Laparoscopic Transhiatal Esophagectomy Research Articles

Pre-therapy Laparoscopic Jejunostomy Provides Safe, Reliable Nutrition for Trimodality GEJ Cancer Care

Background: Patients with locally advanced GEJ cancer may have severe obstruction and irreversible malnutrition requiring intervention such as TPN, stenting, or enteral access. Laparoscopic jejunostomy (LJ) is a reliable method of supplementing nutrition but is not widely used for fear of complications. At our institution we place LJ tubes preoperatively in such patients and aimed to evaluate their effectiveness. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemo-radiation and laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTHE) from 2013 to 2022 was performed. Nutritional markers, weight, and height were recorded, LJ associated complications were recorded from placement time to removal. Thirty-day complications after LTHE were recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: Of 165 patients who underwent LTHE, twenty patients (12.1%) had LJ placement prior to neoadjuvant therapy due to obstructive symptoms and a median [IQR] weight loss of 13.6 kg [9.07, 16.74] despite dietary modification. LJs were placed a median [IQR] of 103.5 [93.3, 116.8] days prior to LTHE. Median [IQR] weight gain from LJ placement to LTHE was 2.09 kg [0.1, 5.03], P = .01. There were no major complications and 3 (15%) minor complications. There were no unplanned feeding interruptions greater than 48 hours or disruptions in neoadjuvant treatment. There was 1 (5%) 30-day complication after LTHE and there was no mortality. The median [IQR] hospital stay was 7 days [6.5, 9]. Conclusion: Jejunostomy feeding tube prior to neoadjuvant treatment consistently reverses weight loss with minor, manageable complications. Reliable pre-therapy nutrition in obstructed patients is associated with excellent esophagectomy results and should be considered the adjuvant nutritional treatment of choice.

258. A VIDEO-UPDATE OF THE LEARNING CURVE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE TRANSCERVICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY (MICE)

Abstract Background A radical esophagectomy is considered the cornerstone of a curative treatment strategy for esophageal cancer. However, transthoracic approaches are associated with high morbidity rates, even in expert centers. Pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage are the most frequent and have the most impact. In the pursuit to improve clinical outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer, reducing post-operative complications is essential. Methods Minimally Invasive trans-Cervical Esophagectomy (MICE) is an innovative surgical technique, combining a single-port trans-cervical mediastinal dissection with a laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy. This approach facilitates a radical esophagectomy and a two- or three-field lymphadenectomy, while avoiding a thoracoscopy/thoracotomy. Therefore, MICE could reduce pulmonary complications and the consequences of anastomotic leakage, without compromising oncological radicality. Reducing post-operative complications will impact mortality, quality of life, long-term survival, and costs. Results The first MICE procedure in a Dutch esophageal cancer patient was performed at Radboudumc in January 2021, after an extensive pre-clinical trajectory. Subsequently a prospective pilot study was conducted in 20 consecutive patients undergoing MICE. The primary outcome, pulmonary complication rate, was 15% (3/20), which is substantially lower than after transthoracic minimally invasive esophagectomy (TMIE). Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) occurred in seven (35%) cases, of which six recovered spontaneously, and this is in concordance with the results of Japanese series. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 15% of patients, which is in similar to our national benchmark of 18%. Conclusion We would like to share one of our latest surgical videos of MICE during our learning curve. Probably this will be around consecutive case number 70.

269. CURRENT STATUS OF THE INTRODUCTION PROCESS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE TRANSCERVICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY (MICE), TYPICALLY IDEAL 2A STRUGGLES

Abstract Background The introduction of a novel complex surgical technique is a challenging process and can be associated with a long learning curve and learning-associated morbidity. In order to introduce Minimally Invasive transCervical Esophagectomy (MICE) in a safe way, the IDEAL framework was a used. Method MICE is an innovative surgical technique, combining a single-port transcervical mediastinal dissection with a laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy. MICE could reduce pulmonary complications and the consequences of anastomotic leakage, without compromising oncological radicality. Our five-step approach of the ‘pre-clinical stage 0’ made the IDEAL framework more applicable as a practical guideline and led to a safe ‘first-in-human procedure, IDEAL stage 1’. Currently we are prospectively collecting data of a single-center Radboudumc cohort, going through the learning curve and finetuning the surgical technique, which is typical for IDEAL stage 2A ‘Development’. Results In another abstract, the clinical outcomes of our single-center Radboudumc learning curve cohort will be presented. By the time of the 2023 ISDE conference, around 70 cases will be included. As a result of technical difficulties during the learning curve and succinct evaluation with peers and patients, several changes to the MICE procedure have been made, like: indications, cervical incision, continuous NIM, sequence of abdominal/cervical approach, camera system, extraction and reconstruction, conversion, surgical team. Conclusion The surgical technique of MICE evolved during the collection of a singe-centre Radboudumc learning curve cohort. These changes are typical for the ‘IDEAL development stage 2A’, thorough evaluation of these changes might help limiting learning associated morbidity.

COVID-19 related acute necrotizing encephalopathy presenting in the early postoperative period

Besides respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 also has potential neurotropic effects. Acute hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy is a rare complication of Covid-19. This article presents a case of an 81-year-old female, fully vaccinated, who underwent laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy due to gastroesophageal junction cancer. In the early postoperative period, the patient developed persistent fever accompanied by acute quadriplegia, impaired consciousness, and no signs of respiratory distress. Imaging with Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance revealed multiple bilateral lesions both in gray and white matter, as well as pulmonary embolism. Covid-19 infection was added to the differential diagnosis three weeks later, after other possible causes were excluded. The molecular test obtained at that time for coronavirus was negative. However, the high clinical suspicion index led to Covid-19 antibody testing (IgG and IgΑ), which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with corticosteroids with noticeable clinical improvement. She was discharged to a rehabilitation center. Six months later, the patient was in good general condition, although a neurological deficit was still present. This case indicates the significance of a high clinical suspicion index, based on a combination of clinical manifestations and neuroimaging, and the confirmation of the diagnosis with molecular and antibody testing. Constant awareness of a possible Covid-19 infection among hospitalized patients is mandatory.

Evaluation of the perioperative period and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive LTE and minimally invasive CTLE esophagectomy for stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ cervical esophageal carcinoma based on propensity score matching analysis

Objective: To evaluate the perioperative period and long-term effects of minimally invasive gasless laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTE) and minimally invasive combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy (CTLE) for stageⅠ-Ⅲ cervical esophageal cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 158 consecutive patients with cervical esophageal cancer stageⅠto Ⅲ who underwent minimally invasive CTLE or LTE esophagectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2008 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 40 pairs of cases were matched (40 cases of CTLE and 40 cases of LTE surgery) after using the propensity score matching analysis which aimed to balance the influence of confounding factors between groups, including 43 males and 37 females, aged 51 to 81 (62.5±7.0) years old. The perioperative variables and long-term outcomes of the two groups were compared. Results: The operation time ((148.0±31.3) min vs (201.3±48.3) min), intraoperative blood loss ((192.6±77.9) ml vs (387.8±112.4) ml), ICU monitoring time (0 day vs 1 day), and the complication rates of postoperative pneumonia (0 vs 15%) and arrhythmia (2.5% vs 20%) were lower in the LTE group than that of in the CTLE group(all P<0.05). The number of lymph node dissections in the CTLE group was higher than that of in the LTE group (21.2±6.1 vs 12.9±4.3, P<0.001). The 3-and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and disease-free survival (DFS) rate in the LTE group (OS: 53.53% and 34.27%, DFS: 43.62% and 24.89%, respectively) and the CTLE group (OS: 59.48% and 37.29%, DFS: 49.12% and 28.82%, respectively) had no statistical differences (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The LTE group has advantages in reducing operation time, intraoperative bleeding, ICU monitoring time, postoperative incidence of pneumonia and arrhythmia, and its long-term prognosis is comparable to that of the CTLE group.

Video-assisted mediastinoscopic and laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Mediastinoscopy was originally applied for lymph node biopsy and mediastinal tumor resection. Improved video imaging with spreadable working channels enabled mediastinoscopy for inspection and tissue biopsy in the superior mediastinum but it is rarely used in minimally invasive esophageal cancer surgery. In this prospective trial, the practicability and security of spreadable video-assisted mediastinoscopic combined with laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (VAME) with video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy (VATE) were compared. A total of 200 eligible patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were randomly divided into VAME or VATE groups. Early postoperative outcomes and lymph node dissection between the two groups were compared. The operation time was significantly shorter (164.3 ± 47.0min vs. 265.4 ± 47.2min, P < 0.001), the number of dissected lymph nodes was less (15.8 ± 4.5 vs. 20.3 ± 6.5, P < 0.001), and the intraoperative blood loss was also significantly reduced (94.7 ± 56.7mL vs. 184.4 ± 65.2mL, P < 0.001) in the VAME compared to the VATE group, respectively. The incidence of pneumonia was lower (7% vs. 29%; P < 0.001) and the length of hospital stay was shorter in the VAME group compared to the VATE group (18.0 ± 7.6days vs. 23.2 ± 7.2, P < 0.001, respectively). The chyle leak incidence appeared to be lower in the VAME group but statistical significance was not reached (1% vs. 4%; P = 0.369). There were no differences in the incidence of anastomotic leakages and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis between the groups. No 30-day mortality occurred in any of the cases. VAME appears to be a practicable and secure method for esophagectomy but needs further proof of concept. Registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900022797.

Tocilizumab in SARS-COVID19 following postoperative laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy for the adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric tumor: A case report.

Introduction and importanceEsophagectomy for esophageal cancer is one of the most challenging surgical procedures, with high rates of morbidity, especially from respiratory complications. SARS-COVID19 represents a health threat nowadays. Peri-operative SARS-COVID19 infection after esophagectomy might negatively affect the postoperative outcomes. The use of tocilizumab as an alternative to reduce the inflammatory response in SARS-COVID19 is an option that has not been described in the literature after esophagectomy.Case presentationA SARS-COVID19-vaccinated (CORONAVAC) 73-year-old man with pulmonary emphysema, coronary artery disease, previous asymptomatic pulmonary embolism, and adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction tumor was submitted to laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (ypT2N0M0) after perioperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. He was also infected with SARS-COVID19, confirmed by PCR test at the 14th postoperative day. During follow-up, mild hypoxemia persisted without evidence of infection except for SARS-COVID19, and a high-flow cannula was required to maintain oxygenation. Tocilizumab was administered following high parameters of a high-flow cannula, and invasive mechanical ventilation was avoided.DiscussionBesides of the risk of secondary infection, after administration of tocilizumab, the parameters of oxygen supplementation were systematically reduced, and he stayed in the ICU for seven days. He was discharged from the ward six days later. He developed late cervical anastomotic leakage, which was treated with conservative therapy.ConclusionAlthough the patient had high-risk comorbidities, esophagectomy, and SARS-COVID19 infection, the use of tocilizumab was safe and improved the pulmonary recovery.

Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients with high-risk post-operative complications.

Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer is challenging, due to considerable morbidity, especially in high surgical risk patients. While transhiatal esophagectomy leads to good oncological outcomes and reduced postoperative complications, less invasive techniques might further improve outcomes. Our goal was to compare results of laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTE) with open transhiatal esophagectomy (OTE) in esophageal cancer patients at high surgical risk. From 2014 to 2020, 128 patients were identified. Seventy received OTE while 51 received LTE. After propensity score matching (1:1), postoperative complications, analysis of overall and disease-free survival, and survival-related prognostic factors were assessed in two groups of 48 patients. Ninety-one (77%) patients were men with a mean age of 65 ± 10.3 years. Those who underwent OTE experienced more clinical and surgical complications. In LTE patients, the number of mean resected lymph nodes was 25.9, and in patients who had OTE, it was 17.4 (P < 0.001). Overall survival was 56.0% in the LTE group and 33.6% (P = 0.023) in the OTE group. In multivariable analysis of overall survival, open surgery and incomplete pathological response were seen as worse negative factors. In multivariable analysis, metastatic lymph nodes, incomplete pathologic response, surgical complications, and a Charlson's index > 2 (P = 0.014) were associated with poor prognosis. Both surgical methods are safe with similar morbidity and mortality; however, LTE was associated with fewer complications, a higher number of resected lymph nodes, better overall survival, and more prognostic factors related to global and disease-free overall survival in high-risk patients.

Novel universally applicable technique for performing bilateral transcervical mediastinoscopic-assisted transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy: a truly minimally invasive procedure

The procedure of mediastinoscopic-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy (MATE) is only performed in a few institutions, despite this being the ultimate form of minimally invasive surgery for performing esophagectomy for esophageal and esophagogastric cancer in that it entails no chest wall trauma. We have developed a novel, universally applicable, surgical procedure for performing bilateral transcervical mediastinoscopic-assisted transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy (BTC-MATLE) that is an improvement on standard MATE surgery for esophageal and esophagogastric cancer. The patient is placed in a supine position under general anesthesia with bilateral lung ventilation. BTC-MATLE combined with mediastinoscopic and transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy with total mediastinal lymph node dissection are performed synchronously. After lymph node dissection along both recurrent laryngeal nerves through bilateral cervical skin incisions, bilateral transcervical mediastinoscopic esophagectomy is performed to avoid collision outside the cervical region and ensure operability even in patients with narrow mediastimun. Laparoscopic gastric mobilization and subsequent lower esophageal mobilization meet the bilateral transcervical mediastinoscopic esophagectomy at the border of the middle and lower third of the esophagus. The gastric tube is pulled up into the cervical region via a posterior mediastinal route and anastomosed in the neck. BTC-MATLE was performed on 16 high-risk patients (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 3 in 14 patients and two octogenarians with complex comorbidities). Median operation time and postoperative hospital stay were 231min and 15days, respectively. R0 resection was achieved in 15 patients (94%), and there were no in-hospital deaths. BTC-MATLE, a procedure for performing minimally invasive esophagectomy, is likely to become the applicable form of MATE surgery for esophageal and esophagogastric cancer, even in high-risk patients because it is truly minimally invasive and has excellent short-term outcomes.

Mediastinoscopy-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy versus thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a single-center initial experience

BackgroundWe aimed to compare mediastinoscopy-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy (MATHE) with thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE) for patients with esophageal cancer in terms of the clinical effectiveness and perioperative complications.MethodsIn total, 98 patients who underwent esophagectomy consecutively for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in our center from Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2019 were included in this study. Thirty patients underwent mediastinoscopy-assisted and laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis (the MATHE group). The other sixty-eight patients received TLE (the TLE group). Each patient’s general conditions and perioperative complications were recorded.ResultsPatients in the MATHE group were observed to have a higher incidence of postoperative hoarseness than those in the TLE group. There were no significant differences between the MATHE group and the TLE group in regards to the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected or postoperative hospital stay. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of anastomotic fistula, respiratory complications, or chylothorax or in the conversion rate or in-hospital mortality rate between the two groups.ConclusionsThe short-term efficacy in the MATHE group was similar to that in the TLE group, although patients in the MATHE group may have had a higher incidence of postoperative hoarseness. Therefore, MATHE may be a feasible and safe surgical procedure for appropriate patients with esophageal cancer.

A Novel Valvuloplastic Esophagogastrostomy Technique for Laparoscopic Transhiatal Lower Esophagectomy and Proximal Gastrectomy for Siewert Type II Esophagogastric Junction Carcinoma—the Tri Double-Flap Hybrid Method

Mini-abstractWe developed a novel technique for valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy, named tri double-flap hybrid method (TDF). TDF is shown to be simple and useful for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma. BackgroundResearch has found valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy using the conventional hand-sutured double-flap (CDF) technique to be a useful anti-reflux procedure after proximal gastrectomy. However, no study has focused on this reconstruction procedure after laparoscopic transhiatal lower esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy (LEPG) for esophagogastric junction carcinoma primarily because of its profound difficulty. Thus, we devised a novel technique for valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy comprising triangular linear-stapled esophagogastrostomy and hand-sutured flap closure, which we term the tri double-flap hybrid (TDF) method. MethodsAfter reviewing our institution’s prospective gastric cancer database, 59 consecutive patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma who underwent LEPG with valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy from January 2014 to August 2018 were analyzed. Short- and mid-term surgical outcomes were then compared between the LEPG-TDF and LEPG-CDF groups to evaluate the efficacy of the TDF method. ResultsThe median operative time was 316 min (184–613 min) and blood loss was 22.5 ml (0–180 ml). In comparison between the two groups, the LEPG-TDF group had a significantly shorter operative time (298 vs. 336 min, p = 0.041) and significantly lower postoperative anastomotic leak/stenosis rates (0 vs. 14.2%, p = 0.045), compared to the LEPG-CDF group. No patient suffered from severe gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (Visick score ≥ III). ConclusionsThis study showed that double-flap valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy is safe and feasible for reconstruction after LEPG for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma. Moreover, the TDF method is a simple and useful technique that offers a shorter operative time and lower morbidity compared to the CDF technique.

Laparoscopic Transhiatal Esophagectomy for Invasive Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

BackgroundEsophagectomy is a fundamental step to achieve long-term disease-free survival in esophageal cancer. While various approaches have been described, there is no consensus on the single best technique to optimize operative and oncologic outcomes. We aim to report the modern experience with laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTHE) for invasive adenocarcinoma. MethodsWe reviewed all patients who underwent LTHE with extended lymph node dissection for distal esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) at our institution between 2007 and 2016. Pre-operative characteristics, operative details, postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes were tracked by review of the electronic medical record and patient surveys. Survival rates were calculated with Kaplan-Meier curves. ResultsEighty-two EAC patients underwent LTHE during the study period (84% male, mean age 65, mean BMI 27.8, large). Most patients were clinical stage III (42.7%) and 68.3% had received neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). Laparoscopy was successful in 93.9%, with five cases requiring conversion to open (6.1%). The median lymph node harvest was 19. Overall complication rate (major and minor) was 45.5% and ninety-day mortality was 4%. Overall 5-year survival was 52% (77% for stage 1, 57% for stage 2, 37% for stage 3). ConclusionsLaparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy has an important role in current esophageal cancer treatment and can be performed with curative intent in patients with distal esophageal tumors. In addition to the well-known advantages of laparoscopy, the increased mediastinal visibility and a modern focus on oncologic principles seem to have a positive impact on cancer survival compared to the open transhiatal approach.

P191 MINIMALLY-INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY IN TREATMENT FOR ESOPHAGEAL DISEASES

Abstract Aim to study the benefits of the mini-invasive approach. Background &amp; Methods 115 esophagectomies were performed for the period from 2015 to 2018. Gastric conduit in 84 patients, colon - 2 and small intestine - 29. The study included 65 patients after I.Lewis, McKeown or transhiatal esophagectomy, who was performed esophageal replacement with gastric conduit. The first group consisted of 44 patients after open esophagectomy; second group - 21 patients after MIE (minimally invasive esophagectomy): included 8 patients - thoraco-laparoscopic McKeown surgery, 1 patient - laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy with anastomosis on the neck, 9 patients – hybrid minimally invasive I.Lewis surgery (laparoscopy+thoracotomy), and 3 patients – minimally invasive thoraco-laparoscopic I.Lewis surgery. The average age of patients was 53 years (13-64). 55 patients (84.6%) with esophageal cancer and 10 patients (15.4%) with benign strictures of the esophagus. There were anastomosis on the neck in 28 patients (43%) and intrathoracic anastomosis in 37 patients (57%). Results In the first group the average operative time was 286 minutes (240-370 min.), the average volume of blood loss was 345 ml (100-600 ml), the length of in-hospital stay was 15 days (9-29), complications: anastomosis leakage - 1 patient on the 5th postoperative day - EndoVAC system was used with a defect closure after 18 days; 1 patient - adhesive intestinal obstruction (relaparotomy, separation of adhesions). In the second group the average operative time was 400 min (370-480 min.), blood loss - 100 ml (50-200 ml), the length of in-hospital stay - 10 days (8-16), complications in 1 patient - acute strangulation with intestinal obstruction. There was no mortality in both groups. Conclusions The application of MIE helps to reduce the severity of postoperative pain, the length of in-hospital stay and intraoperative blood loss. This procedure should be performed in specialized hospitals with experience in miniinvasive surgery and esophageal surgery.

DOZ047.37: 5-year follow-up after 17 laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up (TEGPUL)

Abstract Background Survival in patients with EA. Materials and Methods Between 2011 and 2015, we performed 17 transhiatal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up (TEGPUL) in 8 girls and 9 boys, with a mean age 34 months (range: 8–99 months). All born with EA 65% (11) were acquired long-gap (EA type III, those where a primary anastomosis was initially achieved and then lost because of complications and redo surgeries) and 35% (6) congenital long-gap (EA types I and II). Immediate, mediate, and late complications were recorded. They were contacted by email, Facebook, instagram, and WhatsApp. WHO charts were used for nutritional diagnosis. Results Mean operating time 5.5 hours (3.5–8 hours), mean days of mechanical ventilation 4.5 (2–8 days), mean days of hospitalization 18 (9–40 days), mean time of oral feeding 12.5 days (3–30 days). We contacted 92% of the living patients. Immediate complications (first 14 postoperative days): 3 (18%) reoperative surgery (2 acute gastric obstruction and 1 incidental colon perforation); 3 (18%) patients had perioperative cardiac arrest (2 in-OR and 1 out-OR) all left but one, with neurological sequelae, died on the 12th postoperative day; 8 patients (47%) had a leak of the esophagogastric anastomosis, all health spontaneously in an average of 15 days and high blood pressure in 10 (59%) patients, unknown etiology. Mediate complications (from 15 postoperative days to 3 months): gastric emptying delay 3 (18%), GER 5 (29%), and recurrent lower respiratory infections 9 (53%). Late complications (from 3 months to 5 years): malnutrition 2 (18%), risk of malnutrition 3 (27%), diaphragmatic hernia 1 (9%), upper gastrointestinal bleeding 1 (9%). Postoperative parents satisfaction 100%. Conclusion TEGPUL is a safe and reproducible esophageal replacement technique in patients with long-gap EA, but have a long learning curve. However, more long-term and larger follow-up studies are needed, for which we recommend grouping these patients in a national reference center.

Aortoenteric fistula following overlap esophagojejunal anastomosis using linear staplers for cancer of the esophagogastric junction: a case report

BackgroundAortoenteric fistula (AEF), occasionally reported as a fatal complication after aortic or other vascular procedures, is a communication between the aorta and the digestive tract. AEF as a fatal complication of overlap esophagojejunostomy after esophagogastrectomy has not been reported previously. Herein, we report a case of AEF after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and transhiatal lower esophagectomy for cancer of the esophagogastric junction, in which linear staplers were used for overlap esophagojejunostomy.Case presentationA 66-year-old woman with advanced cancer of the esophagogastric junction underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and transhiatal lower esophagectomy with abdominal and lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Double tract reconstruction by the overlap method was performed. The patient was discharged from the hospital 10 days after surgery with a good postoperative course. However, she developed sudden-onset massive hematemesis and melena the day after discharge, resulting in death. Autopsy revealed that the stapled edge of the entry hole of the overlap esophagojejunostomy was in direct contact with the descending aorta. AEF was found at the esophagojejunostomy site.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of AEF as a fatal complication of overlap esophagojejunostomy after esophagogastrectomy. Although we could not definitively identify the cause of the AEF, it could be attributed to direct contact between the stapled edge and the bare thoracic aorta over a period of 10 days. To avoid direct contact with the aorta in esophagojejunostomy with linear staplers, all stapled edges should be covered by suturing and attention should be paid to the position of these edges.

Preservation of the vagus nerves in subtotal esophagectomy without thoracotomy.

To evaluate the outcome of transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy and with preservation of the vagal trunks for the treatment of advanced megaesophagus. Between March 2006 and September 2017, it was performed 136 transhiatal esophagectomies without thoracotomy by laparoscopy, with preservation of the vagus nerves. All patients were evaluated pre and postoperatively for respiratory and nutritional aspects Post operatively, some surgical aspects were evaluated like radiology and endoscopy of the digestive tract. Follow-up for 7 months to 12 years by clinical, radiologic, endoscopic and pH monitoring revealed satisfactory and encouraging outcomes of the procedure. The laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy is a feasible and safe technique with good postoperative outcomes.

PS02.003: SINGLE INCISION TRANSCERVICAL MEDIASTINOSCOPIC LYMPHADENECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Background A transhiatal approach in esophageal cancer surgery has limitation for mediastinal lymph node dissection compared with thransthoracic approach for esophageal cancer. Because of insufficient lymph node clearance, single incision mediastinoscopic surgery is an one of the minimally invasive surgical option for esophageal cancer. Herein, we introduce our initial experience with use of the procedure in 3 patients with esophageal cancer Methods We retrospectively collected data from 3 patients who diagnosed with esophageal cancer and who underwent 3 field transmediastinal radical esophagectomy (TMRE) between Jun 2016 and December 2017. TMRE was performed in old age patients (&gt; 75 years) and patients with limited cardiopulmonary reserve in whom thransthoracic approach could not be used. After the left cervical incision and cervical lymphadenectomy, a single port was inserted into the wound. Esophageal mobilization with en bloc lymphadenectomy along the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerve was then performed. Carbon dioxide insufflation expanded the intramediastinal space, and deep mediastinal structures were clearly visualized, allowing lymphadenectomy to be safely and carefully performed along the nerves. Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy was then performed with en bloc lymphadenectomy for lower and/or middle mediastinal nodes. Results The mean age was 75.5 ± 3.5. Among the 3 patients, two patients had severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction. The mean operation time in transmediastinal approach and transhiatal approach were 202.0 ± 18.0 and 350.0 ± 27.8, respectively. The mean retrieval number of mediastinal lymph node was 39.0 ± 5.3. There were no severe postoperative complications and there was no postoperative mortality. Mild pleural effusion was occurred in only one patient. Conclusion TMRE with single incision mediastinoscopic approach was technically feasible and oncologically safe procedure for esophageal cancer, especially in patients with old age or with limited cardiopulmonary reserve. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

PS02.021: TOTALLY LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSHIATAL ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION: INDICATIONS, TECH. ASPECTS AND RESULTS, COMPARING TO OPEN ACCESS

Abstract Background Minimally invasive esophagectomy remains with high morbidity and mortality rates. The transhiatal technique has less surgical time, lower morbidity and an acceptable oncological surgical control for patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AGEJ), unfortunaly still infrequent by laparoscopy. The aim of this study is to present indications, technical aspects and results of the totally laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (TLTE) comparing to open access (OA) Methods This study retrospectively reviewed esophageal cancer patients that were admitted at an oncology referral center between 2011 to 2016. The studied population was composed of 128 AEGJ, all of them characterized as Siewert I and II classification. Demographic, pathological and clinical characteristics were analyzed and compared to clinical stage and overall survival at 60 months, between TLTE and OA. Influence of prognostic variables was assessed by Cox regression. Results The mean age was 63,4 ys (55–80ys), 85,4% were male. The selection of this group of patients was related to good clinical condition, however most of T2-T3 tumors. 90 patients were submitted to OA and 38 to TLTE (p-value for Log-Rank 0.11). Average follow-up was 39.8 months. By univariate analysis, curative intention resection was related to only 22% of patients in 5 ys. By univariate Cox regression, only degree of cellular differentiation was related to poor clinical stage in TLTE (p-value = 0.05). Weight loss (kg), BMI variation (kg/m²) and percentage of weight loss from initial symptoms to the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma are factors that predict indicate the TLTE. Considering only patients submitted to curative intent surgery, more than 21 node resection could reach a statistically significant improvement in survival rate by univariate analysis, but there were no difference between both groups.There was no mortality and morbidity rate about 7%. Comparing TLTE to OA there were no difference in survival and morbidity and mortality. Conclusion This is a preliminary study about low rate related to both access (TLTE and OA) in patients with AEGJ) with T2-T3 tumors, with low morbidity and no mortality series. TLTE is a safe and feasible alternative to the open approach, with decrease short-term morbidity with comparable oncological outcomes. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Complications and mortality of surgical therapy for esophageal cancer: 10 years single center experience.

A single-center retrospective study the complication and mortality of surgical treatment of esophageal cancer 2006 to 2015 is presented. A total of 212 patients with esophageal cancer were operated at the First Department of Surgery University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic in the period between 2006 and 2015. Adenocarcinoma was histologically described in 127 patients (59.9%), squamous cell carcinoma in 82 patients (38.7%), and other types of carcinoma were described in 3 cases. According to the preoperative staging of esophageal cancer, the patients with early stage disease (T1-2N0M0) had primary surgery, while the patients with advanced stage (T3-4N0-2M0) were indicated for neoadjuvant chemoradiation with the surgery being performed subsequently. Transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy was performed in 183 patients, and Orringer esophagectomy in 4 patients. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed in 17 patients and thoracotomy in 30 patients. Respiratory failure with the development of ARDS syndrome accompanied by multiple-organ failure occurred in 21 patients. Statistically significant association between mortality and ASA (p = 0.009) and between respiratory complications and ASA (p = 0.006) was demonstrated. The majority of patients who died were under 60 years of age (p = 0.039). Further, significant association between 30-day mortality and tumor stage (p = 0.021), gender (p = 0.022) and age (p = 0.018) was evident. A significant association between tumor stage and fistula in anastomosis, (p = 0.043) was observed. Esophagectomy is a procedure, which should be performed in specialized high-volume centers experienced in treatment of this serious malignancy and by certified oncology surgeons with long time experience in esophageal surgery.

Perioperative outcomes of single-port mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer.

We developed an en bloc lymphadenectomy method in the upper mediastinum with a single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-port mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer. The perioperative outcomes of 60 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent this operation between March 2014 and June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The upper mediastinal dissection including lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, using a left cervical approach, was performed with a single-port mediastinoscopic technique, which was used to improve the visibility and handling in the deep mediastinum around the aortic arch. The lymphadenectomy along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve was performed under direct vision using a right cervical approach. Bilateral cervical approaches were followed by hand-assisted laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy with en bloc lymphadenectomy in the middle and lower mediastinum. Tumors were mainly located in the middle thoracic esophagus (n=33), and most tumors were squamous cell carcinoma (n=58). Pretreatment diagnoses were stage I, 19; II, 13; III, 24; IV, 4. Preoperative chemotherapy was performed for 40 patients. The median operation time and blood loss were 363 minutes and 235 mL, respectively. There were two patients who underwent conversion to thoracotomy. Perioperative complications were evaluated and graded according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) and the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) classifications. Postoperatively, pneumonia was observed in four patients (CD, Grade II, 2; Grade IIIb, 2), although vocal cord palsy was more frequent (ECCG, Type I, 12; Type III, 8). The median number of thoracic lymph nodes resected was 21, and the R0 resection rate was 95%. Single-port mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy is feasible, in terms of perioperative outcomes, for a radical surgery for thoracic esophageal cancer, although its safety needs to be further demonstrated.