Hybrid Esophagectomy Research Articles

Hybrid Esophagectomy: How I Do It?

The hybrid esophagectomy is a procedure that combines an initial laparoscopic approach in which the gastric conduit is prepared preserving the right gastroepiploic artery, followed by a right thoracotomy for resection of the esophagus, gastric pull-up into the chest, and esophagogastric anastomosis. Critical surgical steps should be carefully respected to perform a safe operation.

Hybrid Minimally-invasive Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: Clinical and Oncological Outcomes.

Esophagectomy is a major surgical procedure associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality that has traditionally been performed by an open approach. Although minimally invasive procedures for benign esophageal disease have been widely accepted worldwide, they have not yet been established for the treatment of malignancy. A total of 137 consecutive hybrid esophagectomies for cancer were performed by the same surgical team. Surgical approach included either 2-stage or 3-stage hybrid minimally-invasive esophagectomy. Median age of patients was 64 years. Respiratory complication and anastomotic leak rates were 16.78% and 9.48%, respectively. Median follow-up was 48 months with median overall survival and disease free survival were 58 and 48 months, respectively. Advances in minimally invasive surgery can benefit patients with esophageal cancer, mainly by reducing post-operative respiratory complications. Hybrid esophagectomy is safe and feasible in tertiary esophago-gastric centers with vast expertise that can lead to improved clinical and oncological outcomes.

Hybrid esophagectomy for oesophageal cancer: long-term results. A single-centre experience.

IntroductionThe authors report long-term outcomes in patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and consequently underwent hybrid oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer (OC).AimTo evaluate long-term outcomes in patients suffering from OC, who underwent hybrid oesophagectomy.Material and methodsOur cohort consisted of patients suffering from OC, who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Hybrid esophagectomy was performed 8–10 weeks after oncological treatment.ResultsNinety-four patients underwent surgery for OC from 2011 to 2015. Histology revealed adenocarcinoma in 60.6%, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 36.2%, and other type of cancer in 3.2%. Seventy-three (77.7%) patients with advanced stage (T3-4, N0-2, M0) were indicated to receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Trans-hiatal hybrid oesophagectomy was performed in 83 (88.3%) patients. Transthoracic hybrid oesophagectomy was performed in 11 (11.7%) patients. Histology of the resected specimens of 18 (24.7%) patients did not reveal OC, i.e. pathological complete response (pCR). In our cohort, we proved an association between occurrence of pCR and age as well as disease-free survival (DFS). The patients who presented with pCR were significantly younger – below 60 years of age (p = 0.017). They also showed significantly higher mean DFS (p = 0.004).ConclusionsCombined oesophagectomy with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy results in a better long-term outcome in patients suffering from oesophageal cancer. In our set of patients who underwent hybrid esophagectomy, satisfactory short-term and especially long-term results of surgical treatment for oesophageal cancer were observed.

P53 MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSTHORACIC ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND NETWORK META-ANALYSIS

Abstract Aim To evaluate the clinical outcomes for open, minimally invasive and robotic esophagectomy techniques for esophageal cancers. Background & Methods Esophagectomy is a demanding operation which can be performed by employing different approaches including open surgery or a combination of minimal access techniques. Each approach has specific reported advantages and disadvantages. A systematic literature search was conducted for studies reporting open, laparoscopic hybrid esophagectomy (LHE), thoracoscopic hybrid esophagectomy (THE), totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) or robotic MIE (RoMIE) for esophagectomy. A network meta-analysis of intraoperative (operating time, blood loss), postoperative (overall complications, anastomotic leaks, chyle leak, length of hospital stay), oncological outcomes (R0 resection, lymphadenectomy) and survival were performed. Results Ninety-eight studies including 32,296 patients were included in the network meta-analysis, of which 55% (n=17824), 5% (n=1576), 7% (n=2421), 30% (n=9558) and 3% (n=917) were open, LHE, THE, MIE and RoMIE respectively. Both MIE and RoMIE were associated with less blood loss, significantly lower rates of pulmonary complications, shorter length of stay and higher lymph node yield. There were no significant differences between surgical techniques for surgical site infections, chyle leak, and 30-day and 90-day mortality. MIE and RoMIE had better 1-year and 5-year survival rates compared to open respectively. Conclusion Minimally invasive and robotic techniques for esophagectomy are associated with reduced perioperative morbidity and length of stay with no compromise on oncological outcomes but no improvement in perioperative mortality. There are suggestions of improved long-term survival with MIE and RoMIE but these associations are not consistent across 1-, 3- and 5-year survival.

P28 AN OPEN TRANSTHORACIC ESOPHAGECTOMY RESULTS IN HIGHER POSTOPERATIVE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS COMPARED TO MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Aim With the introduction of minimally invasive access in centers for esophageal surgery, complications as well as mortality rates decreased. Laboratory tests are used routinely to screen patients for postoperative complications as early as possible. Still, the course of several laboratory parameters after esophagectomy following different surgical approaches has not been described yet and thus, reference values do not exist. Nowadays, the interpretation of inflammatory markers depends on the expertise of the medical staff. The aim of this study is to evaluate the development of CRP and leukocytes after thoracoabdominal esophagectomy following four different surgical approaches. Background & Methods 217 consecutive patients receiving a thoracoabdominal esophagectomy with either open, hybrid, totally minimally invasive or robot-assisted minimally invasive technique between 2008 and 2018 have been evaluated. Daily blood tests regarding C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes have been performed daily in all patients. Data was collected prospectively and analyzed depending on the postoperative course and the surgical approach. Results There is a natural increase of leukocytes and CRP with peak values on the 2nd postoperative day (POD) after thoracoabdominal esophagectomy following all surgical approaches. The increase of inflammatory parameters is significantly higher after open esophagectomy on the first three postoperative days compared to the three minimally invasive procedures. Furthermore, postoperative CRP values > 200 mg/l on the 2nd postoperative day as well as an open esohagectomy are independently associated with postoperative complications. Conclusion The development of postoperative inflammatory laboratory parameters after esophagectomy is significantly depending on the surgical approach. Open esophagectomy results in significantly higher CRP and leukocyte values compared to the hybrid esophagectomy, minimally invasive esophagectomy and robot assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy. Open esophagectomy and an increase of CRP on the 2nd postoperative day above 200 mg/l are an independent positive predictor for postoperative complications in multivariate analysis.

2019 Canadian Surgery Forum Abstracts.

# 01. The future of general surgery training: a Canadian resident nationwide Delphi consensus statement {#article-title-2} Various pedagogical models have been introduced in an attempt to improve and restructure surgical training, but significant obstacles remain. Before implementing national

Updated German S3 guidelines on esophageal cancer and supplements from a surgical perspective

The updated German S3 guidelines recommend transthoracic subtotal esophagectomy with 2‑field lymphadenectomy for surgical treatment of esophageal cancer in patients with squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric (AEG typeI) junction of the middle and lower third. For AEG typeIII transhiatal extended total gastrectomy with distal esophageal resection is favored. Patients with AEG typeII can be treated by both procedures under the prerequisite that an R0 resection can be achieved. Alimited resection of the distal esophagus and the proximal stomach can only be considered in cT1 N0 M0 possibly cT2 AEG junction without an oncological risk constellation, i.e. gradeG1/G2, intestinal type and no poorly cohesive carcinoma, because the rate of lymph node metastasis at the distal stomach is less than 2%. Minimally invasive procedures provide advantages compared to open esophagectomy due to the lower rate of postoperative total and especially pulmonary complications. This is true for hybrid esophagectomy (laparoscopy and thoracotomy) versus open access in cases of intrathoracic anastomoses and for total minimally invasive esophagectomy including robotic techniques versus open access in cervical esophagogastrostomy.

Hybrid esophagectomy.

Esophagectomy is a complex surgical procedure associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity, mainly dominated by pulmonary complications. Minimally invasive approaches have been developed in order to decrease postoperative morbidity, including totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and hybrid esophagectomy in which one surgical step is achieved either by laparoscopy or thoracoscopy and the other step by open approach. In this review, we will discuss the main results of this hybrid approach in esophagectomy for cancer. Hybrid esophagectomy is associated with better postoperative outcomes compared to open approach, and similar outcomes compared to totally MIE, especially concerning pulmonary complications. For long-terms outcomes, hybrid approach showed similar, or even better, overall survival than open approach. With a short learning curve, hybrid esophagectomy with laparoscopic gastric mobilization will be the future gold standard for esophagectomy and should be further compared with totally MIE.

Incidence and treatment of mediastinal leakage after esophagectomy: Insights from the multicenter study on mediastinal leaks.

BACKGROUNDMediastinal leakage (ML) is one of the most feared complications of esophagectomy. A standard strategy for its diagnosis and treatment has been difficult to establish because of the great variability in their incidence and mortality rates reported in the existing series.AIMTo assess the incidence, predictive factors, treatment, and associated mortality rate of mediastinal leakage using the standardized definition of mediastinal leaks recently proposed by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG).METHODSSeven Italian surgical centers (five high-volume, two low-volume) affiliated with the Italian Society for the Study of Esophageal Diseases designed and implemented a retrospective study including all esophagectomies (n = 501) with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis performed from 2014 to 2017. Anastomotic MLs were defined according to the classification recently proposed by the ECCG.RESULTSFifty-nine cases of ML were recorded, yielding an overall incidence of 11.8% (95%CI: 9.1%-14.9%). The surgical approach significantly influenced the occurrence of ML: the proportion of leakage was 10.5% and 9% after open and hybrid esophagectomy (HE), respectively, and doubled (20%) after totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (TMIE) (P = 0.016). No other predictive factors were found. The 30- and 90-d overall mortality rates were 1.4% and 3.2%, respectively; the 30- and 90-d leak-related mortality rates were 5.1% and 10.2%, respectively; the 90-d mortality rates for TMIE and HE were 5.9% and 1.8%, respectively. Endoscopy was the first-line treatment in 49% of ML cases, with the need for retreatment in 17.2% of cases. Surgery was needed in 44.1% of ML cases. Endoscopic treatment had the lowest mortality rate (6.9%). Removal of the gastric tube with stoma formation was necessary in 8 (13.6%) cases.CONCLUSIONThe incidence of ML after esophagectomy was high mainly in the TMIE group. However, the general and specific (leak-related) mortality rates were low. Early treatment (surgical or endoscopic) of severe leaks is mandatory to limit related mortality.

PS01.212: OUTCOMES OF HYBRID VERSUS FULLY MINIMALLY INVASIVE 2-STAGE ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER OF THE DISTAL ESOPHAGUS AND GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION

Abstract Background Esophagectomy is associated with high complication rate and mortality. Numerous approaches have been introduced over the last two decades, with the ambition of reducing rate of complications, morbidity and mortality. Two-stage minimally invasive esophagectomies include hybrid (laparoscopic/thoracotomic) and fully minimally invasive and have recently gained popularity in the treatment of distal esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction cancer. We aim to compare the short-term outcomes between 2-stage hybrid and fully minimally invasive esophagectomy with intrathoracic hand-sewn anastomosis. Methods A retrospective analysis of a 4-year period prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive 2-stage minimally invasive esophagectomies was conducted. All operations were performed in a UK tertiary centre by a single surgical team between 2014 and 2018. All 3-stage and open esophagectomies were excluded from the study. A comparison of anastomotic leak rate, ITU length of stay, hospital length of stay, pulmonary complications, cardiac complications and 30 and 90-day mortality rates was made. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph-Prism 7.04. Results Seventy patients underwent hybrid and 30 underwent fully minimally invasive esophagectomy with intra-thoracic manual anastomosis. Chest infection and anastomotic leak rate were higher in the hybrid group (21.4% vs 16.8% and 10% vs 3.3%); however, cardiac complications were two times more common in fully minimally invasive compared to hybrid esophagectomies (3.3% vs 1.4%). Fully minimally invasive esophagectomies were associated with a shorter ITU stay as well as hospital length of stay compared to hybrid esophagectomies (5.5 vs 6.2 days, P = 0.47 and 10.5 vs 15.6 days P = 0.0018). Complete tumour resection (R0) rate was slightly higher in hybrid compared to fully minimally invasive esophagectomies (70.8% vs 64.3%). Thirty and 90-day mortality rate was 6.67% (1 cardiac and 1 respiratory arrest) in fully minimally invasive and 1.43% in hybrid esophagectomies. None of the mortality cases were related to surgical complications like anastomotic leak or conduit necrosis. Conclusion In our study 2-stage fully minimally invasive esophagectomy is associated with reduced post-operative complication rates compared to 2-stage hybrid oesophagectomy. Further larger studies are needed to assess the 30- and 90-day mortality risk associated with both procedures. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

PS01.167: MUMELE STUDY: MULTICENTER STUDY ON INCIDENCE OF MEDIASTINAL LEAKS AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Mediastinal anastomotic leak (ML) represent one of the most feared complication of esophageal resection. The incidence of ML, and of the associated mortality rate and the treatment strategy are variously reported. A standard strategy for diagnosis and treatment is difficult to establish Methods In order to evaluate the incidence, predictive factors, treatment and mortality of ML in 7 Italian surgical centers with interest in esophageal surgery (5 high volume centers) a retrospective study including all esophagectomies (E) with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis performed in a 3 year period (2014–2017), was planned. ML were defined according to the classification proposed by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group. Results The data of 501 E were collected. Overall incidence of ML was 11.8%. Surgical approach significantly influenced the rate of ML: leakage rate was highest for totally minimally invasive (TMIE) and lowest for hybrid esophagectomy (HE) (respectively 20 and 9%). No other predictive factor was found. Overall 30 and 90 day (d) mortality rate (M) were respectively 1,4% and 3,2%; 30 and 90 d M for leaks were respectively 5% and 15,3%; 90 d M for TMIE and HE were 5,9% and 1,8% respectively. Endoscopy was the first line treatment in 49% of leaks, with a need for retreatment in 17,2% of cases. Surgery was needed globally in 44,1% of ML. Endoscopic treatment appeared to have the lowest M (6,9%). Removal of the gastric tube with stoma formation was necessary in 8 cases (13.6%). Conclusion The incidence of mediastinal leaks after esophagectomy in the MUMELE study is high mainly in TMIE group. General and specific (leak) mortality rate is however low. Early ‘aggressive’ treatment of severe leaks is mandatory, with no hesitation to redo surgery if first attempt of conservative management fails. 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.

Morbidity in open versus minimally invasive hybrid esophagectomy (MIOMIE): Long-term results of arandomized controlled clinical study.

SummaryBackgroundThe minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer was introduced assuming a reduction of morbidity and operation time. After implementation of MIE at our institution, a randomized controlled trial was designed.MethodsThis is a prospective randomized controlled study comparing open (OE) and laparoscopic gastric tube (MIE) formation in Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Primary endpoints were morbidity and 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints included the duration of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, operative time as well as relapse-free and overall survival.ResultsTwenty patients (76.9%) were male, median age was 63 years (40–77). Median operation time was 290 (215–385) minutes in OE and 292.5 (200–450) minutes in MIE group, p = 0.421. Major complications occurred in 4 (33.3%) patients in the OE group and in 6 (35.7%) patients in the MIE group. Anastomotic leakage was seen in 2 (16.6%) and 3 (21.4%) patients, respectively (OR 1.364; CI = 0.188–9.912; p = 0.759). Due to an alarming number of consecutive anastomotic leakages, the trial was stopped after inclusion of 26 patients. Median follow-up was 41.5 (1–62.6) months. 5‑year survival rate was 50%. Thirty-eight percent developed recurrence of disease in the study period. There was no significant difference in overall and relapse-free survival regarding the type of surgery.ConclusionThis study shows that hybrid MIE is a feasible alternative for esophageal resection. Morbidity, mortality, and oncological long-term results were equal in both groups, but the interpretation has to be done carefully due to premature termination of the trial. Interrupting a trial because of patient benefit should not be a reason to discard results but rather to improve technical aspects and strive for novel studies.

Respiratory complications following mini-invasive laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Experience in 215 patients.

IntroductionRespiratory complications (RC) including respiratory failure and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affect the outcomes of esophagectomy substantially. In order to decrease their incidence, identification of important features of RC is necessary.AimTo evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative RC following hybrid esophagectomy.Material and methodsThe retrospective analysis of consecutive hybrid esophagectomies for malignancies (transhiatal laparoscopic or thoracoscopic resection and limited open reconstruction phase) assessed the incidence and outcomes of RC in relation to the patients’ age, ASA score, neoadjuvant therapy, type of surgical procedure, TNM stage, the incidence of anastomotic leak and Clavien-Dindo classification.ResultsTranshiatal laparoscopic (176, 81.9%) or thoracoscopic hybrid esophagectomy (39, 18.1%, conversion in 7 patients) was completed in 215 patients, 187 (87%) men and 28 (13%) women. Respiratory complications developed in 86 (40%) and severe respiratory failure or ARDS occurred in 29 (13.5%) patients. The overall in-hospital mortality was 7.4%, 30-day mortality 5.6% (RC 9, myocardial infarction 1, conduit necrosis 1), and 90-day mortality a further 1.8% (multiple organ failure, ARDS). The incidence of RC correlates significantly with ASA score II and III (p = 0.0002) and Clavien-Dindo grade 4 and 5 in severe RC (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, hospital stay (p < 0.0001) and mortality (p < 0.0001) were significantly increased in RC.ConclusionsThe results show a higher occurrence of RC in polymorbid patients and patients with severe complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Adequate risk management including surgical technique and perioperative prophylaxis and therapy of RC should be studied and standardized.

Totally Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy and Gastric Pull-Up Reconstruction with an Intrathoracic Circular Stapled Anastomosis with a Team of Two (Surgeon and Assistant Only)

Totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is nowadays en vogue.1 2 3 4 5 There are several reports showing that already partial minimally invasive esophagectomies (hybrid esophagectomies) with a laparoscopic approach and open transthoracic resection are beneficial for patients due to the reduced operative trauma. Also for total MIE several groups have reported benefits for patients in terms of morbidity and quality of life.1 5 However, different approaches and experiences of different esophageal surgery groups are hardly comparable and thus do not allow a simple answer in favor of a specific total MIE technique. To enlighten the field of total MIE, we present the technique as we perform this procedure nearly weekly in our department. The described MIE technique is safe and feasible. Changing to this demonstrating technique, we did not have any mortality so far, even in the first 30 cases. Especially for surgeons who plan to switch from the open surgical technique toward hybrid, MIE or robotic-assisted MIE.

Plasma pro-atrial natriuretic peptide to estimate fluid balance during open and robot-assisted esophagectomy: a prospective observational study

BackgroundIt remains debated how much fluid should be administered during surgery. The atrial natriuretic peptide precursor proANP is released by atrial distension and deviations in plasma proANP are reported associated with perioperative fluid balance. We hypothesized that plasma proANP would decrease when the central blood volume is compromised during the abdominal part of robot-assisted hybrid (RE) esophagectomy and that a positive fluid balance would be required to maintain plasma proANP.MethodsPatients undergoing RE (n = 25) or open (OE; n = 25) esophagectomy for gastroesophageal cancer were included consecutively in this prospective observational study. Plasma proANP was determined repetitively during esophagectomy to allow for distinction between the abdominal and thoracic part of the procedure. The RE group was 15° head up tilted during the abdominal procedure.ResultsThe blood loss was 250 (150–375) (RE) and 600 ml (390–855) (OE) (p = 0.01), but the two groups of patients were provided with a similar positive fluid balance: 1705 (1390–1983) vs. 1528 ml (1316–1834) (p = 0.4). However, plasma proANP decreased by 21% (p < 0.01) during the abdominal part of RE carried out during moderate head-up tilt, but only by 11% (p = 0.01) during OE where the patients were supine. Plasma proANP and fluid balance were correlated in the RE-group (r = 0.5 (0.073–0.840), p = 0.02) and tended to correlate in the OE group (r = 0.4 (−0.045–0.833), p = 0.08).ConclusionThe results support that plasma proANP decreases when the central blood volume is compromised and suggest that an about 2200 ml surplus administration of crystalloid is required to maintain plasma proANP during esophagectomy.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov (NCT02077673). Registered retrospectively February 12th 2014.

Morbidity analysis in minimally invasive esophagectomy for oesophageal cancer versus conventional over the last 10 years, a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND:There has been an increasing inclination towards minimally invasive esophagectomies (MIEs) at our institute recently for resectable oesophageal cancer.OBJECTIVES:The purpose of the present study is to report peri-operative and long-term procedure specific outcomes of the two groups and analyse their changing pattern at our institute.METHODS:All adult patients with a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer managed at our institute from 2005 to 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded through our hospital information system. The cohort of esophagectomies was allocated into two groups, conventional open esophagectomy (OE) or total laparoscopic MIE; hybrid esophagectomies were taken as a separate group. The short-term outcome measures are an operative time in minutes, length of hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay in days, post-operative complications and 30 days in-hospital mortality. Complications are graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Long-term outcomes are long-term procedure related complications over a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Trends were analysed by visually inspecting the graphic plots for mean number of events in each group each year.RESULTS:Our results showed no difference in mortality, length of hospital and ICU stays and incidence of major complications between three groups on uni- and multi-variate analysis (P > 0.05). The operative time was significantly longer in MIE group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.66, confidence interval [CI]: 2.4–11.5). The incidence of long-term complication was low for MIE (OR: 1.0, CI: 133–1.017). However, all post-operative surgical outcomes trended to improve in both groups over the course of this study and stayed better for MIE group except for the operative time.CONCLUSION:MIE has overall comparable surgical outcomes to its conventional counterpart. Furthermore, the peri-operative outcomes tend to improve in our centre with the maturation of program and experience.

Robot-Assisted Hybrid Esophagectomy Is Associated with a Shorter Length of Stay Compared to Conventional Transthoracic Esophagectomy: A Retrospective Study.

Aim To compare the peri- and postoperative data between a hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (HMIE) and the conventional Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Methods Retrospective comparison of perioperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and survival between HMIE and Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Results 216 patients were included, with 160 procedures performed with the conventional and 56 with the HMIE approach. Lower perioperative blood loss was found in the HMIE group (600 ml versus 200 ml, p < 0.001). Also, a higher median number of lymph nodes were harvested in the HMIE group (median 28) than in the conventional group (median 23) (p = 0.002). The median length of stay was longer in the conventional group compared to the HMIE group (11.5 days versus 10.0 days, p = 0.03). Patients in the HMIE group experienced fewer grade 2 or higher complications than the conventional group (39% versus 57%, p = 0.03). The rate of all pulmonary (51% versus 43%, p = 0.32) and severe pulmonary complications (38% versus 18%, p = 0.23) was not statistically different between the groups. Conclusions The HMIE was associated with lower intraoperative blood loss, a higher lymph node harvest, and a shorter hospital stay. However, the inborn limitations with the retrospective design stress a need for prospective randomized studies. Registration number is DRKS00013023.

Diaphragmatic herniation following esophagogastric resectional surgery: an increasing problem with minimally invasive techniques? : Post-operative diaphragmatic hernias.

Post-operative diaphragmatic hernias (PODHs) are serious complications following esophagectomy or total gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the incidence of PODHs at a high volume center over time and analyze the outcomes of patients who develop a PODH. A prospective database of all resectional esophagogastric operations performed for cancer between January 2001 and December 2015 was analyzed. Patients diagnosed with PODH were identified and data extracted regarding demographics, details of initial resection, pathology, PODH symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Out of 631 patients who had hiatal dissection for malignancy, 35 patients developed of PODH (5.5% overall incidence). Median age was 66 (range 23-87) years. The incidence of PODH in each operation type was: 2% (4/221) following an open 2 or 3 stage esophagectomy, 10% (22/212) following laparoscopic hybrid esophagectomy, 7% (5/73) following MIO, and 3% (4/125) following total gastrectomy. The majority of patients had colon or small bowel in a left-sided hernia. Of the 35 patients who developed a PODH, 20 (57%) patients required emergency surgery, whereas 15 (43%) had non-urgent repair. The majority of the patients had had suture repair (n=24) or mesh repair (n=7) of the diaphragmatic defect. Four patients were treated non-operatively. In hospital post-operative mortality was 20% (4/20) in the emergency group and 0% (0/15) in the elective group. Further hernia recurrence affected seven patients (n=7/27, 26%) and 4 of these patients (15%) presented with multiple recurrences. PODH is a common complication following hybrid esophagectomy and MIO. Given the high mortality from emergency repair, careful thought is needed to identify surgical techniques to prevent PODH forming when minimal access esophagectomy are performed. Upper GI surgeons need to have a low index of suspicion to investigate and treat patients for this complication.

Complications, Not Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique, Are Associated with Increased Cost after Esophagectomy.

Background. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) techniques offer similar oncological and surgical outcomes to open methods. The effects of MIE on hospital costs are not well documented. Methods. We reviewed the electronic records of patients who underwent esophagectomy at a single academic institution between January 2012 and December 2014. Esophagectomy techniques were grouped into open, hybrid, MIE, and transhiatal (THE) esophagectomy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact of surgery on total hospital cost after esophagectomy. Results. 80 patients were identified: 11 THE, 11 open, 41 hybrid, and 17 MIE. Median total cost of the hospitalization was $31,375 and was similar between surgical technique groups. MIE was associated with higher intraoperative costs, but not total hospital cost. Multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of a complication, increased age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class IV (ASA4), and preoperative coronary artery disease (CAD) were associated with significantly increased cost. Conclusions. Despite the association of MIE with higher operation costs, the total hospital cost was not different between surgical technique groups. Postoperative complications and severe preoperative comorbidities are significant drivers of hospital cost associated with esophagectomy. Surgeons should choose technique based on clinical factors, rather than cost implications.