Intrathoracic Anastomotic Leakage Research Articles

Management of anastomotic leakage after robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy with an intrathoracic anastomosis.

Anastomotic leakage is a feared complication after esophagectomy and associated with increased post-operative morbidity and mrotality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of leakage after robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis. From a single center prospectively maintained database, all patients with anastomotic leakages defined by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group between 2016 and 2021 were included. Contained leakage was defined as presence of air or fluid at level of the anastomosis without the involvement of the mediastinum or thorax. Non-contained leakage was defined as mediastinitis and/or mediastinal/pleural fluid collections. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality and the secondary outcome was successful recovery. In this study, 40 patients with anastomotic leakage were included. The 90-day mortality rate was 3% (n = 1). Leakage was considered contained in 29 patients (73%) and non-contained in 11 patients (27%). In the contained group, the majority of the patients were treated non-surgically (n = 27, 93%) and management was successful in 22 patients (76%). In the non-contained group, all patients required a reoperation with thoracic drainage and management was successful in seven patients (64%). Management failed in 11 patients (28%) of whom 7 developed an esophagobronchial fistula, 3 had a disconnection of the anastomosis and 1 died of a septic bleeding. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the management anastomotic leakage in patients who underwent RAMIE with an intrathoracic anastomosis was successful in 73% of the patients with a 90-day mortality rate of 3%. A differentiated approach for the management of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage is proposed.

Risk Factors and Effect of Intrathoracic Anastomotic Leakage after Esophagectomy for Underlying Malignancy-A Ten-Year Analysis at a Tertiary University Centre.

Aim: Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for curable esophageal cancer patients. Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy with an intrathoracic anastomosis is the most feared complication, and is the main cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage and its effect on the postoperative outcome. Methods: Between 2012 and 2022, all patients who underwent Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for underlying malignancy were included in this study. We performed a retrospective analysis of 174 patients. The dataset was analyzed to identify risk factors for the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. Results: A total of 174 patients were evaluated. The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 18.96%. The 30-day mortality rate was 8.62%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified diabetes (p = 0.0020) and obesity (p = 0.027) as independent risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage. AL had a drastic effect on the combined ICU/IMC and overall hospital stay (p < 0.001. Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis is the most feared complication and major cause of morbidity and mortality. Identifying risk factors preoperatively can contribute to better patient management.

Surgical Apgar score could predict complications after esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Esophagectomy is the most effective treatment for oesophageal cancer, although the incidence of postoperative complications remains high. Severe major complications, such as intrathoracic anastomotic leakage, are costly and life-threatening to patients. Therefore, early identification of postoperative complications is essential. The surgical Apgar score (SAS) was introduced by Gawande and colleagues to predict major complications after oesophagectomy. Several studies were carried out with inconsistent results. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies regarding SAS and oesophagectomy. Forest plots were generated using a random-effects model to investigate the actual predictive value of SAS in identifying major complications after oesophagectomy. Nine retrospective cohort studies were finally identified from selected electronic databases. The meta-analysis demonstrated that SAS could forecast the incidence of postoperative complications (odds ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.43-2.33, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis validated the predictive value of SAS whether as continuous or discrete variables. In addition, a meta-analysis of 4 studies demonstrated that SAS could predict the incidence of pulmonary complications (odds ratio = 2.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.61-3.36, P < 0.001). Significant heterogeneity but no publication bias was found. Lower SAS scores could predict the incidence of major morbidities and pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy. Significant heterogeneity limits the reliability of the results, even if publication bias is not observed. More high-quality prospective research should be conducted to verify the findings. PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42020209004.

Efficacy and analysis of modified "three-tube method" in the treatment of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of the modified "three-tube method" for the treatment of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage (IAL) after esophagectomy, and to analyze the independent risk factors for prolonging the treatment time of the modified "three-tube method". From January 2013 to December 2018, IAL was reported in 22 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis. By reviewing and analyzing the clinical data of the 22 patients, the efficacy of the modified "three-tube method" treatment and the independent risk factors associated with a longer treatment duration of the modified "three-tube method" were evaluated. Of the 22 patients, 19 were male (86.4%). The average age was 65.2 years old. A total of 4 patients (18.2%) underwent preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 6 patients (27.3%) had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score of 1-3; the average diagnosis time of IAL was 9.5 days; the median intervention time was 4 days; and the average fistula length was 1.5 cm. The average albumin level after surgery was 30.5 g/L, and the average C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 139.4 mg/L. The modified "three-tube method" average treatment time was 19.5 days. One patient (4.5%) died of respiratory failure during treatment. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis by establishing multiple linear regression model found that the date of intervention and the fistula size were significantly associated with a longer treatment duration of the modified "three-tube method". The modified "three-tube method" is a safe and effective means for non-surgical treatment of IAL after esophagectomy. The intervention time and the fistula size are independent risk factors for prolonging the treatment time of the modified "three-tube method".

Risk Factors of Anastomotic Leakage After Esophagectomy With Intrathoracic Anastomosis.

Purpose: Anastomotic leakage is one of the most common complications of esophagectomy, it serves as one of the main causes of postoperative death of esophageal cancer. It is of clinical significance to try to discover the risk factors that cause anastomotic leakage.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 1,257 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis from January 2010 to December 2015 at a high volume cancer center. Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis, Spearman rank correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to identify the risk factors to the occurrence of anastomotic leakage and the length of hospital stay.Results: Intrathoracic anastomotic leakage occurred in 98 patients (7.8%). Older patients were more likely to develop anastomotic leakage. Patients with diabetes had a higher leakage rate. Intrathoracic anastomotic leakage, old age as well as comorbidities were associated with longer hospital stay.Conclusion: Our study suggested that old age and diabetes were risk factors to intrathoracic anastomotic leakage. In-hospital stay would be lengthened by intrathoracic anastomotic leakage, old age and comorbidities.

Application of mediastinal drainage tube in intrathoracic esophageal anastomotic leakage for early diagnosis and effective treatment: a retrospective study

BackgroundIntrathoracic esophageal anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most fatal complications after esophagectomy. In this study, we placed an additional drainage tube in the esophagus bed and evaluated its effect in early diagnosis and treatment of AL.MethodsFrom January 2010 to August 2020, 312 patients with esophageal or cardia carcinoma underwent esophageal resection with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis. A total of 138 patients with only one pleural drainage tube were divided into the “Control Group” and 174 patients with a pleural drainage tube and an additional mediastinal drainage tube (MDT) were divided into the “Tube Group”. For all patients, the incidence of postoperative AL, the time to diagnosis, time to recovery, and patient outcome were analyzed.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the AL rate (P = 0.837) and postoperative pain between two groups. However, in the Tube Group, almost all the patients were diagnosed prior to the appearance of hyperpyrexia, which was considered as the earliest and most common symptom after AL. In the Tube Group, a significant decrease was observed in the incidence of incurable fistula, which required re-operation or variable treatments under gastroscopy when compared to the Control Group (P = 0.032). Finally, patients in the Tube Group showed reduced post AL hospital day (P = 0.015) and a lower mortality, however, when compared to the Control Group, no significant differences were observed (P = 0.188).ConclusionsPlacement of an MDT does not prevent AL, but it is an effective approach for earlier diagnosis of AL and facilitates fistula healing and patient recovery.

Treatment of intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy with the sump drainage tube

BackgroundIntrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak is one of the deadliest complications after esophagectomy. In recent years, we have implemented new method for the treatment of intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak with the nasogastric placement of sump drainage tube through fistula into abscess cavity. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of the new method and conventional therapies for intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy.MethodEsophagectomy and esophagogastric anastomotic procedures were performed in 875 patients at our institution from January 2008 to December 2019. Of these patients, 43(4.9%) patients developed intrathoracic anastomotic leaks postoperatively were enrolled into our study and their clinical data were retrospectively assessed. 20 (47%) patients from January 2008 to December 2012 received conventional treatments (group 1) known as the traditional “three-tube method”, and 23 (53%) patients from January 2013 to December 2019 received new treatments (group 2), consisted of conventional therapies and the nasogastric placement of sump drainage tube through fistula into abscess cavity.ResultsThe presence of intrathoracic anastomotic leak was proven by contrast esophagography in 43 patients (4.9%). Among them, The average duration of chest tube was 47 days in group 1 and 28 days in group 2. The average length of leak treatment was 52 days in group 1 and 35 days in group 2. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was 56 days in group 1 and 39 days in group 2, respectively. 7(35%) patients among 20 patients died from intrathoracic anastomotic leak in group 1; and 3(13%) patients among 23 patients died from intrathoracic anastomotic leak in group 2. Compared with the conventional treatments (group 1), The average duration of chest tube was significantly decreased in the new treatments (group 2) (P < 0.01), as well as the length of leak treatment (P < 0.05) and the length of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the mortality rate (P = 0.148 > 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, Our results showed this method of the nasogastric placement of sump drainage tube through fistula appears to be an safe, effective, technically feasible treatment option for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak. The efficacy and feasibility could be further investigated with a well-designed and large-scale RCT research.

Feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of endoscopic vacuum therapy for intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following transthoracic esophageal resection

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Especially intrathoracic anastomotic leakage leads to life-threatening complications. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) for anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophageal resection represents a novel concept. However, sound clinical data are still scarce. This retrospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of EVT for intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resection.MethodsFrom March 2014 to September 2019 259 consecutive patients underwent elective transthoracic esophageal resection. 72 patients (27.8%) suffered from AL. The overall collective in-hospital mortality rate was 3.9% (n = 10). Data from those who underwent treatment with EVT were included.ResultsFifty-five patients were treated with EVT. Successful closure was achieved in 89.1% (n = 49) by EVT only. The EVT-associated complication rate was 5.4% (n = 3): bleeding occurred in one patient, while minor sedation-related complications were observed in two patients. The median number of EVT procedures per patient was 3. The procedures were performed at intervals of 3–5 days, with a 14-day median duration of therapy. The mortality rate of patients with AL was 7.2% (n = 4). Despite successfully terminated EVT, three patients died because of multiple organ failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and urosepsis (5.4%). One patient (1.8%) died during EVT due to cardiac arrest.ConclusionsEVT is a safe and effective approach for intrathoracic anastomotic leakages following abdomino-thoracic esophageal resections. It offers a high leakage-closure rate and the potential to lower leakage-related mortalities.Trial registration: This trial was registered and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the University of Heidelberg on 16.04.2014 (Registration Number: S-635/2013).

The assessment of intraoperative technique-related risk factors and the treatment of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy: a narrative review.

Anastomotic leakage, including cervical anastomotic leakage and intrathoracic anastomotic leakage, is a serious complication of esophageal cancer and a leading cause of death after esophagectomy. In fact, anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy can be caused by numerous factors in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Intraoperative technique-related risk factors, including surgical methods, anastomosis sites, anastomosis methods, the type of gastric tube, and reconstruction routes, are the key causes of its occurrence. Anastomotic leakage treatments include both surgical and non-surgical treatments, while surgical treatment has high risks, many complications, and high mortality. Actually, non-surgical methods including naso-leakage drainage, stent, negative pressure therapy, and so on, are also very critical in the treatment of anastomotic leakage. So, the selection of correct and appropriate treatment methods plays an important role in alleviating the suffering of patients, shortening hospitalization time, and reducing mortality. This study undertook a systematic review in which data in the PubMed database were searched and analyzed to assess the safety and efficacy of surgical technique-related factors in esophagectomy, and appropriate treatment of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. In conclusion, gastric tube, posterior mediastinal route and stapled anastomosis are safe among esophagectomy surgical techniques, and non-surgical treatment of anastomotic leakage such as naso-leakage drainage is feasible in the majority of cases.

Endoscopic injection of human fibrin sealant in treatment of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophageal cancer surgery

ObjectiveTo investigate the application of endoscopic injection of human fibrin sealant in treatment of patients with intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.MethodsA total of 179 patients who underwent intrathoracic anastomosis after esophageal cancer surgery in our department From December 2012 to May 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data and treatment of 7 patients with postoperative intrathoracic anastomotic leakage were analyzed and discussed. On Day 28 after operation, the 7 patients were given endoscopic injection of human fibrin sealant to seal the anastomotic leakage, and the changes in drainage volume, body temperature, CRP, white blood cell count and other indicators were compared before and after endoscopic intervention.ResultsAfter endoscopic injection of human fibrin sealant in all 7 patients with intrathoracic anastomotic leakage, the volume of para-anastomotic drainage, CRP, and WBC count were improved compared with those before treatment. Relevant data were analyzed, and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.019, P = 0.001, P = 0.014, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed in the body temperature before and after treatment (P = 0.217).ConclusionFor patients with intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophageal cancer surgery, endoscopic injection of human fibrin sealant to seal the anastomotic leakage has positive therapeutic effects of reducing exudation around the anastomotic leakage, reducing systemic inflammatory response, and improving clinical symptoms including dysphagia, weight loss without trying, chest pain, pressure or burning, worsening indigestion or heartburn and coughing or hoarseness.

Preoperative dilated esophagus is associated with a high risk of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage for patients with esophageal cancer.

BackgroundThe association between the preoperative condition of the esophagus and anastomotic leakage has seldom been studied. We observed a dominant dilation of the esophagus under barium esophagography in some esophageal cancer patients. In consideration of the larger circular stapler are applied in colorectal surgery, we wonder if larger circular stapler should be applied in these patients to fit the larger esophagus. The larger size of the circular stapler also could decrease the incidence of anastomosis stricture. Thus, we made this study to explore if patients with a dilated esophagus were facing a higher risk of anastomotic leakage when applying the 25 mm circular stapler.MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing gastroesophageal intrathoracic anastomosis using a 25 mm circular stapler was performed. Patients with endoscopy or barium esophagography confirmed anastomotic leakage was assigned to leakage group (LG) while the left was enrolled in no leakage group (NLG). The measurement of the diameter of the esophagus was carried out at the level of 5 centimeters away from the upper margin of the tumor on esophagography.ResultsLG had a greater intraluminal mucosal phase diameter (IMPD) than NLG (P=0.010). The ROC curve indicated 1.79 cm as the cutoff value for IMPD. Patients with IMPD greater than 1.79 cm had a statistically significant higher rate of leakage. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, dilated IMPD was proven to be a risk factor of 25 mm-circular-stapler anastomotic leakage.ConclusionsPatients with an IMPD over 1.79 mm are facing a higher risk of intrathoracic anastomosis leakage when applying the 25 mm circular stapler. Larger circular stapler or hand-sewn would be the better choice for these patients.

Management of Intrathoracic and Cervical Anastomotic Leakage after Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Anastomotic leakage (0–30%) after esophagectomy is a severe complication and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine which treatment for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy have the best clinical outcome, based on the currently available literature. A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science until April 2017. All studies reporting on the specific treatment of cervical or intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal or cardia cancer were included. The primary outcome parameter was postoperative mortality. Methodological quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Nineteen retrospective cohort studies including 273 patients were identified. Methodological quality of all studies was poor to moderate. Mortality rates of intrathoracic anastomotic leakages in the treatment groups were as follows: conservative (14%), endoscopic stent (8%), endoscopic drainage (8%), endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure system (0%), and surgery treatment group (50%). Mortality rates of cervical anastomotic leakages in the treatment groups were as follows: conservative (8%), endoscopic stent (29%), and endoscopic dilatation (0%). Due to small cohorts, heterogeneity between studies, and lack of data regarding leakage characteristics, no evidence supporting a specific treatment for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy was found. A severity score based on leakage characteristics instead of treatment given is essential for determining the optimal treatment of anastomotic leakage. In the absence of robust evidence-based treatment guidelines, we suggest customized treatment depending on sequelae of the leak and clinical condition of the patient. PrDepartment of Surgery, Radboudumc, P.O.B. 9101/618 NLactical advices are provided. Registration number PROSPERO: CRD42016032374 .

P59 PREDICTORS FOR ANASTOMOTIC LEAKAGE AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY AND IMPACT ON SURVIVAL

Abstract Aim To identify predictors for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy and to determine the influence of anastomotic leakage on short-term and long-term survival. Background and methods Identifying predictors of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy may contribute to its prevention. The influence of anastomotic leakage on long-term survival is unclear. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in consecutive patients who underwent an esophagectomy with reconstruction in the Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, between January 1993 and January 2019. Logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to assess predictors for anastomotic leakage and to assess survival. Results 1747 patients were included, of which 326 (18.7%) developed anastomotic leakage. Independent predictors of cervical anastomotic leakage were diabetes mellitus, cT4-stage and a gastroesophageal junction tumor. ASA grade 3-5, a non-radical resection, pT2-stage, pN+ and hand sewn anastomosis were independent predictors of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage (table 1). 30-day mortality was 2% in patients without, and 4% of patients with anastomotic leakage (p=0.076). Anastomotic leakage did not significantly influence long-term survival when corrected for confounders (HR 0.96 95%CI 0.81 – 1.14, p=0.618). Conclusion Independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy are diabetes mellitus, cT4-stage and a gastroesophageal junction tumor for cervical anastomosis, and ASA grade 3-5, a non-radical resection, pT2-stage, pN+ and hand sewn anastomosis for intrathoracic anastomosis. 30-day mortality was higher in the anastomotic leakage group. We found no correlation between anastomotic leakage and long term survival.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy for intrathoracic anastomotic insufficiencies following oncological resections

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is a promising method to treat patients with leakages of the intestinal tract. We present a concise overview of recent publications about EVT for endoscopic complication management in intrathoracic anastomotic leaks (IAL) following oncological resections. Patients with esophageal carcinomas or carcinomas of the esophageal gastric junction are critical patients because of low nutritional status, passed chemotherapy and visceral surgery with one or two cave resections. Literature database search was carried out until July 2019. Case series of more than 5 patients treated with EVT for intrathoracic leaks, cohort trials and controlled trials were included. Additional studies were found by hand searching reference lists. Search resulted in a current literature-overview composed of 13 original articles gathered data from 340 patients with different causes of intrathoracic leaks treated with EVT. Overall 213 patients with intrathoracic anastomotic insufficiencies were treated with EVT. Rate of success in these patients was nearly 90%. The available data indicate that EVT is feasible, safe and results in a high rate of defect closure, rapid recoveries with few short-term complications and low mortality and morbidity rates in patients with anastomotic insufficiencies. EVT seems to be an effective tool for the complication management in intrathoracic anastomotic insufficiencies. Application of EVT is easy to learn, especially for intraluminal placement of the open pore polyurethane sponge drainage (OPD). A prospective multi-center study has to be conducted to proof the definite benefit of EVT for postsurgical management of insufficiencies.

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).

Intrathoracic anastomotic leakage following esophageal and cardial resection : Definition and validation of anew severity grading classification

Anastomotic leakage is still the most frequent cause of postoperative mortality following esophageal and cardial surgery. The German Advanced Surgical Study Group recommended that endoscopy should be the first diagnostic method if leakage is suspected. The German Surgical Endoscopy Association developed and validated adefinition and severity classification of anastomotic leakage following esophageal and cardial resection. In 2010 the international study group on insufficiency published adefinition and severity grading of anastomotic leakage following anterior resection of the rectum, which was validated in 2013. The severity of anastomotic leakage should be graded according to the impact on clinical management: typeI requires only conservative management, typeII requires interventional radiological or endoscopic treatment and type III requires surgical revision. In contrast to the rectal classification typeIII is divided into acategory without (typeIIIa) or with (typeIIIb) conduit resection and diversion. The validation was carried out on a10-year collective from the university hospitals in Heidelberg and Tübingen. From 2006-2015 all 92patients who developed an anastomotic leakage following esophageal and cardial resection were enrolled in the study. We found asignificant increase in the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) with increasing classification type (p < 0.0143). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation with the general classification of postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo as well as with mortality (p < 0.001). Standardized parameters are the prerequisite to be able to compare the results between hospitals and studies. The validation of the suggested classification shows that the differentiation between the groups is substantiated by the correlation to the length of ICU stay, Clavien-Dindo and mortality and will therefore contribute to abetter comparability of data on leakage following esophageal resection in the future.

Nutrition therapy in esophageal cancer-Consensus statement of the Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan.

A number of clinical guidelines on nutrition therapy in cancer patients have been published by national and international societies; however, most of the reviewed data focused on gastrointestinal cancer or non-cancerous abdominal surgery. To collate the corresponding data for esophageal cancer (EC), a consensus panel was convened to aid specialists from different disciplines, who are involved in the clinical nutrition care of EC patients. The literature was searched using MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the ISI Web of Knowledge. We searched for the best evidence pertaining to nutrition therapy in the case of EC. The panel summarized the findings in 3 sections of this consensus statement, based on which, after the diagnosis of EC, an initial distinction is made between the patients, as follows: (1) Assessment; (2) Therapy in patients with resectable disease; patients receiving chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy prior to resection, and patients with unresectable disease, requiring chemoradiotherapy or palliative therapy; and (3) Formula. The resulting consensus statement reflects the opinions of a multidisciplinary group of experts, and a review of the current literature, and outlines the essential aspects of nutrition therapy in the case of EC. The statements are: Patients with EC are among one of the highest risk to have malnutrition. Patient generated suggestive global assessment is correlated with performance status and prognosis. Nutrition assessment for patients with EC at the diagnosis, prior to definitive therapy and change of treatment strategy are suggested and the timing interval can be two weeks during the treatment period, and one month while the patient is stable. Patients identified as high risk of malnutrition should be considered for preoperative nutritional support (tube feeding) for at least 7-10 days. Various routes for tube feedings are available after esophagectomy with similar nutrition support benefits. Limited intrathoracic anastomotic leakage postesophagectomy can be managed with intravenous antibiotics and self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) or jejunal tube. Enteral nutrition in patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation provides benefits of maintaining weight, decreasing toxicity, and preventing treatment interruption. Tube feeding or SEMS can offer nutrition support in patients with unresectable esophageal cancer, but SEMS is not recommended for those with neoadjuvant chemoradiation before surgery. Enteral immunonutrition may preserve lean body mass and attenuates stress response after esophagectomy. Administration of glutamine may decrease the severity of chemotherapy induced mucositis. Enteral immunonutrition achieves greater nutrition status or maintains immune functions during concurrent chemoradiation.

Endoscopic naso-leakage drainage: a safe and effective method for the management of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

Intrathoracic anastomotic leakage (IAL) remains a major complication of esophagectomy. Main non-surgical options of management include chest drainage and endoscope interventions. This study is aim to present our experience and assess the efficacy of endoscopic naso-leakage drainage (ENLD) in patients with IAL. From June 2011 to January 2017, 67 patients who developed IAL after esophagectomy and managed by non-surgical approaches were analyzed retrospectively. IAL was confirmed by clinical presentations combined with the evidence of CT scan, radiography and endoscopy. Thirty-eight patients were treated by conventional chest drainage (CD group) and 29 patients underwent ENLD with or without chest drainage (ENLD group), while other treatments including enteral nutrition and antibiotics had no difference between the two groups. In ENLD group, a 12 Fr naso-leakage tube was placed through the leakage to the bottom of vomica under ultra-slim electronic gastroscope. The naso-leakage tube was then connected to a gastrointestinal decompression device for drainage and was also used for rinse. When the vomica diminished and the drainage was also clean, the naso-leakage tube could be pulled back gradually. Finally, healing of the leakage was confirmed endoscopically. Clinical records of the two groups were analyzed. In ENLD group, naso-leakage tubes were successfully placed under endoscope in all 29 patients without any procedure-related complications. In CD group, the mortality is 7.9% (three patients) and five patients (13.2%) developed to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to insufficient drainage. While in ENLD group, there was only one patient (3.4%) developed to SIRS and no death was observed, but the difference was not statistically significant. When compared with the CD group, the ENLD group had a shorter healing course (44.2±18.3 vs. 60.5±27.7 days, P=0.008), duration of antibiotics usage (16.4±7.8 vs. 11.8±3.8 days, P<0.001) and duration of fever (4.3±2.2 vs. 9.5±8.6 days, P=0.002). To our initial experience, ENLD is an ideal option with safety and efficacy in management of IAL after esophagectomy.

The Diagnostic Value of Routine Contrast Esophagram in Anastomotic Leaks After Esophagectomy.

Routine contrast esophagram has been shown to be increasingly limited in diagnosing anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy. Patients undergoing esophagectomy from 2013 to 2014 at Huai'an First Peoples' Hospital were identified. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent routine contrast esophagram on postoperative day 7 (range 6-10) to preclude anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy. In 846 patients who underwent esophagectomy, a cervical anastomosis was performed in 286 patients and an intrathoracic anastomosis in 560 patients. There were 57 (6.73%) cases with anastomotic leaks, including cervical leaks in 36 and intrathoracic leaks in 21 patients. In the cervical anastomotic leak patients, 13 were diagnosed by early local clinical symptoms and 23 underwent routine contrast esophagram. There were 7 (30.4%) true-positive, 11 (47.8%) false-negative, and five (21.8%) equivocal cases. In the intrathoracic anastomotic leak patients, four (19%) were diagnosed by clinical symptoms, 16 (76.2%) were true positives, and one (4.8%) was a false negative. Aspiration occurred in five patients with cervical anastomoses and in eight patients with intrathoracic anastomoses; aspiration pneumonitis did not occur in these cases. Gastrografin and barium are safe contrast agents to use in post-esophagectomy contrast esophagram. Because of the low sensitivity in detecting cervical anastomotic leaks, routine contrast esophagram is not advised. For patients with intrathoracic anastomoses, it is still an effective method for detecting anastomotic leaks.

A Case of Long-standing Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Recurrent Intrathoracic Anastomotic Leak After Esophagectomy

A Case of Long-standing Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Recurrent Intrathoracic Anastomotic Leak After Esophagectomy