recurrence rates and long-term survival. Intraoperative pathological examination of left recurrent laryngeal nerve LN using frozen sections has some prognostic value in predicting cervical LN metastasis and it can be an indicator for the selection of cervical-field dissection in thoracic esophageal carcinoma.

Prognosis and prognostic factors of esophageal spindle cell carcinoma treated by esophagectomy: a retrospective single-institution analysis.

Esophageal spindle cell carcinoma (ESpCC) is a malignant tumor composed of sarcomatous components. ESpCC is treated as a squamous cell carcinoma. However, because ESpCC is a rare tumor, little is known regarding its prognosis. This study aimed to analyze patients with ESpCC who were surgically treated at our hospital, determine the validity of surgery, and identify factors that indicate a prognosis. Treatment characteristics, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 28 patients with ESpCC who underwent surgery at our hospital between 1990 and 2016 were assessed. Furthermore, factors associated with OS and RFS were analyzed. Subtotal esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection and lower esophagectomy with 2-field lymph node dissection were performed in 25 and 3 patients, respectively. Chemotherapy was administered as preoperative therapy to two patients. Postoperative therapy, comprising radiotherapy and chemotherapy, was administered to three and nine patients, respectively. The 3- and 5-year RFS were 66.4% and 61.6% and the 3- and 5-year OS were 73% and 61.9%, respectively. Macroscopic type was identified as a prognostic factor. In terms of OS, prognosis was significantly worse in ulcerative-type ESpCC than in the polypoid type. The 5-year OS of ESpCC mainly treated with surgical therapy was 61.9%. However, prognosis was poor in some patients with ulcerative-type ESpCC according to macroscopic type. In the future, it will be necessary to accumulate more cases and investigate therapeutic strategies added to surgery to improve prognosis.

Robotic-assisted McKeown esophagectomy.

Over the last few decades, minimally invasive approaches have gained in popularity for the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, with the hopes of reducing the morbidity and mortality of this formidable procedure. The traditional McKeown approach includes thoracic esophageal dissection, abdominal mobilization of the gastric conduit and a cervical anastomosis. It presents several advantages over the Ivor Lewis approach: it is suitable for proximal tumors, allows a 3-field lymph node dissection, and avoids the morbidity associated with an intra-thoracic anastomotic leak. Here, we discuss the technical aspects of robotic-assisted minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy (McKeown RAMIE).

Parallel-group controlled trial of esophagectomy versus chemoradiotherapy in patients with clinical stage I esophageal carcinoma (JCOG0502).

7 Background: Esophagectomy (E) is the standard of care for stage I esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), while chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a treatment option. A parallel-group controlled trial including randomized arms to confirm the non-inferiority of CRT to E for stage IA ESCC was conducted. Methods: Patients (pts) with thoracic ESCC, adenosquamous cell, or basaloid cell carcinoma with stage IA (T1bN0M0), age 20 to 75, performance status 0 to 1, and adequate organ function were eligible. If pts accepted randomization, they were randomly allocated to E with 2-3 field lymph node dissection (arm A) or CRT (arm B). However, if pts had a preference and refused randomization, they were allocated to pts preference arm, E (arm C) or CRT (arm D). CRT consisted of cisplatin and 5-FU, with radiation at the dose of 60 Gy concurrently. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) of arm A and B, secondary endpoint included OS of arm C and D using inverse probability weighting with propensity score. The planned sample size in arm A and B was 114 pts in total with one-sided alpha of 10%, power of 75% and non-inferiority margin of HR as 1.78. The sample size in arm C and D was at least 156 pts in each arm with one-sided alpha of 2.5%, power of 85% and non-inferiority margin of HR as 1.78. Results: Between December 2006 and February 2013, 379 (Arm A: 4, B: 7, C: 209 C, D: 159) pts were enrolled. Primary endpoint was not calculated due to small number of randomized arms. Patients characteristics of arm C and D were as follows; median age: 62 and 65, male (%): 82.8 and 88.1, PS 0 (%): 99.5 and D 98.1. All histologic type was SCC except one basaloid cell carcinoma in arm C. The 3- and 5-year OS were 94.7% and 86.5% in arm C, and 93.1% and 85.5% in arm D (adjusted HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.67-1.64 [&lt; 1.78]).Treatment related death were observed in two pts in arm C and none in arm D. Conclusions: Though the accrual of randomized arms was shortened, CRT showed trend toward non-inferiority compared to E in pts preference arms. CRT is considered as a treatment option for stage IA ESCC with organ preservation. Clinical trial information: UMIN000000551.

190P - Metastatic to negative lymph node ratio: Can it be used as a prognostic indicator in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus?

Background: In an era of conflict of two versus three field lymph node dissection and the number of lymph node yield in squamous cell carcinoma oesophagus, prognostic value of metastatic lymph node ratio (LNR) in addition to pathological node (pN) has been reported in some studies; but there is no report on the prognostic significance of metastatic to negative lymph node ratio (MNLNR) in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of pN, LNR and MNLNR on the survival of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after esophagectomy. Methods: The data of 150 patients with ESCC after curative esophagectomy was retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-point for LNR and MNLNR were set as LNR 1 (0), LNR 2 (0.001 – 0.49), and LNR 3 (>0.5) and MNLNR 1 (0), MNLNR 2 (0.001 – 0.2), and MNLNR 3 (> 0.2) respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). Results: Patients classified as LNR 1, 2 and 3 observed 5-year OS rates as 88.7, 32.5, 0 respectively (P = <0.001). Patients classified as MNLNR 1, 2, 3 observed 5-year OS rates as 87.5, 51.3, 12.8 respectively (P = <0.008). The pN stage, LNR or MNLNR category was confirmed as a significant independent prognostic factor, respectively in both univariate and multivariate analysis models (P = 0.001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.008) respectively. Conclusions: The MNLNR was recognized as an independent prognostic factor in ESCC patients after curative esophagectomy. So it can be used as an independent prognostic marker with pN and can be used when inadequate lymph node extracted during surgery as a single prognostic factor. Legal entity responsible for the study: Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: The author has declared no conflicts of interest.

RA05.02: PRELIMINARY STUDY ON SCOPE OF CERVICAL LYMPHADENECTOMY OF PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGUS CARCINOMA UNDER THORACOSCOPE

Abstract Background Objective: To explore scope of cervical lymphadenectomy of patients with esophagus carcinoma under thoracoscope. Methods Select patients underwent routine bilateral cervical lymph node dissection under thoracoscope.The highest location of cervical lymphadenectomy was marked by titanium clip and recorded anatomic landmark around it.After surgery, CT scan of neck was contributed to estimate the location. Results The results: The upper boundary of lymph node dissection on right neck located on the upward side of the crosspoint of right inferior thyroid artery and right recurret laryngeal nerve, which was adjacent to the midpoint position between the upper pole and lower pole of right thyroid, the lower side of musculi omohyoideus and the plane of transverse cervical artery. The upper boundary of left scope of cervical lymphadenectomy was adjacent to the upper position of lower pole of left thyroid, which was about the same level as that of right titanium clip. Postoperative CT scan on neck and chest suggested that bilateral titanium clip was located on midpoint between the upper pole and lower pole of thyroid on the same side. Conclusion Bilateral cervical paraesophageal lymph nodes (101 group)under inferior thyroid artery could be finished by thracoscope for radical resection of esophageal carcinoma.But we still need more evidence to discover the difference between the 2.5 field lymph node dissection and the 3 field lymph node dissection. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.