Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis Research Articles

PS01.200: OPEN IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH AN AGGRESSIVE UPPER MEDIASTINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION

Abstract Background The Ivor Lewis procedure consists of open subtotal esophagectomy and intrathoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis. Though this procedure is open surgery, it can minimize the risk of anastomotic leakage. This procedure combined with aggressive upper mediastinal lymph node dissection could achieve satisfactory short-term and long-term outcomes. Methods The cases with middle or lower thoracic cancer without metastasis at the cervical area are subjected to this Ivor Lewis procedure. To evade the demerit of thoracotomy, we have employed 1) the 3-field lymphadenectomy in selective patients, 2) the vertical muscle-sparing thoracotomy without transection of muscles and ribs, 3) paravertebral block for postoperative pain. Results A total of 246 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy (2011.1–2016.12) were analyzed for short-time postoperative outcomes. In 135 patients of the Ivor-Lewis group, prevalence of anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture recurrent nerve palsy and the morbidity, defined as Clavien-Dindo classification 2 or further, was 0%, 0.7% and 21% respectively. On the other hand, the incidence of these increased significantly in 111 patients who underwent cervical anastomosis, 10%, 6.3% and 47% respectively. Though Ivor-Lewis was open surgery, 83% patients in the Ivor Lewis group achieved 30 m walking at the ward within postoperative day 2 and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was 16 days (10–83). The survival according to our therapeutic strategy was analyzed in 352 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer (2002.1–2012.12). The overall survival was 82.5/83.5/52.1/50.0/32.1% for stage0/I/II/III/IVa (JES10th). The solitary cervical lymph node recurrence was diagnosed in 5 patients of Ivor-Lewis group, but 4 of the patient could be cured by additional cervical lymph node dissection. Conclusion Discussion: Intrathoracic anastomosis could minimize the risk of anastomotic leakage, and consequently the total complication rate could be reduced. The strategy that the cervical lymphadenectomy is performed only through the thoracic cavity in the selected patients was acceptable because of our survival data. Conclusion: Using our Ivor-Lewis procedure for the patients with thoracic esophageal cancer, even the open operation can minimize the risk of complication. Out therapeutic strategy could achieve satisfactory survival results. 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.

PS01.224: MODIFIED INTRATHORACIC ESOPHAGOGASTROSTOMY AT MINIMALLY INVASIVE ROBOT-ASSISTED IVOR-LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

Abstract Background The intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy played important role in minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for cancer. The methods of intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis at robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy mostly included hand-sewn, and circular stapler (anvil placement via OrVil system or transthoracically), which were still technically challenging. In this study, we modified the techniques of intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis at robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for cancer, in order to seek to simplify this complicated intrathoracic procedure. Then retrospective comparison between robotic and thoracoscopic cohorts was conducted. Methods We modified techniques focused on the ‘side-insertion’ anvil placement and purse string suture of intrathoracic robot-assisted esophagogastric anastomosis. The consecutive records of patients who underwent minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for cancer via robot-assistant and thoracoscopic procedures in our department between January 2015 and November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Totally 47 patients were enrolled including 20 patients (male: 17, female: 3) in robot-assisted group and 27 patients (male: 21, female: 6) in thoracoscopic group. There was no conversion to open thoracotomy in both two groups. Mean operation duration of robotic group was 412.5 ± 63.5 min, significantly higher than 363.0 ± 53.3 min in thoracoscopic group (P = 0.006). Estimated blood loss in robotic group was less than that in thoracoscopic group (107.5 ± 63.5ml vs. 188.9 ± 94.3ml, respectively, P = 0.002). One patient (5.0%) in robotic group and two patients(7.4%) in thoracoscopic group had anastomotic leak. No postoperative reoperation or mortality (in-hospital or within 30 days after surgery) occurred in both groups. Conclusion Robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy was safe and feasible. Our modified procedure highlighting the ‘side-insertion’ method could simplify the process of intrathoracic anvil placement and purse string suture for the robot-assisted esophagogastric anastomosis. Robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy was nearly equivalent to thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy at short-term outcomes, except higher operation time and less blood loss. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

VS03.09: PRONE POSITION THORACOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH INTRATHORACIC ESOPHAGOGASTRIC ANASTOMOSIS

Abstract Description New minimally invasive techniques in esophageal surgery have shown promising results in postoperative care, reducing morbidity such as postoperative pain, respiratory complications due to thoracotomy and length of hospital stay among others, especially by the use of a thoracoscopic approach in the prone position. One of the reasons that limits the use of this technique the most is the intrathoracic thoracoscopic anastomosis, which is a very demanding procedure and the failure of which implicates high mortality. This video presents a thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in prone position, without selective intubation. We perform an en bloc esophagectomy with the resection of both pleuras and all of the lymphatic and adipose tissue around the esophagus up to the aortic plane, with an additional infracarinal lymphadenectomy. The subsequent reconstruction is an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis using an Orvil® device and a manual tobacco-pouch suture to fit the head of the circular endostapler. This suture is reinforced by a laparoscopic endoloop. To perform this technique it is mandatory to make an assistance minithoracotomy for the placement of a gelport that allows the surgical specimen extraction and the placement of the circular endostapler without losing the pneumothorax, crucial for the surgical intervention. The aim of this video is to present step by step the thoracoscopic part of a minimally invasive, Ivor-Lewis subtotal esophagectomy, using the Orvil® device to perform the intrathoracic anastomosis. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

RA01.03: HAND-SEWN INTRATHORACIC ESOPHAGO-GASTRIC ANASTOMOSIS IN 2-STAGE TOTALLY MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

Abstract Description This is a video of a hand-sewn 2-layer end-to-side intra-thoracic esophago-gastric anastomosis performed thoracoscopically during a totally minimally invasive 2-stage esophagectomy for cancer. The suture material used is the barbed V-Lock. We routine perform this anastomosis in all 2-stage minimally invasive esophagectomies in our Unit since 2016. We have performed about 50 consecutive esophagectomies with this anastomosis with < 3% leak rate. 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.

Role of 3D in minimally invasive esophagectomy.

Two-stage minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has gained popularity in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. MIE's limitation is embedded in the construction of intrathoracic anastomosis. Various anastomotic techniques have been reported; however, the mechanical one remains the most commonly adopted. This pilot study aims to describe an efficient, safe, and reproducible way of performing a hand-sewn intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis in conjunction with short-term results using 2D and 3D thoracoscopic approaches. A total of n=13 patients (mean age 67.4) underwent MIE for distal esophageal or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma between January and September 2016. Resection was performed in prone position, and the esophagogastric anastomosis was constructed in an end-to-side manner in two layers with barbed knotless suture. A 2D thoracoscopic approach was used in n=10 patients (77%) and a 3D approach in n=3 (23%). n=8 patients (61.5%) had neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and n=5 (38.5%) had primary surgery. The mean operating time was 420min, and the average length of stay was 10days with no associated mortality. n=1 (7.7%) developed a radiological leak that did not require an intervention. Thoracoscopic approach with the glasses-based 3D optical system using the angulating-tip 100° camera provided a far superior view for precise lymphadenectomy in combination to an efficient and safe construction of the anastomosis. The barbed knotless suturing technique in MIE is an efficient and safe method of constructing the esophagogastric anastomosis with promising short-term outcomes. A 3D thoracoscopic approach appears to be superior in performing the anastomosis to that of a 2D technique.

Improved Functional Results After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: Intrathoracic Versus Cervical Anastomosis

Both cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (CEA) and intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis (IEA) are used to restore gastrointestinal integrity following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). No prospective randomized data on functional outcome, postoperative morbidity, and mortality between these techniques are currently available. A comparison was conducted including all consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma of the distal esophagus or gastroesophageal junction undergoing MIE with CEA or MIE with IEA from October 2009 to July 2014 in 3 high-volume esophageal cancer centers. Functional outcome, postoperative morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. MIE with CEA was performed in 146 patients and MIE with IEA in 210 patients. The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was 14.4% after CEA and 0% after IEA (p < 0.001). Dysphagia, dumping, and regurgitation were reported less frequently after IEA compared with CEA (p < 0.05). Dilatation of benign strictures occurred in 43.8% after CEA and this was 6.2% after IEA (p < 0.001). If a benign stricture was identified, it was dilated a median of 4 times in the CEA group and only once in the IEA group (p < 0.001). Anastomotic leakage for which reoperation was required occurred in 8.2% after CEA and in 11.4% after IEA (not significant). Median ICU stay, hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and 90-day mortality were similar between the groups (not significant). MIE with IEA was associated with better functional results than MIE with CEA with less dysphagia, less benign anastomotic strictures requiring fewer dilatations, and a lower incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Other postoperative morbidity and mortality did not differ between the groups.

Hybrid Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer.

The last 25 years have witnessed a steady increase in the use of minimally invasive esophagectomy for the treatment of esophageal cancer. However, it is unclear which the optimal minimally invasive approach is: totally minimally invasive or hybrid (laparoscopic assisted or thoracoscopic assisted)? The current evidence from nonrandomized control trials suggests that hybrid laparoscopic-assisted esophagectomy couples the benefits of laparoscopy and the advantages of thoracotomy, leading to reduced surgical trauma without jeopardizing survival compared with open esophagectomy. Compromised blood supply and tension on the anastomosis are two of the main factors that lead to anastomotic leakage. Recent studies have shown that a side-to-side mechanical intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is associated with low anastomotic complications. This article discusses surgical aspects and outcomes of hybrid laparoscopic-assisted esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Transthoracic Anastomotic Leak After Esophagectomy: Current Trends

Leaks from intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis are thought to be associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality than leaks from cervical anastomosis. We challenge this assumption and hypothesize that there is no significant difference in mortality based on the location of the esophagogastric anastomosis. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases on all studies published from January 2000 to June 2015, comparing transthoracic (TTE) and transhiatal (THE) esophagectomies. Studies using jejunal or colonic interposition were excluded. Outcomes analyzed were leak rate, leak-associated mortality, overall 30-day mortality, and overall morbidity. Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel-Haenszel statistical analyses on studies reporting leak rates of both approaches. Nominal data are presented as frequency and interquartile range (IQR); measures of the association between treatments and outcomes are presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Twenty-one studies (3 randomized controlled trials) were analyzed comprising of 7167 patients (54% TTE). TTE approach yields a lower anastomotic leak rate (9.8%; IQR 6.0-12.2%) than THE (12%; IQR 11.6-22.1%; OR 0.56 [0.34-0.92]), without any significant difference in leak associated mortality (7.1% TTE vs. 4.6% THE: OR 1.83 [0.39-8.52]). There was no difference in overall 30-day mortality (3.9% TTE vs. 4.3% THE; OR 0.86 [0.66-1.13]) and morbidity (59.0% TTE vs. 66.6% THE; OR 0.76 [0.37-1.59]). Based on meta-analysis, TTE is associated with alower leak rate and does not result in higher morbidity or mortality than THE. The previously assumed higher rate of transthoracic anastomotic leak-associated mortality is overstated, thus supporting surgeon discretion and other factors to influence the choice of thoracic versus cervical anastomosis.

Transthoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: Still a catastrophe?

126 Background: Leaks from intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis are thought to be associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality than leaks from cervical anastomosis. We challenge this assumption, and hypothesize that there is no significant difference in mortality based on the position of the esophagogastric anastomosis. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases on all studies published between January 2000 and June 2015 comparing transthoracic (TTE) and transhiatal (THE) esophagectomies. Studies that used alternate reconstruction approaches were excluded. Outcomes analyzed were leak rate, leak-associated mortality, overall 30-day mortality, and overall morbidity. Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel Haenszel statistical analyses on studies that reported on leak rates of both approaches. Nominal data are presented as frequency and interquartile range (IQR); measures of the association between treatments and outcomes are presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Twenty-one studies (including 3 randomized controlled trials) were included comprising of 7167 patients (54% TTE). THE approach yields a higher anastomotic leak rate (12%; IQR: 11.6% - 22.1%) than TTE (9.8%; IQR: 6.0% - 12.2%) (OR: 1.83 [0.34-06.92]), without any difference in leak-associated mortality (7.1% TTE vs. 4.6% THE; OR: 1.83, [0.39-8.52]). There was no difference in overall 30-day mortality (3.9% TTE vs. 4.3% THE; OR: 0.86, [0.66-1.13]) and morbidity (59.0% TTE vs. 66.6% THE; OR: 0.76, [0.37-1.59]). Conclusions: Transthoracic esophagectomy is associated with a lower leak rate and does not result in higher morbidity or mortality than transhiatal esophagectomy. The previously assumed higher rate of transthoracic leak-associated mortality is overstated, thus allowing surgeon discretion and other factors to influence the choice of intrathoracic versus cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.

T-shaped linear-stapled intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis for minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

137 Background: Linear stapler is increasingly used for the gastroesophageal anastomosis in minimally invasive esophageal cancer surgeries; however, it is more commonly used in cervical delta anastomosis, less in totally thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. A standardized rapid linear stapler based gastroesophageal anastomotic technique remains to be developed. Methods: Here we report a new technique for the endoscopic gastroesophageal anastomosis that is completed just with a linear stapler (Ethicon Flex 60). In this technique, a linear stapler is first fired upward to establish the side to side anastomosis of the esophagus and stomach. This creates the anterior and posterior wall of the anastomotic site. The linear stapler is then fired along the extension line of the gastric conduit, to complete the anastomosis and at the same time resect the lesser curvature of the stomach and the esophageal cancer. Upon completion, the anastomotic plane is axial, and contains a superior edge, inferior edge, and anterior edge. Results: By the middle of September 2015, we have performed the minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with this anastomosis for 26 esophageal cancer patients. We are following these patients, and the longest follow up time is about 18 month and the shortest is 12 month. None of these patients has had any anastomotic bleeding, leak, or stenosis. Conclusions: This new technique is less restricted by the limited space during minimally invasive Ivor Lewis procedure. The anastomotic technique is easy to perform and appears to be reliable, safe and effective judging from our limited clinical experience up to this date.

Novel T-shaped linear-stapled intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis for minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Novel T-shaped linear-stapled intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis for minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Novel T-Shaped Linear-Stapled Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis for Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy

We report a novel T-shaped linear-stapled intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis for minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. A unique feature of this technique is a "gastric pouch" that is preserved proximal to the gastric conduit and which serves as the stapler-firing pathway to protect the gastric conduit. The linear stapler is placed through an auxiliary port in the seventh intercostal space on the right posterior axillary line and fired along the longitudinal axis of the thorax, without being constrained by limited intrathoracic space. This technique, which has been performed in 8 patients, is efficient, reliable, and easy to perform.

Abdominothoracic esophageal resection according to Ivor Lewis with intrathoracic anastomosis : standardized totally minimally invasive technique

The clinical and scientific interest in minimally invasive techniques for esophagectomy (MIE) are increasing; however, the intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis remains a surgical challenge and lacks standardization. Surgeons either transpose the anastomosis to the cervical region or perform hybrid thoracotomy for stapler access. This article reports technical details and early experiences with a completely laparoscopic-thoracoscopic approach for Ivor Lewis esophagectomy without additional thoracotomy. The extent of radical dissection follows clinical guidelines. Laparoscopy is performed with the patient in a beach chair position and thoracoscopy in a left lateral decubitus position using single lung ventilation. The anvil of the circular stapler is placed transorally into the esophageal stump. The specimen and gastric conduit are exteriorized through a subcostal rectus muscle split incision. The stapler body is placed into the gastric conduit and both are advanced through the abdominal mini-incision transhiatally into the right thoracic cavity, where the anastomosis is constructed. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. A total of 23 non-selected consecutive patients (mean age 69 years, range 46-80 years) with adenocarcinoma (n = 19) or squamous cell carcinoma (n = 4) were surgically treated between June 2010 and July 2013. Neoadjuvant therapy was performed in 15 patients resulting in 10 partial and 4 complete remissions. There were no technical complications and no conversions. Mean operative time was 305min (range 220-441min). The median lymph node count was 16 (range 4-42). An R0 resection was achieved in 91 % of patients and 3 anastomotic leaks occurred which were successfully managed endoscopically. There were no postoperative deaths. The intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis during minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy can be constructed in a standardized fashion without an additional thoracotomy. Reduction of surgical morbidity remains the highest priority.

Use of efficient purse-string stapling technique for esophagogastric anastomosis in minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is increasingly accepted in the treatment of locoregional or advanced esophageal cancer. Laparoscopic-thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy has been proved to be effective in treating middle and distal esophageal cancer, however, intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is technically complex. When using circular stapler for making intrathoracic anastomosis in MIE, both transoral and transthoracic methods are frequently used for delivering the anvil into the esophageal stump. Herein, we report a new method to construct a thoracoscopic esophagogastric anastomosis by using a circular stapler: efficient purse-string stapling technique (EST). This technique is easy to handle and especially good to be used in patients with distal esophageal cancer or expanded esophageal cavity.

Combined laparoscopic-thoracoscopic esophagectomy and intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomsis.

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 112 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and gastro-esophageal anastomosis in right thoracic cavity from October 2011 to June 2013. First, the gastric tube was created with the aid of linear stapling device by removing the stomach and dissecting lymph nodes under laparoscopy and making a 3-4 cm incision through the subxiphoid area in the upper abdomen. Second, the thoracic esophagus and lymph nodes were dissected during thoracoscopic procedure. Gastric tube was inserted into the chest cavity and placed in the posterior mediastinum. The thoracic gastro-esophageal anastomosis was stapled with a circular stapler. Combined laparoscopic-thoracoscopic esophagectomy and intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is technically feasible and safe, with minimized trauma, less operative blood loss and quick recovery.

Application of purse string suture stitched in gastric wall of anastomotic stoma for intrathoracic esophagogastric apparatus anastomosis

Objective To explore the safety and clinical efficacy of the purse string suture stitched in gastric wall of anastomotic stoma for intrathoracic esophagogastric apparatus anastomosis.Methods The clinical data of 238 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma and 24 patients with carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction received intrathoracic apparatus anastomosis at the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2008 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 122 patients received conventional intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis (conventional group) and 140 patients received purse string suture stitched in gastric wall of anastomotic stoma before intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis (improvement group).The incidences of anastomotic fistula and stenosis of the 2 groups were compared.All data were anlayzed using the t test,chisquare test or Fisher exact probability.Results There were no significant differences in the operation time,intraoperative blood loss,volume of drainage of peritoneal effusion within 24 hours after operation,postoperative hospital stay and postoperative pTNM staging between the 2 groups (t =0.410,0.798,0.634,0.362,x2=0.605,P ＞ 0.05).There were no significant differences in the anastomotic location,stapler type,the weight of stapler esophageal end tissue between the 2 groups (x2 =0.118,0.221,t =0.459,P ＞ 0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidences of pulmonary complication,arrhythmia and mortality between the 2 groups (P ＞ 0.05).The weight of stapler stomach end tissue in the improvement group was significantly greater than that of the conventional group,while the incidences of postoperative anastomotic fistula and stenosis of the improvement group were significantly lower than those of the conventional group (t =13.856,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The purse string suture stitched in gastric wall of anastomotic stoma for intrathoracic esophagogastric apparatus anastomosis is simple and safe,and could effectively reduce the rate of anastomotic fistula and stenosis. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Neoplasms of the esophagogastric junction; Apparatus anastomosis; Anastomotic fistula; Anastomotic stenosis

Intrathoracic anastomotic stenosis after resection in esophageal cancer

Background: In this study, we assessed the postoperative anastomotic stenosis in patients undergoing intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis with the stapler. Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2007, 132 patients who were operated due to esophageal cancer in Thoracic Surgery Clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The reconstruction was performed by the resection of 7-8 cm tumor free tissue proximally and distally. For all patients, the transthoracic esophagogastric anastomosis with end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler was performed. Results: The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.3% (n=7), while 15 patients (12.0%) developed anastomotic stenosis. The incidences of the anastomotic stenosis in female and male patients were 11.7% (9/77) and 12.5% (6/48), respectively. The anastomotic stenosis was developed in nine (13.4%) and six (10.3%) patients in which the anastomosis were performed by using 25 mm and 28 mm stapler, respectively. The rate of the anastomotic stenosis were 25% (13/52) and 2.9% (2/69) in patients with the tumor located in 1/3 middle or 1/3 distal and cardia, respectively. The mean duration of the stenosis development was 3.9 months (range, 2-8 months). The mean dilatation cure was 1.7 sessions (range, 2-6 sessions). Symptoms of all patients were relieved by means of balloon dilatation and no complication related to the procedure was seen. Conclusion: Although the stapler contributes to the improvement of morbidity and mortality after the resection in esophageal cancer, it usually does not decrease the incidence of the anastomotic stenosis. We believe that surgical techniques should be improved and appropriate stapler devices should be developed to reduce the complications which may affect the patient comfort and psychology adversely.

Novel Thoracoscopic Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis Technique for Patients with Esophageal Cancer

This article describes a novel, easy, and secure thoracoscopic intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis procedure that uses a circular stapler with transoral placement of the anvil for patients with esophageal cancer who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy. After the thoracoscopic esophagectomy, the esophagus was transected obliquely at the level of the upper posterior mediastinum using a linear stapler. The Orvil™ (Autosuture, Norwalk, CT) anvil was placed at the edge of the staple line of the esophageal stump, which was relatively at an acute angle to the stump. Next the gastric conduit was pulled through the esophageal hiatus into the right thoracic cavity. The shaft of a 25-mm circular stapler was inserted and placed into the gastric conduit from the gastrotomy. Circular stapling was undertaken in a conventional manner. The access opening on the stump of the gastric conduit was closed with a linear stapler intracorporeally. The anastomotic procedure was completed in 20 patients. Intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery from thoracoscopic surgery were not observed in any patient. There were no severe postoperative complications, such as anastomotic leaks or gastric conduit necrosis. The present study revealed that our novel thoracoscopic intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis was technically easy and safe with minimal morbidity.