Hand-sewn Intrathoracic Anastomosis Research Articles

Technical details of the hand-sewn and circular-stapled anastomosis in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy.

The circular mechanical and hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis are most often used in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). The aim of this study was to describe the technical details of both techniques that were pioneered in two high volume centers for RAMIE. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with esophageal cancer who underwent RAMIE with intrathoracic anastomosis. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage, which was analyzed using a moving average curve. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, video recordings were reviewed to evaluate number of sutures and distances between the anastomosis and the longitudinal staple line or gastric conduit tip. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 68 patients with a hand-sewn anastomosis and 60 patients with a circular-stapled anastomosis were included in the study. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, the moving average curve for anastomotic leakage (including grade 1-3) started at a rate of 40% (cases 1-10) and ended at 10% (cases 59-68). For the circular-stapled anastomosis, the moving average started at 10% (cases 1-10) and ended at 20% (cases 51-60). This study showed the technical details and refinements that were applied in developing two different anastomotic techniques for RAMIE. Results markedly improved during the period of development with specific changes in technique for the hand-sewn anastomosis. The circular-stapled anastomosis showed a more stable rate of performance.

Intrathoracic hand-sewn esophagogastric anastomosis in prone position during totally minimally invasive two-stage esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Utilization of totally minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer is on the rise. Esophagogastric anastomosis is mechanically or robotically performed routinely; little report exists of hand-sewn esophagogastric anastomosis. This is the largest so far study with thoracoscopic hand-sewn esophagogastric anastomosis during fully minimally invasive two-stage esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in prone position. Consecutive two-stage totally minimally invasive esophagectomies for cancer were performed by one surgical team, from September 2016 to March 2019. All operations were technically identical in terms of patient positioning, surgical approach, extend of lymphadenectomy and type of anastomosis formed. Primary end points were anastomotic leak and anastomotic stricture rate, while secondary end points were 30-day and 90-day mortality rates. From the overall n = 80 patients, n = 67 were males, while n = 13 were females. Mean age was 64.6years. Mean length of stay was n = 14days. There were no conversions to open. Mean operating time was 420minutes with no blood loss over 200 mL noted. Pulmonary and cardiac complication rate was 23.75% and 2.5%, respectively. Anastomotic leak rate was 2.5%. Anastomotic strictures were seen in 12.5% of cases. 30-day and 90-day mortality rate was 2.5% and 5%, respectively, with none accounted for ischemic conduit complications. Intrathoracic anastomosis in totally minimally invasive esophagectomy is challenging and accountable for most of the mortality associated with the procedure. In thoracoscopic two-stage esophagectomy, a mechanical anastomosis is usually preferred; this is believed to be due to the complexity of manual anastomosis associated with the thoracoscopic approach. We aim to present our series of completely hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis utilizing a totally minimally invasive approach with favorable outcomes. With this study, reproducibility of the anastomosis is shown that can potentially favor a change in the practice of esophageal surgeons worldwide.

P103 A HAND-SEWN INTRATHORACIC ANASTOMOSIS IN ROBOT-ASSISTED MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY (RAMIE): A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE AND OUTCOMES

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to describe a technique that was developed and refined to construct a hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis during robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). Background & Methods Whilst some case series have reported promising results of a hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis during RAMIE, the exact techniques were often not described in detail. Therefore, the current single-center retrospective study was designed to provide a detailed and reproducible technical description of a hand-sewn, intrathoracic anastomosis that was developed and refined for patients who underwent RAMIE in a high volume center for esophageal cancer surgery (2016-2018). Video recordings were reviewed to evaluate technical details regarding the anastomosis, including number of sutures and distances between the anastomosis and the longitudinal staple line or gastric conduit tip. Technical details and distances were extracted and measured by using video analysis software. Moving average analyses were performed to evaluate whether the anastomotic leakage rate changed over the consecutive cases. Results A total of 68 patients were included in the study. For creation of the anastomosis, the gastric conduit was opened on a median distance of 19 millimeters (range 0-66) from the gastric conduit tip. After initially performing end-to-end anastomoses, a switch was made to an end-to-side anastomosis for the majority of 55 patients (81%). A median total of 27 sews (range 20-38) were required to close the anastomosis. In the last 22 patients of the cohort (32%), 4 tension release stitches were placed after circular suturing of the anastomosis. A re-inforcing omental wrap was positioned around the anastomosis in 64 patients (94%). The moving average curve for anastomotic leakage started at a rate of 40% (cases 1-10) and ended at 10% (cases 59-68). Conclusion This is the first study to report technical features and outcomes of a hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis during RAMIE in detail. Although an acceptable anastomotic leakage rate was observed in the final inclusion phase, a hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis during RAMIE may carry a substantial learning curve.

PS01.211: IMPLEMENTATION OF A TOTALLY MINIMALLY INVASIVE OESOPHAGECTOMY PROGRAMME IN A UK SPECIALIST CENTRE: INITIAL EXPERIENCE AND OUTCOMES

Abstract Background Totally minimally invasive oesophagectomy although challenging to perform has garnered popularity in the surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer. Advanced laparoscopic surgical skills are needed with the construction of the intra-thoracic anastomosis in the case of a 2-stage procedure being the rate-limiting step. We aim to report our initial experience and short-term outcomes of totally minimally invasive 3-stage and 2-stage oesophagectomies for cancer. Methods From January 2016 when the minimally invasive oesophagectomy programme was implemented in our Unit, to December 2017, 65 consecutive cases underwent either a 2-stage or a 3-stage oesophagectomy for cancer. In all cases a radical 2-field lymph node dissection was performed. All were performed in a prone position and in the 3-stage oesophagectomies, superior mediastinal lympadenectomy was additionally performed. In the 2-stage cases an end-to-side esophago-gastric anastomosis was constructed in two layers with barbed knotless suture (V-LocTM). Results Male: female was 4:1 with a mean age of 66.44 years (IQR, 43–82). n = 53 were 2-stage and 12 were 3-stage oesophagectomies. Thirty five (53.8%) had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 30(46.2%) went straight to surgery. There were no open conversions. No feeding jejunostomies were placed routinely. Complete resection (R0) rate was 61.54% (40/65) with a mean lymph node harvest of 28 (IQR, 11–68). Five (7.6%) anastomotic leaks were diagnosed (4 in 2-stage and 1 in 3-stage oesophagectomies), with 1(1.5%) of them (in the 2-stage group) being subclinical requiring no intervention. Furthermore, 1(1.5%) chyle leak and 1(1.5%) gastric staple line leak were also observed. Pulmonary complications were reported in 13.8% of cases and cardiac complications arose in 1.5%. Seven (10.8%) anastomotic strictures were also noted that were treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation. Mean hospital stay was 13 days and 30-day mortality rate was 4.62%. Conclusion Implementation of a minimally invasive oesophagectomy program in our high-volume tertiary centre is yielding good initial results. Vast previous experience in the field is of paramount importance. Hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis during 2-stage procedures is feasible and with repetitively good outcomes. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

PS01.213: COMPARISON OF MANUAL VERSUS MECHANICAL INTRA-THORACIC ESOPHAGO-GASTRIC ANASTOMOSIS IN RADICAL 2-STAGE MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

Abstract Background While in open esophagectomy a plethora of studies comparing outcomes of mechanical (circular or linear stapler) versus hand-sewn intra-thoracic anastomosis have been published, little evidence exists regarding 2-stage minimally invasive esophagectomy; In the majority of published studies the mechanical anastomosis is favored. Construction of the intra-thoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis in minimally invasive esophagectomy is the procedure's rate limiting step. We aim to present our results of hand-sewn versus mechanical anastomosis in 2-stage minimally invasive esophagectomy. Methods Data of 113 consecutive patients over a 20-month period that underwent 2-stage minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer in our institution were analyzed. Inclusion criteria included only 2-stage and only minimally invasive esophagectomies for cancer. 43 cases underwent fully minimally invasive esophagectomy and 70 had laparoscopic-assisted hybrid esophagectomy. A fully hand-sewn anastomosis with 3/0 v-lock barbed suture was formed in 38% of cases and a mechanical anastomosis with a 25mm or 28mm circular stapler was formed in 62% of cases. Comparison between anastomotic techniques was assessed through Chi-Square and Log-Rank analysis. Results Median age was 68(IQR,47–82) in manual anastomosis group and 65(IQR,31–81) in circular stapler group. Of the manual anastomosis group, 74% received neo-adjuvant treatment versus 20% of the mechanical anastomosis group. In the manual anastomosis group n = 3(6.97%) developed a leak; of these, n = 2 were stented and n = 1 was subclinical requiring no intervention. There was one sepsis-related death; 30-day mortality was 2.3%. In the mechanical anastomosis group n = 2(2,8%) developed anastomotic leak (one combined with tracheo-esophageal fistula) and both were stented and eventually resulted in mortality. 30-day mortality was 2.8%. No conduit necrosis was noticed. Anastomotic strictures requiring dilatation were seen in n = 4(9.3%) in the manual anastomosis group versus n = 5(7.1%) in the mechanical anastomosis group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of leak (P = 0.312), stricture (P = 0.698) and mortality rate (P > 0.005). Median length of stay was 11 days (7–70) in the manual anastomosis group and 12 days (7–51) in mechanical anastomosis group. Conclusion Outcomes between manual and mechanical intra-thoracic anastomosis in minimally invasive esophagectomy show no difference within our study group. Both are equally safe and efficient, with surgeon's preference taking priority. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Fully robotic da Vinci Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in four-arm technique-problems and solutions.

The aim of this technical note is a step-by-step description of a fully robotic abdominothoracic esophagectomy with an intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy. We report on our technique and short-term results of 75 patients undergoing an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy using a fully robotic 4-arm approach in the abdominal and thoracic phase with a hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis. There are several important steps and differences to consider compared to the conventional minimal invasive approach (patient's positioning, anaesthesiological set up, port placement, gastric conduit pull up, technique of esophagostrostomy). Mean operative time was 392 minutes (240-610) with a 94% R0 resection status. Conversion to open procedure occurred in 2 (2.6%) in the abdominal, and 14 (18.2%) in the thoracic phase. Main reasons for conversion were problems during the lifting of the gastric conduit and difficulties in the construction of the esophagogastrostomy. The rate dropped during the last 20 patients (1/20 (10%). Our results suggest that the reported technique is safe and feasible. It satisfies the oncological principles and provides the advantages of robotic assisted minimal invasive surgery.

Robot-assisted gastroesophageal surgery: usefulness and limitations

Robot-assisted surgery overcomes some of the limitations of traditional laparoscopic surgery. We present our experience and lessons learned in two surgical units dedicated to gastro-esophageal surgery. From June 2009 to January 2013, we performed 130 robot-assisted gastroesophageal procedures, including Nissen fundoplication (29), paraesophageal hernia repair (18), redo for failed antireflux surgery (11), esophagectomy (19), subtotal (5) or wedge (4) gastrectomy, Heller myotomy for achalasia (22), gastric bypass for morbid obesity (12), thoracoscopic leiomyomectomy (4), Morgagni hernia repair (3), lower-third esophageal diverticulectomy (1) and two diagnostic procedures. There were 80 men and 50 women with a median age of 54years (interquartile range: 46-65). Ten patients (7.7%) had severe postoperative complications: eight after esophagectomy (three leaks-two cervical and one thoracic-managed conservatively), one stapler failure, one chylothorax, one case of gastric migration to the thorax, one case of biliary peritonitis, and one patient with a transient ventricular dyskinesia. One redo procedure needed reoperation because of port-site bleeding, and one patient died of pulmonary complications after a giant paraesophageal hernia repair; 30-day mortality was, therefore, 0.8%. There were six elective and one forced conversions (hemorrhage), so total conversion was 5.4%. Median length of stay was 4days (IQ range 3-7). Robot-assisted gastroesophageal surgery is feasible and safe, and may be applied to most common procedures. It seems of particular value for Heller myotomy, large paraesophageal hernias, redo antireflux surgery, transhiatal dissection, and hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis.