Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis Research Articles

491. STEP BY STEP INTRATHORACIC HAND-SEWN ESOPHAGOGASTRIC ANASTOMOSIS DURING TOTALLY ROBOTIC MINIMALLY INVASIVE TWO-STAGE ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background In every esophagectomy, regardless of the approach, the creation of the anastomosis is a critical step. In minimally invasive esophagectomy, to avoid challenges of thoracoscopic suturing in the upper mediastinum most surgeons use stapling devices or even decide to do a cervical anastomosis. However, in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy, the surgeon benefits from increased dexterity that facilitates to perform a hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis. Methods A 67-year-old man with esophageal adenocarcinoma, staged as a T3N1 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by a fully robotic minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (robotic surgery during both the abdominal and thoracic phase). For the thoracic phase, the patient was placed in left sided semi-prone position. An 8 mm robotic trocar is inserted in the 6th intercostal space for the camera. Two other 8mm robotic trocars were inserted in the 4th, 8th and a 12mm 10th intercostal space. The anastomosis was constructed at the level, just above the azygos vein. Results The esophagogastric anastomosis was performed with an end-to-end construction. A barbed 3.0 suture was used to close the posterior wall by a single-layer running hand-sewn technique. The esophagostomy and the gastrostomy were performed using vascular scissors. A 36Fr Faucher was placed to expose de inner layer during the esophagostomy. A second posterior continuous full-thickness layer was performed using barbed 3.0 suture. Finally, an anterior wall full-thickness layer was performed using the same suture. To protect the anastomosis an omental wrap was applied. Conclusions Totally robotic minimally invasive esophagectomy for the treatment of esophageal cancer is on the rise. It offers all the advances of minimally invasive techniques, like reduced rates of pulmonary and cardiac complications associated with open thoracotomy and shorter length of stay. Intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis still remains challenging and it is considered as the most difficult step of the procedure. Robotic transthoracic manual anastomosis has appeared to overcome this difficulties. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/km4oo66hhnb00k45e7ecq/Stepbystepmanual.mp4?rlkey=eb074cf3sj796byijqza0zoq6&dl=0

Fashioning esophagogastric anastomosis in robotic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy: a multicenter experience

BackgroundThe aim of the present study is to compare outcomes of the robotic hand-sewn, linear- and circular-stapled techniques performed to create an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis in patients who underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy.MethodsPatients who underwent a planned Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy were retrospectively analysed from prospectively maintained databases. Only patients who underwent a robotic thoracic approach with the creation of an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups: hand-sewn-, circular stapled-, and linear-stapled anastomosis group. Demographic information and surgery-related data were extracted. The primary outcome was the rate of anastomotic leakages (AL) in the three groups. Moreover, the rate of grade A, B and C anastomotic leakage were evaluated. In addition, patients of each group were divided in subgroups according to the characteristics of anastomotic fashioning technique.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty patients were enrolled in the study. No significant differences were found between the three groups about AL rate (p = 0.137). Considering the management of the AL for each of the three groups, no significant differences were found. Evaluating the correlation between AL rate and the characteristics of anastomotic fashioning technique, no significant differences were found.ConclusionsNo standardized anastomotic fashioning technique has yet been generally accepted. This study could be considered a call to perform ad hoc high-quality studies involving high-volume centers for upper gastrointestinal surgery to evaluate what is the most advantageous anastomotic technique.

A Novel Method for Thoracoscopic Overlap Esophagogastric Reconstruction With Pleural Closure following Minimally Invasive Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy for Esophagogastric Junction Cancer.

Intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis following minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is a technically demanding surgical technique that can result in serious intrathoracic infections when anastomotic leakage occurs. Herein, we report a novel side-overlap esophagogastric anastomosis with pleural closure for esophagogastric junction cancer. The 3 key points of our novel technique were the following: (1) overlap esophagogastric anastomosis and closure of the entry hole were all performed using a linear stapler; (2) the pleura was closed to separate the anastomotic site from the thoracic cavity; and (3) the mediastinal drain was inserted transhiatally from the abdominal cavity. This modified anastomosis procedure was performed on 8 consecutive patients at our institution. The median overall/thoracoscopic operating time and estimated blood loss were 652.5/241.5 min and 89 mL, respectively. No mortality or serious postoperative complications occurred, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 22 days (range, 17 to 37 d). This novel thoracoscopic overlap esophagogastric reconstruction procedure with pleural closure is safe and feasible.

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

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

Transthoracic Esophagectomy: Hand-sewn Versus Side-to-side Linear-stapled Versus Circular-stapled Anastomosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Three anastomotic techniques are mostly used to create an esophagogastric anastomosis in a transthoracic esophagectomy: hand-sewn (HS), side-to-side linear-stapled (SSLS), and circular-stapled (CS). The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes after HS, SSLS, and CS intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis. A systematic review using the MEDLINE database was performed to identify original articles analyzing outcomes after HS, SSLS, and CS esophagogastric anastomosis. The main outcome was an anastomotic leakage rate. Secondary outcomes included overall morbidity, major morbidity, and mortality. A meta-analysis of proportions and linear regression models were used to assess the effect of each anastomotic technique on the different outcomes. A total of 101 studies comprising 12,595 patients were included; 8835 (70.1%) with CS, 2532 (20.1%) with HS, and 1228 (9.8%) with SSLS anastomosis. Anastomotic leak occurred in 10% [95% confidence interval (CI), 6%-15%], 9% (95% CI, 6%-13%), and 6% (95% CI, 5%-7%) of patients after HS, SSLS, and CS anastomosis, respectively. Risk of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher with HS anastomosis (odds ratio=1.73, 95% CI: 1.47-2.03, P<0.0001) and SSLS (odds ratio=1.68, 95% CI: 1.36-2.08, P<0.0001), as compared with CS. Overall morbidity (HS: 52% vs. SLSS: 39% vs. CS: 35%) and major morbidity (HS: 33% vs. CS: 19%) rates were significantly lower with CS anastomosis. Mortality rate was 4% (95% CI, 3%-6%), 2% (95% CI, 2%-3%), and 3% (95% CI, 3%-4%) after HS, SSLS, and CS anastomosis, respectively. HS and SSLS intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomoses are associated with significantly higher rates of an anastomotic leak than CS anastomosis.

End to side anastomosis with a circular stapler for minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy—how I do it

: The Ivor Lewis MIE has been growing in popularity globally ever since it was made popular among the Western population by J. D. Luketich at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Most patients in the West present with distal esophageal or esophago-gastric junction cancers, which favour the Ivor Lewis MIE, and an intrathoracic anastomosis as the operation of choice. However, the debate continues over which type of esophago-gastric anastomosis should be performed. The end-to-side stapled intrathoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis with a 28 or 29 mm circular stapler, and covering the anastomosis with an omental flap, is a well-established standardised technique at the UPMC and Norwich. In experienced hands, this technique is easy to execute once the anvil is inserted into the esophagus and the two purse-string sutures are tied. It has a low leak rate (<5%) when executed correctly. In the rare occurrence of a leak, the exact site of the leak can be visualised with a computerised tomography scan, since the titanium staples are easily identified radiologically. As a result, the defect at the circular anastomosis is easily located endoscopically. In addition, the leak is often small. Altogether, these factors favour the use of an EndoVac to treat the leak from a circular stapler. Hence, the authors advocate doing the circular stapled end-to-side esophago-gastric anastomosis, which is covered with an omental patch under a pleural tent.

End-to-side circular stapled versus side-to-side linear stapled intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis following minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy: comparison of short-term outcomes.

The search for the optimal procedure for creation of a safe gastroesophageal intrathoracic anastomosis with a lower risk of leakage in totally minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (TMIIL) is ongoing. In the present study, we compared the outcomes of end-to-side (with circular stapler [CS]) and side-to-side (with linear stapler [LS]) techniques for intrathoracic anastomosis during TMIIL performed in 2 European high-volume centers for upper gastrointestinal surgery. A propensity score method was used to compare the CS and LS groups. We retrospectively evaluated patients with lower esophageal cancer or Siewert type 1 or 2 esophagogastric junction carcinoma who underwent a planned TMIIL esophagectomy, performed from January 2017 to September 2020. The anastomosis was created by a semi-mechanical technique using a LS in one center and by a mechanical technique using a CS in the other center. General features, operative techniques, pathology data, and short-term outcomes were analyzed. Statistical evaluations were performed on the whole cohort, stratifying the analyses by risk strata factors identified with the propensity scores, and on a subgroup of patients matched by propensity score. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of anastomotic leakage in the two groups. Secondary endpoints included rates of anastomotic stricture and overall postoperative complications. Considering the whole population, 256 patients were included; of those, 220 received the anastomosis with a circular stapler (CS group), and 36 received the anastomosis with a linear stapler (LS group). No significant differences by group in terms of sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, and type of neoplasm were showed. The rate of anastomotic leakage did not differ in the two groups (9.6% CS vs. 5.6% LS, p = 0.438), as well as the rate of anastomotic stricture in the 3-month follow-up (0.9% CS vs. 2.8% LS, p = 0.367). The rate of chyle leakage and of pulmonary, cardiac, and infective complications was not significantly different in the groups. After propensity score matching, 72 patients were included in the analysis. The 2 obtained propensity score matched groups did not differ for any of the clinical and pathologic variables considered for the analysis, resulting in well-balanced cohorts. The results obtained on the whole population were confirmed in the matched groups. The results of our study suggest that both techniques for esophagogastric anastomosis during TMIIL are feasible, safe, and effective, with comparable rates of postoperative anastomotic leakage and stricture.

Comparison of Two Circular-Stapled Techniques for Esophageal Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

ObjectiveThe optimal technique for the thoracoscopic construction of an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis continues to be a subject of controversy. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of circular-stapled anastomosis using a transorally inserted anvil (Orvil™) with those of circular-stapled anastomosis using a transthoracically placed anvil (non-Orvil™) in totally minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis TMIE).MethodsThe data of 272 patients who underwent Ivor Lewis TMIE for esophageal cancer at multiple centers were collected from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. After propensity score matching (1:1) for patient baseline characteristics, 65 paired cases were selected for statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the significant factors of anastomotic leakage.ResultsIn the propensity score-matched analysis, compared with the non-Orvil™ group, the Orvil™ group was associated with a significantly shorter operation time (p=0.031), less intraoperative hemorrhage (p<0.001), lower need for intraoperative transfusions (p=0.009), earlier postoperative oral feeding time (p=0.010), longer chest tube duration (p<0.001), shorter postoperative hospital stays (p=0.001), lower total hospitalization costs (p<0.001) and a lower postoperative anastomotic leakage rate (p=0.033). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that anastomotic technique and pulmonary infection were independent factors for the development of postoperative anastomotic leakage (p< 0.05).ConclusionsOrvil™ anastomosis exhibited better perioperative effects than non-Orvil™ anastomosis after the propensity score-matched analysis. Remarkably, the Orvil™ technique contributed to a lower postoperative anastomotic leakage rate than the non-Orvil™ technique.

The success of Eso-SPONGE® therapy in the treatment of anastomotic dehiscence after Ivor-Lewis subtotal esophagectomy: A case report.

IntroductionEso-SPONGE® has proved to be an excellent method for the treatment of persistent dehiscence of the intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis during the operation of subtotal esophagectomy sec. Ivor Lewis.Clinical case presentationThe case presented is of a 72-year-old patient with esophageal adenocarcinoma (ADK) who underwent sub-total esophagectomy and esophagoplasty sec. Ivor Lewis complicated by an esophageal leak. The Eso-SPONGE® therapy has been successful halving the index of inflammation after the first two sessions and generation of a neowall after seven sessions.DiscussionEso-SPONGE® therapy has proven to be a valuable resource as a treatment for esophageal anastomotic dehiscences because it is easily repeatable in suburban centers, provided that they have a digestive endoscopy specialized in the positioning process.ConclusionsEso-SPONGE® is a minimally invasive method that delivers excellent results in the treatment of fragile patients, such as those who have post-esophageal anastomotic dehiscence.

544 MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE ANASTOMOTIC COMPLICATIONS AFTER IVOR-LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Anastomotic leak (AL) and conduit necrosis (CN) are among the most serious surgical complications after esophageal resection. Endoscopic, radiological and surgical methods are used in their treatment. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the results of the treatment of acute anastomotic complications after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in a single high-volume center. Methods We performed a retrospective audit of a consecutive cohort of 815 patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy with intrathoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis from 2005 to 2019. AL was graded according to Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group recommendation. Results There were 79 patients with AL and 6 patients with CN (10%). AL type I, II and III was diagnosed in 33 (39%), 25 (29%) and 27 (32%) patients, respectively. Esophageal stent was used in 40 patients. Primary surgical revision (with/without stent insertion) was performed in 14 patients. Reoperation was necessary overall in 25 patients (29%). Seventeen patients (20%) ended-up with esophageal diversion. Treatment with esophageal stent was successful in 28/40 patients (70%). Endoscopic vacuum-therapy was successfully used in three patients for peristent leak after stent extraction. Mortality of severe AL (type II and III) was 10/52 patients (19%). Conclusion Successful management of acute anastomotic complications requires early diagnosis and an individual treatment approach with the use of endoscopic, radiological and surgical methods. The primary attempt for anastomosis preservation using esophageal stent is desirable. Considering the clinical condition and CT finding, we recommend not to hesitate with surgical revision with debridement and drainage of pleural cavity and mediastinum. If primary therapy fails, life-saving procedure is the esophageal diversion.

384 SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES OF INTRA-THORACIC ESOPHAGO-GASTRIC ANASTOMOSES UNDER MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY VIA A PRONE POSITION

Abstract Although minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been performed for esophageal cancer worldwide, intra-thoracic anastomosis under prone positions is still challenging. In this retrospective study, we reviewed our short-term results of this anastomotic technique in our institution. Methods From November 2016 to December 2019, we performed 319 esophagectomies. Of these patients, 28 patients (9%) underwent intra-thoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis under MIE. Procedures The left side of an esophageal stump which had been closed using a linear stapler was opened for anastomosis. Then, the anterior wall of a gastric conduit, around 5 cm below the tip, was opened for anastomosis. Linear staplers were inserted in both esophageal stump and gastric conduit and side-to-side anastomosis was performed. The opening for insertion was closed using a hand-sewn anastomosis in 2 layers. Results Five patients (18%) suffered anastomotic leakage with Clavien-Dindo 2 and 3a, and all of them recovered by conservative treatments. Two patients (2/19, 11%) showed anastomotic stricture which improved by several endoscopic dilatations. Six patients (6/19, 32%) showed the reflux esophagitis of Grade C. Conclusion Although we have not experienced severe or critical post-operative complications, the short-term results of intra-thoracic anastomosis under MIE were not sufficient. Additional progresses in techniques are required.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Intrathoracic Anastomosis Technique.

The extracorporeal anastomosis technique for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is a convenient, easy technique to use in VATS esophagectomy. The surgeon can assess the viability and the status of the gastric conduit, and the introduction of a circular stapler can be easily done under direct vision extracorporeally, enabling easy and simple VATS intrathoracic anastomosis between the esophagus and the gastric conduit.

Pretreatment-assisted robot intrathoracic layered anastomosis: our exploration in Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy.

BackgroundMinimal invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (MIIVE) with intrathoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis (EGA) is still under exploration and the preferred technique for intrathoracic anastomosis has not been established.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 43 consecutive patients who underwent MIIVE using the series technique called pretreatment-assisted robot intrathoracic layered anastomosis (PRILA), performed by a single surgeon between September 2018 and December 2020. The operative outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe mean total operation time had been reduced from 446.38±54.775 minutes (range, 354–552) in the first year to 347.70±60.420 minutes (range, 249–450) later. There were no conversions to thoracotomy. All the patients achieved R0 resection. No patient suffered from anastomotic leakage. There was no 30-day mortality. The median length of postoperative stay was 10.0 days.ConclusionsPRILA further visualizes and streamlines the process of minimal invasive intrathoracic EGA, thus ensuring the precise anastomosis. It could be considered as a feasible alternative for intrathoracic EGA in MIILE.

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.

Stapler vs. hand-sewn intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis: which anastomotic method renders better results?

Aim: We investigated the impact of the anastomotic method in the frame of open abdominothoracic esophageal resection (hand-sewn vs. stapler anastomosis) in patients with carcinoma submitted to surgery in the University Clinic of Saarland over a 14-year period.

Laparoscopic and left thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction cancer with right aortic arch: a case report

BackgroundRight aortic arch (RAA) is a congenital malformation detected in 0.04% of the population without heterotaxia and makes esophagectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy difficult. A left thoracic approach is recommended in patients with RAA, but a minimally invasive procedure has not yet been established.Case presentationThe case was a 40-year-old man with RAA and Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction with metastases to the adrenal glands and paraaortic lymph nodes. Conversion surgery was performed when radiologic disappearance of metastatic disease was confirmed after first-line treatment consisting of 12 cycles of S-1 plus platinum-based systemic chemotherapy. Minimally invasive laparoscopic and left thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy was performed in the right semi-lateral decubitus position. The esophagus was easy to see on left thoracoscopy because of the RAA. Esophagectomy with lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy and an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis was performed successfully with laparoscopy and thoracoscopy without a position change. There were no surgical complications, and no residual cancer was detected in the resected specimen on pathological examination. There has been no recurrence during 21 months of follow-up.ConclusionsLaparoscopic and left thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in the right semi-lateral decubitus position is a minimally invasive, anatomically novel procedure for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction cancer in patients with RAA.

Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy with Linear Stapled Anastomosis Associated with Low Leak and Stricture Rates

BackgroundMinimally invasive foregut surgery is increasingly performed for both benign and malignant diseases. We present a retrospective series of patients who underwent minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIE) with linear stapled anastomosis performed at two centers in the USA, with a focus on evaluating leak and stricture rates. MethodsPatients treated from 2007 to 2018 were included, and data on demographics, oncologic treatment, pathology, and outcomes were analyzed. The surgical technique utilized laparoscopic and thoracoscopic access, with an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis using a 6-cm linear stapled side-to-side technique. ResultsA total of 124 patients were included and 114 resections (91.9%) were completed in a minimally invasive fashion with a 6-cm linear stapled side-to-side anastomosis. Patients were predominantly male (90.7%) with a median age of 66.0 years and body mass index of 28.8 kg/m2. Of 121 patients with malignancy, negative margins were obtained in 94.3% and median lymph node yield was 15 (IQR 12–22). In the intention to treat analysis, median operative time was 463 min (IQR 403–515), blood loss was 150 mL (IQR 100–200), and length of stay was 8 days (IQR 7–11). Postoperative complications were experienced by 64 patients (51.6%) including respiratory failure in 14 (11.3%) and pneumonia in 12 (9.7%). In patients who successfully underwent a 6-cm stapled side-to-side anastomosis, anastomotic leaks occurred in 6 patients (5.1%) without need for operative intervention, and anastomotic strictures occurred in 6 patients (5.1%) requiring endoscopic management. ConclusionsIvor Lewis MIE with a 6-cm linear stapled anastomosis can be completed with a high technical success rate, and low rates of anastomotic leak and stricture.

Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy using the transorally inserted anvil-the experience of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital.

Surgical approaches for treating esophageal carcinoma include the transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) and the transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) with the anastomosis in the thorax or the neck. Compared with THE, TTE can resect more extensive intrathoracic esophageal tumors. Meanwhile, the range of the resected mediastinal lymph nodes with TTE is wider than THE. Performing an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis using MIE techniques can be technically challenging and time-consuming (1,2). Combined laparoscopic with thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy needs video-assisted mini-thoracotomy and the use of Endo-GIA stapler over and over. Due to the use of OrVil system, the operation of the intrathoracic esophagus anastomosis has become easy, and the operation time has reduced.

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.

Application of different intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis in surgery for esophageal cancer

Intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is the mainstay of esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy for the middle and lower esophageal cancer, which is the majority of esophageal cancer. In spite of the constant development of techniques and instruments for esophageal reconstruction, incidence of anastomotic complications stays high, including anastomotic leak and stricture. The current common esophagogastric anastomosis primarily consists of hand-sewn anastomosis and stapled anastomosis. This review presented different ways of intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis in reference to the literatures in China and abroad, and comparisons and analyses were made according to operative techniques, anastomotic complication rates, postoperative mortality rates, etc. The results demonstrated that various anastomotic methods had individual, advantages and disadvantages. Duration of stapled anastomosis is short, and linear-stapled anastomosis has a low incidence of anastomotic stricture. Traditional hand-sewn anastomosis, as a necessary skill for thoracic surgeons, shows great manipulative flexibility and reliability. Moreover, the advances in minimally invasive esophageal surgery, such as robot-assisted esophagectomy, increases the operability and efficiency of hand-sewn anastomosis with a promising perspective. In general, among diverse anastomotic methods, mortality does not differ, and the comparison of anastomotic leak rates requires further large clinical trials. Thoracic surgeons have to decide on the anastomotic method of every single case based on patient characteristics and technical proficiency, with the final aim of minimizing anastomotic complications and maximizing patient benefits.