Ivor Lewis Esophagogastrectomy Research Articles

Sampling Thoracic Duct Lymph After Esophagectomy: A Pilot Study Investigating the "Gut-Lymph" Concept.

Background: Gut-lymph in animal models of acute disease is altered by intestinal ischemia and contributes to the development of systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Investigating gut-lymph in humans is hampered difficulty in accessing the thoracic duct (TD) for lymph sampling. The aims of this study were to develop and pilot a technique of intraoperative TD cannulation with delayed embolization to serially measure TD lymph pressure, flow, and composition (including markers of intestinal injury) during the early postoperative period and in response to enteral feeding and vasopressor treatment. Methods: A Seldinger technique was used for percutaneous TD cannulation during an Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy. Lymph flow rate and pressure were measured. TD lymph and plasma were sampled at 12 hourly intervals for up to 120 hours after surgery and before TD embolization. Biochemistry, lipids, cytokines, and markers of intestinal injury were measured before and after enteral feeding commenced at 36 hours. Results: Intraoperative TD cannulation was technically feasible in three of four patients. Delayed TD embolization was only successful in one of three patients, with two patients requiring a re-thoracotomy to treat chylothorax. Profound changes in TD composition, but not flow rate, occurred over time and in response to enteral feeding and vasopressors. TD lymph compared with plasma had significantly higher lipase (1.4-17 × ), interleukin-6 (8-108 × ), tumor necrosis factor-α (2.7-17 × ), d-lactate (0.3-23 × ), endotoxin (0.1-41 × ), and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (1.1-853 × ). Conclusions: Although TD cannulation and lymph sampling were successful, TD embolization failed in two of three patients. The composition of sampled TD lymph changed dramatically in response to enteral feeding, indicating intestinal ischemia that could be exacerbated by nonselective vasopressors. The higher concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and gut injury markers in TD lymph, compared with plasma, lends support to the gut-lymph concept.

S2008 A Case of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in a Young Male With Longstanding Untreated Eosinophilic Esophagitis

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) has been increasing in incidence over the last decade due to the increasing number of EGD with biopsies preformed. Up to 6.5% patients undergoing EGD for any indication are diagnosed with EoE and 22% in patients for dysphagia. EoE is present in all age groups but peak incidence is bimodal, in first and third decades of life. Here we describe a case of esophageal adenocarcinoma in a patient with history of EoE. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 42 year-old male (BMI 27 kg/m2) with PMHx of untreated EoE for 10 years presented to the ED for food bolus impaction a few hours after eating pork. No history of alcohol or tobacco use. Emergent EGD was performed with successful removal of solid food bolus in middle third of the esophagus. There were endoscopic mucosal changes consistent with EoE (EoE-EREFS: Edema 1, Rings 2, Exudates 1, Furrows 1 and Stricture 0) within the entire esophagus and a nodularity appreciated at the GEJ. Biopsies obtained from proximal and distal esophagus showed more than 50 and 100 eosinophils/per HPF respectively. The GEJ lesion showed high grade dysplasia in the settings of goblet cell metaplasia. Repeat EGD 3 weeks later revealed a medium sized fungating and ulcerated mass at the GEJ which was circumferential and partially obstructing. The biopsies showed esophageal adenocarcinoma with indeterminate HER2 oncogene expression, staged as T3N1 based on mini-probe EUS. Oncology classified the patient as cT3N1Mx. The patient received chemo-radiation (5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin) over 37 days followed by robotic assisted laparoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy with left gastric hepatic artery and celiac lymphadenectomy with successful remission, T0N0. Patient remained in clinical remission at 6 months follow up. DISCUSSION: An estimated 17,500 new cases of esophageal cancer were reported in 2016. Incidence was 4 in 100,000 and increases with age starting from 0.2 in 100,000 at age 30 increasing to 26 in 100,000 at age 80. Mortality was 3.9 in 100,000 deaths and has a 5 year survival of 18.9%. Current risk factors for development of esophageal cancer are alcohol, smoking, and obesity. No clear genetic factors have been associated with development and it is unknown if EoE is a risk factor. However, chronic inflammation and structural changes may be a contributor to malignancy and further research should focus on this area given diseases mortality rates.Figure 1.: A. Food Bolus at Middle Third of the Esophagus B. Abnormal Mucosa at the Gastro-Esophageal Junction C. Gastric Cardia, retroflex view: Mass.Figure 2.: Proximal esophagus shows increased intraepithelial eosinophils, consistent with eosinophilic esophagitis.Figure 3.: GE Junction biopsy shows adenocarcinoma arising in the background of barrett’s esophagus.

1870 Chest Tube Protrusion Into the Gastric Cavity Resulting in Biliary Drainage

INTRODUCTION: Biliary drainage through a chest tube is a rare clinical finding that might be caused by Biliothorax or inadvertent penetration of the chest tube to the esophagus or the proximal stomach wall. We present a 63-year-old male patient who underwent Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy with his post procedural course complicated by chest tube migration and protrusion into the stomach cavity through gastropleural fistula. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 63-year-old male patient who underwent Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy for distal esophageal adenocarcinoma, his clinical course was complicated by left sided pleural effusion and pneumothorax for which a chest tube was inserted. The patient clinical condition was stabilized and was discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility with the chest tube. Twenty days after discharge, the patient started to have bilious drainage through his chest tube again. He was admitted to hospital, imaging showed recurrent left pleural effusion. EGD was performed and showed chest tube protrusion into the stomach cavity through a gastropleural fistulas near the gastroesophageal junction. The chest tube was retracted and the gastropleural fistula was closed with over-the-scope clips. Bilious output stopped and the chest tube was removed with no further leakage. DISCUSSION: Biliary drainage through a chest tube is a rare clinical entity. It is highly suggestive of an esophageal leakage from a procedural complication. Gastropleural fistulae are rare and often occur as a complication of gastroesophageal surgery. When present, hardware, such as a chest tube, can be trapped into them resulting in various presentations. Endoscopic closure with over-the-scope clips may represent an effective and less invasive technique to close post procedural fistula tracts.

Minimally Invasive Circumferential Hiatal Dissection for the Treatment of Adenocarcinoma of the Distal Esophagus and Esophago-gastric Junction: Technical Considerations Combined With Histopathological Outcomes.

Circumferential resection margin involvement is an independent prognostic factor in patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and esophago-gastric junction. However, there is currently no consensus on the extent and the technique of hiatal dissection. We describe a minimally invasive technique of circumferential hiatal dissection for adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and esophago-gastric junction with its related histopathological results. A prospective study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing hybrid (laparoscopic/thoracotomic) or totally minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy over a period of 21 months was conducted. Dissection of the hiatus included peri-esophageal surrounding tissues in a cylindrical fashion maximizing the distance from the oesophageal wall. Crural muscle fibers and pleura bilaterally, pericardial fat anteriorly and pre-aortic tissue posteriorly were excised en bloc. Histopathological results particularly focused on involvement of the circumferential resection margin. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 24 (60%) patients. Complete histological clearance (R0) was achieved in 92.5% (n=37) according to the criteria of the College of American Pathologists and in 87.5% (n=35) according to those of the Royal College of Pathologists. In pT3 tumors (n=22), the circumferential resection margin was negative in 20 patients (91%) according to the College of American Pathologists, and in 17 (77%) according to the Royal College of Pathologists. Adoption of this safe and reproducible technique might reduce the incidence of circumferential resection margin involvement and improve pathological outcomes. In addition, there may be positive implications for training and quality control.

Impact of radiation dose during neoadjuvant chemoradiation on postoperative complications in esophageal (EC) and gastroesophageal junction cancers (GEJC).

119 Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) followed by resection is standard of care for operable stage II-III EC and GEJC; however, it can be associated with significant risk of postoperative complications (POC). The CROSS study group reported no increase in POC severity with nCRT using 41.4 Gy compared to surgery alone as defined by the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). We applied the CCI metric to evaluate the impact of nCRT radiation dose of < 50 Gy vs. ≥ 50 Gy on POC rates and compared to the CROSS rates. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 82 pts (2004-2016) with EC or GEJC treated with nCRT followed by resection at our institution. 29 (35%) pts were treated with < 50 Gy (range 39.6-46.8 Gy) and 53 (65%) were treated with ≥ 50 Gy (range 50.0-52.5 Gy) delivered using IMRT/VMAT (41%), 3D-CRT (46%), or tomotherapy IMRT (12%). Concurrent chemotherapy were carboplatin/paclitaxel (59%), cisplatin/5-FU (17%), or other (24%). Resection was performed by Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (67%), esophagogastrectomy (14%), or trans-hiatal approach (11%). POC within 30 days were graded using the Clavien-Dindo scale and CCI scores were computed and compared between the two dose groups and with the CROSS nCRT group. Results: CCI scores and complication rates between our < 50 Gy and ≥ 50 Gy groups were not significantly different. Assuming a normal distribution of the CROSS CCI scores, there was no significant difference in CCI scores between the CROSS study nCRT, < 50 Gy, or ≥ 50 Gy groups. Rates of pulmonary complications were greater in the CROSS study. Conclusions: In highly selected EC and GEJC pts, definitive nCRT radiation doses do not appear to increase POC rates. Thus, 50 Gy can likely be delivered without increasing toxicity while also achieving a definitive dose for pts not able or willing to undergo subsequent surgery. [Table: see text]

Outcomes of a novel intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic technique

ObjectivesAnastomotic complications represent a significant source of morbidity and occasionally mortality after esophagectomy. Since 2009, we have used a novel “side-to-side: staple line-on-staple line” (STS) technique for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomoses, designed to create a wide-diameter esophagogastric anastomosis while preserving stomach conduit blood supply. In this study, we describe the technique and review outcomes of our institution's initial 6-year experience. MethodsAn institutional database query identified 278 consecutive patients who underwent Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy using an STS esophagogastric anastomotic technique from 2009 through 2015. A retrospective review was conducted to assess outcomes with a focus on anastomotic complications. ResultsThere were a total of 8 (2.9%) anastomotic leaks in patients who underwent STS esophagogastric anastomosis, 3 of which were grade I/II leaks and required no intervention. There was a leak rate of 6.3% (2 of 32) after esophagectomy for benign conditions (both leaks occurring in 8 total patients (25%) who received surgery for end-stage achalasia) compared with a 2.4% leak rate (6 of 246) in whom esophagectomy was performed for malignancy (P = .22). Fourteen patients (5.0%) required a median of 2 dilatations for anastomotic stricture after STS anastomosis. Supplemental jejunostomy feedings were required in only 11.1% of these patients after hospital discharge. ConclusionsWe believe this novel STS technique provides excellent results with respect to the incidence of intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak and stricture after esophagectomy. Additionally this technique has significantly reduced the need for enteral feeding after hospital discharge.

Chylothorax as a Risk Factor for Thrombosis in Adults: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Postoperative chylothorax in children is associated with an increased risk of vascular thrombosis, hypothesized to be from loss of antithrombin into chylous fluid resulting in a hypercoagulable state. In adults, an increased thrombotic risk with chylothorax has not been described. Adults undergoing Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy have two strong thrombotic risk factors-active malignancy and postoperative state-allowing for relative homogeneity in baseline thrombotic risk; therefore, we studied the association of chylothorax with thrombosis in this population. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care academic center. Patients included adults undergoing Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2012. We collected demographics, pleural fluid characteristics, and relevant imaging within 30 days after the operation. Using nominal logistic regression, we studied the effects of chylothorax, age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification, operative duration, and hospital length of stay on the incidence of postoperative thrombosis. We identified 608 patients who underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy. Of these, 524 (86.2%) had no pleural fluid analysis, 48 (7.9%) had nonchylous effusions, and 36 (5.9%) had chylothoraces, with incident acute vascular thrombosis within 30 days postoperatively occurring in 22 of 524 (4.2%), 2 of 48 (4.2%), and 8 of 36 (22.2%), respectively (p= 0.001). In multivariate analyses, after adjusting for the above factors, chylothorax was associated with significantly higher odds of any vascular thrombosis (odds ratio, 5.46; p= 0.0013) and deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (odds ratio, 6.76; p=0.0016). Chylothorax is associated with a significantly higher incidence of vascular thrombosis in adults undergoing Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy. Vascular thrombosis was associated with a significantly higher 90-day mortality rate.

Comparison of Two National Databases for General Thoracic Surgery

Improving the quality of surgical care through accurate measurement of outcomes is an important endeavor. The purpose of this study was to compare data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) general thoracic surgery database to determine if a sampling technique (ACS NSQIP) is as effective and accurate as the comprehensive technique (STS database). A common data abstractor collected and recorded data for the ACS NSQIP and STS database from our institution for the year 2012. The data was completely deidentified and analyzed for demographics, preoperative risk factors, mortality, and morbidity. The STS database recorded 1,595 (100%) operations for the year 2012, whereas the ACS NSQIP by design collects a limited sample and recorded 308 (19.3%) operations. Postoperative events were recorded in 17.2% of ACS NSQIP operations and in 30.1% of operations reported in the STS database. As more specific operations are examined, errors in the NSQIP data increase significantly. For example, the ACS NSQIP underestimated the pneumonia rate for lobectomy (5.9% versus 10.9%) and overestimated the pneumonia rate for an Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy (23.8% vs 18.8%). When the ACS NSQIP was used to compare our institution to the ACS NSQIP national norms, our institution was ranked in the lowest eighth decile for 30-day operative mortality; however, we were better than average when using STS database data (1.2% [2 of 162 procedures] vs 1.4% [538 of 37,324 procedures]) for pulmonary resections and 3.0% (3 of 100 procedures) vs 3.6% [138 of 3,865 procedures] for esophagectomy). Databases built on partial sampling that do not capture all patients, such as the ACS NSQIP, may be useful for global analyses, but fall short of providing a foundation for meaningful quality improvement initiatives when analyzing data for specific thoracic surgical operations. These results highlight the utility and importance of complete databases such as the STSDB. National comparisons of clinical outcomes for thoracic surgical procedures should be interpreted with caution when using partial databases.

Su1624 Postoperative Management of Nutrition After Ivor Lewis Esophagogastrectomy for Cancer

Su1624 Postoperative Management of Nutrition After Ivor Lewis Esophagogastrectomy for Cancer

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal/gastroesophageal carcinoma.

Esophageal/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is increasingly treated with trimodality therapy. We present our experience using carboplatin/paclitaxel and radiotherapy followed by surgery. Consecutive patients with distal esophageal/GEJ adenocarcinoma (≥T2 or N+) treated from July 2010 to October 2011 were identified. Treatment included neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel with concurrent radiotherapy (CRT) to 50.4 Gy using an IMRT technique and then Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy (ILE). PET/CT was performed prior to and after CRT. Patient/treatment characteristics and tumor response were analyzed. Over this timeframe, 16 patients completed trimodality therapy. All were male, median age of 60 years (45-72 years). All tumors were grade 2-3 with mean tumor length of 4.4 cm (1-9 cm). A median of 6 cycles (5-9 cycles) neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel were administered. Average time from diagnosis to CRT completion was 76 days (44-141 days) and 60 days (35-92 days) from CRT end to surgery. Neoadjuvant CRT was well tolerated with mean weight loss of 3.9 kg. All pts had R0 resections. No anastomotic leaks or perioperative mortality occurred. Mean hospital stay was 13 days (8-28 days). Pathologic complete response (pCR) was seen in 38% of patients, microscopic residual disease (isolated tumor cells or <2 mm) in 31%, and macroscopic residual disease remained in 31%. Mean SUV reduction was 41% (0-100%). Of 11 patients with ≥35% SUV decrease, 45% had pCR and 27% had microscopic residual disease. Three patients had signet ring features. Of these, 2 had no SUV reduction and all had gross residual disease, including the only patient with positive nodal disease. Trimodality therapy utilizing concurrent carboplatin/paclitaxel and radiotherapy to 50.4 Gy followed by surgery was well tolerated and resulted in significant pathologic complete response or minimal residual disease. Further investigation of predictive factors for response is needed to best tailor therapy in the management of esophageal/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Initial experience from a large referral center with robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy for oncologic purposes

We report our initial experience of patients undergoing robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy (RAIL) for oncologic purposes at a large-referral center. A retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing RAIL from 2010-2011 was performed. Basic demographics were recorded. Oncologic variables recorded included: tumor type, location, postoperative tumor margins, and nodal harvest. Immediate 30-day postoperative complications also were analyzed. Fifty patients underwent RAIL with median age of 66 (range 42-82) years. The mean body mass index was 28.6 ± 0.7 kg/m(2); 54% and the majority had an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 3. The mean and median number of lymph nodes retrieved during surgery was 20 ± 1.4 and 18.5 respectively. R0 resections were achieved in all patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 (28%) patients, including atrial fibrillation in 5 (10%), pneumonia in 5 (10%), anastomotic leak in 1 (2%), conduit staple line leak in 1 (2%), and chyle leak in 2 (4%). The median ICU stay and length of hospitalization (LOH) were 2 and 9 days respectively. Total mean operating time calculated from time of skin incision to wound closure was 445 ± 85 minutes; however, operative times decreased over time. Similarly, there was a trend toward lower complications after the first 29 cases but this did not reach statistical significance. There were no in-hospital mortalities. We demonstrated that RAIL for esophageal cancer can be performed safely and may be associated with fewer complications after a learning curve, shorter ICU stay, and LOH.

Neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel with concurrent radiotherapy followed by surgery for esophageal/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: A single-institution experience.

e14712 Background: Esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is increasingly treated with trimodality therapy. We present our experience using carboplatin/paclitaxel and radiotherapy followed by surgery. Methods: Consecutive patients with distal esophageal/GEJ adenocarcinoma (≥T2 or N+) treated from July 2010 to October 2011 were identified. All patients received neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel with concurrent radiotherapy (CRT) to 50.4 Gy using an IMRT technique and then Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy. PET/CT was performed prior to and after CRT. Patient/treatment characteristics and tumor response were analyzed. Results: Over this timeframe,17 patients completed trimodality therapy using this regimen. All were male with a median age of 59 years (45-72). All tumors were grade 2-3 adenocarcinoma with mean tumor length of 4.4 cm (1-9). A median of 6 cycles (5-9) neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel were administered, 3 patients received additional adjuvant therapy. Average time from diagnosis to CRT completion was 78 days (44-141) and from CRT end to surgery was 62 days (35-92). Neoadjuvant CRT was well tolerated with mean weight loss of 3.5 kg. All pts had R0 resections. No anastomotic leaks or perioperative mortality occurred. Mean hospital stay was 13.6 days (8-28). Pathologic complete response (pCR) was seen in 41% of patients, microscopic residual disease (isolated tumor cells or &lt;2mm) in 29%, and macroscopic residual disease remained in 29%. Mean SUV reduction was 41% (0-100). Of 12 patients with ≥35% SUV decrease, 50% had pCR and 25% had microscopic residual disease. Three patients had signet ring features; of these 2 had no SUV reduction and all had gross residual disease, including the only patient with pN disease. Conclusions: Trimodality therapyutilizing carboplatin/paclitaxel and CRT to 50.4 Gy IMRT followed by Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy was well tolerated and resulted in significant pathologic complete response or minimal residual disease. Further investigation of predictive factors for response is needed to best tailor therapy in the management of esophageal/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Gastric lymph node contouring atlas: A tool to aid in clinical target volume definition in 3-dimensional treatment planning for gastric cancer

Purpose: To develop a contouring atlas of the gastric lymph node stations to be used in defining and planning clinical target volumes in 3-dimensional treatment planning for gastric cancers.Methods and Materials: Four physicians, including 2 radiation oncologists, a diagnostic radiologist, and a surgical oncologist specialized in gastric cancer, convened over the course of multiple meetings. Four patients were identified as representative cases, including 3 gastric cancer patients treated with differing surgical approaches (total gastrectomy, Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy, and distal gastrectomy) and 1 patient with intact gastric anatomy. Radiographic delineation of lymph node stations was established for each case to highlight differences between intact anatomy and different postoperative anatomy.Results: Consensus was achieved among physicians in order to create a computed tomographic-based contouring atlas of gastric lymph node stations. Detailed radiographic lymph node station delineation for both intact gastric anatomy and post-surgical anatomy are discussed.Conclusions: This report serves as a template for the delineation of gastric lymph node stations to aid in the definition of elective clinical target volumes to be used in conformal treatment planning.

VH28 Anastomotic Dehiscence after Esophagogastrectomy Treated With Stent and Tissue Matrix Graft

The patient is a 68 year old male with biopsy proven esophageal adenocarcinoma as well as biopsy proven non-small cell lung cancer. After appropriate cancer staging, he underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy, and was then discharged to home. He returned to the ER shortly thereafter, hemodynamically unstable, and with right sided lung collapse, in addition to a large empyema secondary to a near total dehiscence of his surgical anastomosis. EGD demonstrated this large defect, and showed wide open communication with the right pleural cavity.

Safety and oncologic outcomes of robotic-assisted esophagogastrectomy.

93 Background: The introduction of robotic systems to surgical oncology has allowed improved visualization with more precise manipulation of tissues. In esophageal cancer patients, this is crucial since most patients undergo neoadjuvant therapy (NT) prior to surgical resection. We report our initial experience in patients undergoing robotic-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy (RAIL) for oncologic purposes at a large-referral center. Methods: A retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing RAIL from 2010-2011 was performed. Basic demographics such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Oncologic outcomes include tumor type, location, NT, post-operative tumor margins, and nodal harvest. Immediate 30-day postoperative complications were also recorded. Results: We identified 50 patients who under went RAIL with median age of 66 (42-82 years). The mean BMI was 28.6 ± 0.7, 67% of patients received NT and 54% had an ASA classification of 3. The mean and median number of lymph nodes retrieved during surgery was 20 ± 1.4 and 18.5 (8-63) respectively. R0 resections were achieved in all patients. The mean estimated blood loss was 146 ± 15 ml and there were no conversions to an open procedure. Postoperative complications occurred in 13 (26 %) of patients. Complications included atrial fibrillation 5 (10%), pneumonia 5 (10%), anastamotic leak 1 (2%), conduit staple line leak 1(2%), and chylous thorax 2 (4%). There were no wound infections documented. The median ICU stay and length of hospitalization (LOH) were 2 and 9 days respectively. Total mean operating time calculated from time of skin incision to wound closure was 453 ± 13 minutes. The mean operative time significantly decreased over time (first 23 cases 479 min vs. second 23 cases 428 min, p&lt;0.05). Similarly the frequency of complications decreased significantly after 28 cases: 10 (35%) vs. 3 (13%) p=0.04. There were no in hospital mortalities. Conclusions: We demonstrated that RAIL for esophageal cancer can be performed safely with acceptable oncologic outcomes. RAIL may be associated with fewer complications after a learning curve, and shorter ICU stay and LOH.

Modified Pleural Tenting for Prevention of Anastomotic Leak After Ivor Lewis Esophagogastrectomy

Modified Pleural Tenting for Prevention of Anastomotic Leak After Ivor Lewis Esophagogastrectomy

Modified Pleural Tenting for Prevention of Anastomotic Leak After Ivor Lewis Esophagogastrectomy

The most dangerous complication following esophagogastrectomy for esophageal cancer is anastomotic leakage. Surgical interventions described did not have a major impact in reducing the risk of occurrence. On the other hand, pleural tenting has been used for more than a decade by thoracic surgeons to prevent prolonged air leak after formal upper lobectomy with excellent results. A retrospective analysis of 114 cases of esophagogastrectomy for cancer of esophagus or cardioesophageal junction is presented. Patients have been divided in 2 groups. In group B modified pleural tenting was used to prevent a potential anastomotic leak, while in group A, the control group, pleural tenting was not used. Evaluation of modified pleural tenting in preventing anastomotic leakage was the aim of the study. The pleural tenting group showed a significant decrease in anastomotic leak. In 1 patient versus 8 in group without pleural tenting the complication appeared (P = .032). The risk for an anastomotic leakage in group without pleural tenting was almost 9 times greater (odds ratio: 9.143, 95% confidence interval: lower bound 1.104, upper bound 75.708). The 30-day mortality, although lower in pleural tenting group, was not statistically significant. Pleural tenting is a safe, fast, and effective technique for prevention of anastomotic leakage after Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy. Subpleural blanketing of intrathoracic anastomosis could diminish the consequences of a possible anastomotic leak.

Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound in patients with esophageal cancer predicted to have N0 disease☆

Esophageal endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a critical staging tool for patients with esophageal cancer. Previous reports suggest that it is frequently incorrect when it predicts a patient to be N0. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of EUS-FNA in patients clinically staged N0. A retrospective cohort study of patients who had a computed tomography scan, EUS-FNA and a positron emission tomography scan prior to undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy with abdominal and thoracic lymphadenectomy. From January 2002 to June 2009, 207 patients underwent Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy by one general thoracic surgeon. Ninety-five patients did not undergo neo-adjuvant therapy. Eighty nine of these patients had an EUS-FNA preoperatively and 82 were staged as N0. Seventy-seven (94%) were confirmed as N0 on final pathology (sensitivity 94%, accuracy 95%). Their overall 3-year Kaplan-Meier survival was 68%. Neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy was given to the remaining 112 patients and 107 had a restaging EUS-FNA. Ninety of these patients were staged by EUS as N0. Seventy patients (78%) were N0 on final pathology (sensitivity 82%, accuracy 68%). There was no EUS-FNA-related procedural morbidity or mortality except for sore throat and nausea. EUS-FNA is very accurate and sensitive when it clinically stages patients with esophageal cancer as N0. In addition, it is even accurate and sensitive when restaging patients as N0 after neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. These results, which differ from previous reports, are critical for guiding treatment decisions.

Surgical treatment of esophagogastric dysfunction forty years after reverse gastric tube esophagoplasty for congenital esophageal anomaly

Background In 1968, Burrington first described use of the reverse gastric tube esophagoplasty for esophageal replacement in children with esophageal atresia or acquired stenosis. There are few documented cases of long-term follow-up of these patients. Case Report We describe a 41-year-old female who presented with progressive dysphagia 40 years after reverse gastric tube for a congenital esophageal stenosis as an infant. Repeated endoscopic dilations were unsuccessful in relieving her symptoms, and she subsequently underwent a modified Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy with resection of the reverse gastric tube and reconstruction using her remaining gastric remnant. Conclusions This report describes what we believe to be the longest recorded follow-up after reverse gastric tube esophagoplasty and highlights the potential for long-term complications after surgery for congenital anomalies.

Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy in Prone Position

Esophagectomy can be performed by different minimal invasive techniques. We report a technique of Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy with manual anastomosis performed by thoracoscopy in prone position. Readers are encouraged to view the streaming video that accompanies this article. A 51-year-old man was consulted for adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus without lymph nodes invasion. Anesthesia was realized using a double-lumen endotracheal tube. The procedure started with the patient supine, and five abdominal trocars were placed. Celiac lymphadenectomy, wide Kocher maneuver, and pyloroplasty were performed. A wide gastric tube was advanced through the hiatus into the right chest. Subsequently the patient was placed in prone position and three trocars (two 5-mm, one 10-mm) were placed in the 5th, 7th, and 9th right intercostal space. The intrathoracic esophagus was dissected, and mediastinal lymphadenectomy with en bloc resection of the left inferior mediastinal pleura was performed. After sectioning the azygos vein, the esophagus was transected by scissors 1cm cranially. A completely thoracoscopic manual double-layer anastomosis was performed using running sutures with PDS 2/0 (externally) and Maxon 4/0 (internally). Finally the patient was replaced supine; the gastric tube was fixed to the hiatus, and the specimen was retrieved by suprapubic incision. Thoracoscopy lasted 157' (anastomosis 40'), laparoscopy 160', and second laparoscopy 20'. Blood loss was 170cc. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. Thoracoscopy in prone position allows the surgeon to perform a thoracoscopic esogastric anastomosis completely manually using only three trocars and without selective lung desufflation.