Left Gastric Vessels Research Articles

438. TECHNIQUE OF COMPLETELY ROBOTIC MCKEOWN (3-HOLE) ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH INTRA-CORPOREAL GASTRIC CONDUIT CREATION, AND CERVICAL ESOPHAGO-GASTRIC ANASTOMOSIS FOR MID-ESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Abstract Background Esophageal cancer is the 7th leading cause of cancer deaths, with an estimated total case of 22,370 in both males and females in 2024. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma account for over 90% of histology at diagnosis. The incidence of adenocarcinoma continues to rise due to the rising incidence and prevalence of obesity, gastro-esophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. Multi-modality treatment is currently the standard of care for locally advanced disease. This consists of neoadjuvant concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed by esophagectomy. Minimally invasive approaches to esophagectomy are associated with decreased post-operative morbidities and overall satisfactory outcomes. While the Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with intra-thoracic anastomosis is the most common surgical approach to resection of distal esophageal and gastroesophageal (GE) junction tumors, the McKeown (3-hole) esophagectomy with cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis is best suited for tumors located in the proximal and mid-esophagus. Methods We describe our technique of robotic McKeown (3-hole) esophagectomy for mid-esophageal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant concurrent chemo-radiation therapy for clinical stage uT3N0M0 tumor. The thoracic esophagus is completely mobilized from the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm up to the thoracic inlet via a right thoracoscopic approach, with harvesting of the regional lymph nodes together with the specimen. The left neck incision is made along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle is transected. The cervical esophagus is then completely mobilized into the wound and secured using a Penrose drain. Using a laparoscopic approach, the entire stomach is mobilized with division of the left gastric vessels but careful preservation of the right gastro-epiploic arcade while transecting the greater omentum and the short gastric vessels. An intra-corporeal creation of the gastric conduit then follows. The gastric conduit, secured to the proximal stomach at the resection staple line, is subsequently tunneled via the esophageal hiatus and through the mediastinum to exit at the left neck incision by applying traction on the cervical esophagus. The specimen is separated from the conduit, and the cervical esophagus is transected at the desired location for the anastomosis. A stapled end-to-side but functional end-to-end esophago-gastric anastomosis (Orringer's technique) is then created. Results A completely robotic technique of McKeown (3-hole) esophagectomy without the need to exteriorize the stomach to fashion the gastric conduit via a (mini)laparotomy is successfully accomplished in the majority of our patients with proximal or mid-esophageal tumors. An uneventful postoperative recovery was made. Fluoroscopic esophagram on post-operative day 5 did not demonstrate leakage from the anastomotic site. Gastric conduit emptying was satisfactory despite the lack of a routine gastric drainage procedure or injection of botulinum toxin into the pyloric ring. Conclusion Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization combined with laparoscopic completely intra-corporeal fashioning of gastric conduit with cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis is a technically feasible minimally invasive approach to performing McKeown esophagectomy with satisfactory post-operative outcomes and conduit functioning. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gzc1vzdzhzqn7niz95b8t/Robotic-McKeown-Esophagectomy-Video-3.mp4?rlkey=c4ja7s1aob10ah6ps500z7y29&dl=0

Prospective Evaluation of a Universally Applied Laparoscopic Gastric Ischemic Preconditioning Protocol Prior to Esophagectomy with Comparison with Historical Controls.

Anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our institution began performing laparoscopic gastric ischemic preconditioning (LGIP) with ligation of the left gastric and short gastric vessels prior to esophagectomy in all patients presenting with resectable esophageal cancer. We hypothesized that LGIP may decrease the incidence and severity of anastomotic leak. Patients were prospectively evaluated following the universal application of LGIP prior to esophagectomy protocol in January 2021 until August 2022. Outcomes were compared with patients who underwent esophagectomy without LGIP from a prospectively maintained database from 2010 to 2020. We compared 42 patients who underwent LGIP followed by esophagectomy with 222 who underwent esophagectomy without LGIP. Age, sex, comorbidities, and clinical stage were similar between groups. Outpatient LGIP was generally well tolerated, with one patient experiencing prolonged gastroparesis. Median time from LGIP to esophagectomy was 31 days. Mean operative time and blood loss were not significantly different between groups. Patients who underwent LGIP were significantly less likely to develop an anastomotic leak following esophagectomy (7.1% vs. 20.7%, p = 0.038). This finding persisted on multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.42, p = 0.029]. The occurrence of any post-esophagectomy complication was similar between groups (40.5% vs. 46.0%, p = 0.514), but patients who underwent LGIP had shorter length of stay [10 (9-11) vs. 12 (9-15), p = 0.020]. LGIP prior to esophagectomy is associated with a decreased risk of anastomotic leak and length of hospital stay. Further, multi-institutional studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

EGS P28 Transhiatal oesophagectomy to salvage transacted oesophagus from laparoscopic paraoesophageal hernia repair

Abstract Background Perforation of oesophagus and stomach during paraoesophageal hernia (POH) repair can be caused by traction on the lower oesophagus, gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) and fundus, or a thermal injury from the energy device during dissection. Iatrogenic complete transaction of oesophagus during elective laparoscopic POH repair is extremely rare. Here we reported this unusual complication. Methods A 79-year-old man with a history of hypertension and hypothyroidism underwent elective laparoscopic POH repair in a district hospital. During the surgery, oesophagus was transacted above the level of GOJ due to constant traction on the lower oesophagus and GOJ. Patient remained haemodynamically stable and was transferred to our tertiary centre next day. Patient was taken to theatre for midline laparotomy. Intraoperatively, stomach, omentum and transverse colon were in the chest and reduced carefully. The oesophageal stump, approximately 20cm from hiatus, was found in the mediastinum with the use of a nasogastric tube. It was also noted that there were several serosal tears on the proximal stomach and left gastric vessels were already divided. Unfortunately, oesophageal stump was ischaemic and friable. Therefore we decided to perform transhiatal oesophagectomy. Oesophagus was fully mobilised via cervical and abdominal incisions and was resected above the level of clavicle. Cervical oesophagogastric anastomosis was performed with semi-mechanical end-to-side EndoGIA 30mm blue and interrupted 3-0 PDS. Postoperatively, he was transferred to intensive care unit for ongoing care. Results Patient was off inotropes of Day 2 and extubated on Day 3 postoperatively. He developed pneumonia and atrial fibrillation and was treated with intravenous antibiotics and amiodarone. He has recovered well and is currently awaiting transfer to the ward. Conclusions Complete transection of oesophagus due to of traction in laparoscopic POH is an extremely uncommon complication. Transhiatal oesophagectomy can be considered as a management option in selected cases.

En bloc mesoesophageal esophagectomy through thoracoscopy combined with laparoscopy based on the mesoesophageal theory.

To investigate the effectiveness and clinical significance of thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with mesoesophagus excision. Patients who underwent en bloc mesoesophageal esophagectomy through thoracoscopy combined with laparoscopy were retrospectively enrolled. Carbon nanoparticles were used in some patients to label the esophageal drainage lymph nodes. The clinical data were analyzed. En bloc mesoesophageal esophagectomy was successfully performed in 135 patients (100%). The carbon nanoparticles were used in 10 patients, among which the left gastric arterial lymph nodes were labeled in all patients and excised together with the left gastric mesentery, mesoesophagus, esophageal cancer, lymph nodes, vessels, nerves, and adipose tissues as one intact package. The mean operation time was 182.5 ± 26.4min, intraoperative blood loss 45.9 ± 17.6ml, mean number of lymph nodes dissected 20.9 ± 8.12, extubation time of drainage tubes 7.5 ± 3.8days, first oral feeding time 7.5 ± 1.8days, and postoperative hospital stay 13 ± 5.11days. Postoperatively, anastomotic leakage occurred in six patients (4.4%), anastomotic stenosis in eight (5.9%), hoarseness in seven (5.2%), and inflammation of the remnant stomach in four (3.0%), with a complication rate of 18.5%. Patients were followed up for 13-34months (median 23). Eighteen patients presented with organ metastasis. No local recurrence or death during follow-up. Based on the membrane anatomy or mesoesophagus theory, thoracolaparoscopic en bloc mesoesophageal esophagectomy is safe, with decreased blood loss, and it is necessary to resect the left gastric artery lymph nodes together with the left gastric mesentery and its contents to completely remove the cancer.

O212 IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY AFTER SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY: THE USE OF GASTRIC CONDUIT IS STILL POSSIBLE

O212 IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY AFTER SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY: THE USE OF GASTRIC CONDUIT IS STILL POSSIBLE

Hybrid Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Partial Gastrectomy for Ulcerated GIST: Surgical Technique with Video.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the gastric cardia pose several technical difficulties to their resection because they are difficult to access, and they must be removed respecting oncological principles, and due to their proximity to the gastroesophageal junction, excessive removal of gastric tissue may cause deformation with gastric dysfunction, or gastroesophageal reflux. Hybrid laparoscopic endoscopic partial gastrectomy is a technique that avoids these problems making use of three principles. First the tumor is pinpointed, marked, and resected under combined laparoscopic and endoscopic control to assure that it is completely resected without compromising the structure of the gastroesophageal junction. Second, a dissection of the abdominal esophagus is performed as during a Nissen fundoplication in order to increase the distance between the tumor and the gastroesophageal junction. Third the lesser curvature of the stomach is dissected, and the terminal branches of the left gastric vessels are controlled from the gastric incisura to the gastroesophageal junction exposing the lesser curvature and the posterior wall of the stomach. The tumor is resected under endoscopic control, tangentially with an endoscopic stapler applied parallel to the lesser curvature similarly to a sleeve partial gastrectomy. No abdominal drain is used, and a nasogastric tube is left in place for the first 24h after surgery. The patient receives fluid diet on the first postoperative day, is discharged on the second postoperative day, and is followed up in the outpatient department for a week. In this technical paper, the procedure is described in detail and demonstrated with video.

3235 Black Stomach: A Rare Clinical Entity in a Patient With Recurrent Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis With Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastric necrosis is rarely encountered given the stomach's rich vascular distribution and collateral circulation. Reported causes of gastric necrosis include gastric outlet obstruction, intrathoracic herniation, ingestion of caustic substances, anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and systemic hypotension. We present a case of “black stomach” secondary to persistent shock in the setting of end-stage liver disease. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 33-year-old female with a history of primary sclerosing cholangitis status post orthotopic liver transplant in 2017 was initially hospitalized for pneumonia complicated by worsening graft function (MELD 38). Liver biopsy confirmed recurrent PSC with cirrhosis. Her course deteriorated after developing multiple episodes of coffee-ground emesis and melena requiring pressors. Initial EGD showed mild portal hypertensive gastropathy and two, 5 mm clean-based ulcers in the gastric antrum. No esophageal varices were visualized. Despite medical therapy, her melena and hypotension continued, leading to acute renal failure requiring CVVH. Repeat EGD two days later showed an adherent clot in the gastric fundus and severe portal hypertensive gastropathy with spontaneous oozing. Despite supportive measures, she continued to have melena. A third EGD showed a large blood clot in the fundus that was unable to be removed. Friable mucosa was noted throughout, as well as a non-healing, clean-based antral ulcer. Two days later, a fourth EGD revealed mucosa in the fundus and proximal body that appeared black and diffusely necrotic with sloughing of mucosa, with normal mucosa distally. The patient was not a candidate for IR embolization, TIPS procedure or surgery. One week later, she decompensated and died of septic shock from VRE bacteremia. DISCUSSION: Our case demonstrates that persistent gastric ischemia in the setting of shock and underlying end-stage liver disease results in gastric necrosis noted endoscopically over the course of a week. It is possible that the patient's underlying decompensated graft cirrhosis predisposed her to developing segmental gastric necrosis and “black stomach” in the area supplied and drained by the left gastric vessels, which can be affected by shock and portal congestion. Despite aggressive measures and supportive care, gastric necrosis carries a high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is required to make an early diagnosis in order to guide potential therapeutic interventions in such critically ill patients.

PS01.133: ISCHEMIC CONDITIONING OF THE STOMACH PRIOR TO ESOPHAGECTOMY: TIMING AND TECHNIQUE MATTER

Abstract Description This video highlights one method of gastric ischemic conditioning prior to esophagectomy. Multiple reports of ischemic conditioning have not shown benefit, but these studies generally had a short time of ischemia (7–14 days), and did not have a consistent method of conditioning that includes both short gastric and left gastric vessels. Animal data shows that 30 days is likely the minimum timing needed for development of collateral blood flow through the body of the stomach. We have treated 13 patients with between 35 and 180 days of ischemic conditioning prior to esophagectomy, and none of these patients developed a leak, with only one requiring dilation of a benign anastomotic stricture. In these patients, 5 patients underwent a concominant feeding jejunostomy. In our experience, ligation of the arterial and venous blood supply is important, as is ligation of both short gastric and left gastric vessels. If the left gastric vessels cannot be seen, lesser curvature perforating vessels high on the proximal stomach may be ligated as well. We prefer to use the laparoscopic clips to ligate these vessels, while some groups use energy devices to divide the short gastric vessels and clips to occlude the left gastric vessels. This keeps the subsequent adhesive disease to a minimum, which is likely the major barrier to longer conditioning time. Indeed, the ideal timing of the ischemic conditioning procedure is prior to starting chemo-radio-therapy, giving 100 days or more of conditioning time. The video outlines a laparoscopic procedure that we feel is optimum for ischemic conditioning of the stomach. We believe this method has cracked the code of a very morbid procedure and made it into a slightly morbid procedure, which can still have complications, but the anastomotic complications are much less severe with improved perfusion to the gastric conduit. Leaks are less frequent and less severe, and symptomatic strictures are fewer in number. Future work in this area should focus on ischemic conditioning timing, as well as cancer-specific outcomes related to the conditioning procedure. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

PS01.157: APPLICATION OF THE COMPLETELY MOBILIZED REMNANT STOMACH IN ESOPHAGOPLASTY FOR LOWER THORACIC ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA FOLLOWING DISTAL GASTRECTOMY

Abstract Background Reconstruction of the esophagus for the patients following distal gastrectomy (DGE)is a significant challenge for surgeons. Remnant stomach seems to be a better choice compared with colon or jejunal. But many complicated surgical methods were performed because of limitation of feeding vessels. We found the remnant stomach remained viable when all the feeding vessels were dissected. We used the completely mobilized stomach to reconstruct esophagus successfully in 29 lower thoracic esophageal carcinoma patients with a history of DGE. Methods The clinical data of 29 patients were retrospectively analyzed from August 2005 to March 2017 who accepted esophagoplasty by the completely mobilized remnant stomach. All the vessels of the remnant stomach were dissected including short gastric, posterior gastric, left gastric and left gastroepiploic vessels. The DGE included 2 Billroth I and 27 Billroth II. Results No perioperative death, no remnant stomach necrosis occurred. One Leakage was the iatrogenic injury on the remnant stomach. The other postoperative complications were the pulmonary infection(5) and arrhythmia(4). Conclusion The completely mobilized remnant stomach was viable and functional after dissecting all the feeding vessels. Application of it was a new and feasible surgical method to perform esophagoplasty with the simpler procedure and less complication. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

The completely mobilized remnant stomach: A new choice to reconstruct the esophagus in lower thoracic esophageal carcinoma with a history of distal gastrectomy

ObjectiveIt is a significant surgical challenge to reconstruct esophagus for the patients following distal gastrectomy (DGE). Remnant stomach seems to be a better choice compared with colon or jejunal. But many complicated surgical methods were performed because of limitation of feeding vessels. We found the remnant stomach remained viable when all the feeding vessels were dissected. We used the completely mobilized stomach to reconstruct esophagus successfully in 29 lower thoracic esophageal carcinoma patients with a history of DGE. MethodsThe clinical data of 29 patients were retrospectively analyzed from August 2005 to March 2017 who accepted esophagoplasty by the completely mobilized remnant stomach. All the vessels of the remnant stomach were dissected including short gastric, posterior gastric, left gastric and left gastroepiploic vessels. The DGE included 2 Billroth I and 27 Billroth II. ResultNo perioperative death, no remnant stomach necrosis occurred. One Leakage was the iatrogenic injury on the remnant stomach. The other postoperative complications were the pulmonary infection(5) and arrhythmia(4). ConclusionThe completely mobilized remnant stomach was viable and functional after dissecting all the feeding vessels. Application of it was a new and feasible surgical method to perform esophagoplasty with the simpler procedure and less complication.

Gastric Ischemic Conditioning Prior to Esophagectomy Is Associated with Decreased Stricture Rate and Overall Anastomotic Complications

BackgroundGastric ischemic conditioning prior to esophagectomy can increase neovascularization of the new conduit. Prior studies of ischemic conditioning have only investigated reductions in anastomotic leaks. Our aim was to analyze the association between gastric conditioning and all anastomotic outcomes as well as overall morbidity in our cohort of esophagectomy patients. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing esophagectomy from 2010 to 2015 in a National Cancer Institute designated center. Ischemic conditioning (IC) was performed on morbidly obese patients, those with cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled diabetes, and those requiring feeding jejunostomy and active tobacco users. IC consisted of transection of the short gastric vessels and ligation of the left gastric vessels. Primary outcomes consisted of all postoperative anastomotic complications. Secondary outcomes were overall morbidity. ResultsTwo-hundred and seven esophagectomies were performed with an average follow-up of 19 months. Thirty-eight patients (18.4%) underwent conditioning (IC). This group was similar to patients not conditioned (NIC) in age, preoperative pathology, and surgical approach. Five patients in the ischemic conditioning group (13.2%) and 57 patients (33.7%) in the NIC experienced anastomotic complications (p = 0.011). Ischemic conditioning significantly reduced the postoperative stricture rate fourfold (5.3 vs. 20.7% p = 0.02). IC patients experienced significantly fewer complications overall (36.8 vs. 56.2% p = 0.03). ConclusionsGastric ischemic conditioning is associated with fewer overall anastomotic complications, fewer strictures, and less morbidity. Randomized studies may determine optimal selection criteria to determine whom best benefits from ischemic conditioning.

Strategy of laparoscopic suprapancreatic lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer

The lymph nodes (LNs) that distribute along the celiac artery (CA) system in the suprapancreatic area include LNs around the root of the left gastric vessels (No. 7, No. 8a, No. 9 and No. 11p) and the right gastric vessels (No. 5 and No. 12a). Due to the high rate of LNs metastasis and the various vascular anatomies in this area, the suprapancreatic LN dissection is a crucial and demanding procedure for radical resection in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 LN dissection has not yet been widely adopted for advanced stages because it is technically complicated. The initial segment of the splenic artery (SpA) approach is recommended as the ideal approach for laparoscopic suprapancreatic LN dissection in AGC.

Huge pseudomyxoma peritonei: Surgical strategies and procedures to employ to optimize the rate of complete cytoreductive surgery

BackgroundComplete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the best-known treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). In 30% of the cases, PMP realize a widespread involvement of the peritoneal cavity. In these extreme situations, we developed, devoted strategies to optimize the feasibility and safety of CCRS. This study describes the surgical resections required for CCRS and the consequent approaches that we propose to achieve CCRS. Materials and methodsWe defined “huge PMP” by a peritoneal cancer index (PCI) ≥ 28. Surgical procedures of patients operated on between 1994 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective database in a single institution. ResultsDuring this period, 311 patients were operated on and 247 (79%) underwent CCRS + HIPEC. Among them, 100 patients presented “huge” PMP and 54 patients underwent CCRS + HIPEC. In patients with “huge” PMP, the rate of CCRS + HIPEC was 25% before 2002 and reached 71% between 2011 and 2014. We identified 3 conditions for CCRS 1) to guaranty a sufficient length of residual small bowel 2) to preserve the left gastric vessels in order to preserve the superior third of the stomach 3) to ensure that the hepatic pedicle can be entirely cleared from its tumor involvement. None of the other peritonectomy procedures were decisional for CCRS. ConclusionOur learning curve improved the selection and completion rate of CCRS + HIPEC for “huge PMP”. Some anatomical and physiological prerequisites guarantee the feasibility and safety of such extensive surgeries.

Laparoscopic Prophylactic Total Gastrectomy in Childhood for the Prevention of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer

Introduction: Mutations in the E-cadherin (CDH1) gene confer an 80% lifetime risk of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).1 Due to unreliable screening modalities, prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG) is recommended for individuals at risk for HDGC.2,3 Due to genetic anticipation (cancer occurring at an earlier age with each successive generation), the age at which PTG is recommended is not clearly defined, but generally recommended before 20 years of age.4 We present the case of an asymptomatic 15-year-old male, positive for CDH1 mutation, with a strong family history of HDGC (father and paternal uncle, both died from biopsy-proven diffuse gastric cancer at ages 42 and 15, respectively), who underwent a laparoscopic PTG for the prevention of HDGC. Materials and Methods: Preoperative evaluation included genetic, psychological, endocrine, nutritional, and surgical evaluations; the patient essentially went through our adolescent bariatric surgery program. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was unremarkable. His comorbidities included obesity (body–mass index 34 kg/m2), asthma, and depression. A laparoscopic PTG with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy reconstruction was planned. Intraoperatively, with patient in the supine position, five working ports were placed. The gastrocolic ligament was divided and mobilized to the angle of His with division of the short gastric vessels. The duodenocolic ligament was incised, and the first portion of the duodenum was cleared circumferentially and transected 2 cm distal to the pylorus. The right and left gastric vessels were divided. The gastroesophageal junction was cleared circumferentially. An esophagogastroscopy was performed to localize and mark the Z-line, and the distal esophagus was divided with a stapler. A Roux limb was created dividing the proximal jejunum 50 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. A 150 cm limb was measured, and a side-to-side enteroenterostomy was created with a linear stapler. A window was made in the left mesocolon and 20 cm of Roux limb was passed through this window into the lesser sac. A hand-sewn, two-layered end-to-side esophagojejunostomy was created. An air leak test was performed and no air leaks were identified. The gastrectomy specimen was removed and no intraoperative complications occurred. Results and Conclusions: The operative time was 117 minutes, estimated blood loss was 40 mL, and the patient tolerated the procedure well. A water-soluble contrast esophagogram was performed the following morning, which showed no contrast extravasation. His diet was advanced and he left the hospital without sequelae. Pathologic evaluation of the specimen revealed no invasive cancer. With a mean follow-up of 6 months, no perioperative complications have been identified. In conclusion, laparoscopic PTG can be safely and effectively performed in childhood kindreds at risk for HDGC; until more is known about when these patients develop gastric cancer, strong consideration should be given to perform prophylactic gastrectomy during mid-teenage years in patients with a family history of early gastric cancer. The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. Runtime of video: 5 mins Presented as a video presentation at the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group's (IPEG) 23rd Annual Congress for Endosurgery in Children, held in conjunction with the British Association of Pediatric Surgeons (BAPS). The meeting occurred from July 22–26, 2014 at the Edinburgh International Convention Center (EICC), in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Comparison of open, laparoscopic, and hand‐assisted laparoscopic devascularization of the upper stomach and splenectomy for treatment of esophageal and gastric varices: A single‐center experience

Laparoscopic devascularization of the upper stomach and splenectomy (Dev+Sp), is technically difficult in patients with portal hypertension because of enlarged collateral vessels and spleen. This report presents the efficacy and safety of hand-assisted laparoscopic (HALS) Dev+Sp. Ten patients underwent HALS Dev+Sp as a treatment for esophagogastric varices between 2005 and 2012 (HALS group). A vessel-sealing system was used for devascularization of vessels. An autosuture device was applied to dissect the splenic hilum and the left gastric and enlarged short gastric vessels. The operative and postoperative data were compared between patients who previously underwent laparoscopic Dev+Sp (LAP group, n = 9) and conventional Dev+Sp (OP group, n = 10) between 2001 and 2008. The mean operative time was 328, 336, and 245 min (P < 0.05) and the mean blood loss was 1786, 981, and 250 mL (P < 0.05) in the OP, LAP, and HALS groups, respectively. Laparoscopic surgery was converted to HALS in one patient and to open surgery in three patients. There were no conversions in the HALS group. There was no significant difference in the cumulative recurrence rate and bleeding rate in the groups. HALS Dev+Sp is a feasible and effective surgery in patients with portal hypertension.

Gastric ischemic conditioning increases neovascularization and reduces inflammation and fibrosis during gastroesophageal anastomotic healing

The incidence of anastomotic leak and stricture after esophagectomy remains high. Gastric devascularization followed by delayed esophageal resection has been proposed to minimize these complications. We investigated the effect of ischemic conditioning duration on anastomotic wound healing in an animal model of esophagogastrectomy. North American opossums were randomized to four study groups. Group A underwent immediate resection and gastroesophageal anastomosis. Groups B, C, and D were treated with delayed resection and anastomosis after a gastric ischemic conditioning period of 7, 30, and 90 days, respectively. Gastric conditioning was performed by ligating the left, right, and short gastric vessels. An intraabdominal esophagogastric resection and anastomosis was performed, followed by euthanasia 10 days later. Outcome variables included anastomotic bursting pressure, microvessel concentration, tissue inflammation, and collagen deposition. Twenty-four opossums were randomized to groups A (n = 7), B (n = 8), C (n = 5), and D (n = 4). Subclinical anastomotic leak was discovered at necropsy in 5 animals: 3 in group A, and 1 each in groups B and C (p = 0.295). The anastomotic bursting pressure did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.545). A 7 day ischemic conditioning time did not produce increased neovascularity (p = 0.900), but animals with a 30 day conditioning time showed significantly increased microvessel counts compared to unconditioned animals (p = 0.016). The degree of inflammation at the healing anastomosis decreased significantly as the ischemic conditioning period increased (p = 0.003). Increasing delay interval was also associated with increased muscularis propria preservation (p = 0.001) and decreased collagen deposition at the healing anastomosis (p = 0.020). Animals treated with 30 days of gastric ischemic conditioning showed significantly increased neovascularity and muscularis propria preservation and decreased inflammation and collagen deposition at the healing anastomosis. These data suggest that an ischemic conditioning period longer than 7 days is required to achieve the desired effect on wound healing.

Pharyngolaryngo-Esophagectomy with Laparoscopic Gastric Pull-Up: A Reappraisal for the Pharyngoesophageal Junction Cancer

Surgical treatment of advanced hypopharyngeal tumors is still a surgical challenge. We report a case of a hypopharyngeal tumor treated with a pharyngolaryngo-esophagectomy (PLE) and laparoscopic gastric tubulization and interposition. A 56-year-old man presented with a relapsing hypopharynx carcinoma, after primary chemoradiation therapy. Preoperative workup showed a stage IV cancer with esophageal invasion and multiple cervical lymph node metastases. Surgical treatment consisted of a cervical phase, with larynx, pharynx, and esophagus dissection, radical lymph node dissection, homolateral hemithyroidectomy and definitive tracheostomy, and an abdominal phase with a 4-trocar laparoscopy. The gastrocolic ligament was opened, and short gastric and left gastric vessels were divided preserving an accessory left hepatic artery. Gastric tailoring was carried out with 45-mm linear staplers. The hiatus was opened and the esophagus dissected free with Ultracision (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH) to the tracheal bifurcation. The upper esophagus was bluntly mobilized by finger and sponge stick dissection. The gastric tube was pulled up, and the anastomosis between the stomach and the tongue base was performed with a 2-layer interrupted hand-sewn technique. Total operative time was 390 min (abdominal time 180 min). Estimated blood loss was 400 cc. The number of dissected cervical lymph nodes was 32. Oral feeding was started after 10 days, and the patient was discharged after 14 days. Stage of disease was pT4N1M0 G3 R0. Laparoscopic surgery allows a minimally invasive gastric tailoring and tubulization and transhiatal esophageal dissection and represents a valuable alternative for intestinal reconstruction after PLE. CT scan showing a large hypopharynx carcinoma involving cervical lymph nodes and cervical esophagus.

Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic gastric ischemic conditioning prior to minimally invasive esophagectomy, the LOGIC trial

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is a viable alternative to open resection for the management of esophagogastric cancer. However, the technique may relate to a higher incidence of ischemia-related gastric conduit complications. Laparoscopic ischemic conditioning (LIC) by ligating the left gastric vessels 2 weeks before MIE may have a protective role, possibly through an improvement of conduit perfusion. This project was designed to evaluate whether LIC influenced ultimate conduit perfusion. A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare MIE with LIC (L) against MIE without (N). The project began in May 2009 and was offered to consecutive patients with the objective of recruiting 22 in each arm. Sample size calculations were based on data from previous clinical series. The main outcome measure was perfusion recorded by validated laser Doppler fluximetry, at the fundus (F) and greater curve (G); performed at routine staging laparoscopy and every stage of an MIE. A perfusion coefficient measured as ratio at stage of MIE over baseline was used for statistical analysis. Sixteen patients were recruited before an interim analysis of the trial data. At staging laparoscopy perfusion at F was higher than at G (p = 0.016). In the L cohort, an apparent rise in perfusion at G is observed post intervention (p = 0.176). At MIE, baseline perfusion is comparable for both arms; however, a significant drop is observed at both locations once the stomach is mobilized and exteriorized (p = 0.001). Once delivered at the neck, perfusion coefficient is approximately 38% of baseline levels. However, there was no discernible difference between the L (38.3 ± 12) and N (37.7 ± 16.8) cohorts (p = 0.798). LIC does not translate into an improved perfusion of the gastric conduit tip. The benefits reported from published clinical series suggest that the resistance of the conduit to ischemia occurs through alternative possibly microcellular mechanisms.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy with and without gastric ischemic conditioning

Esophagectomy can be associated with significant morbidity such as leaks and strictures. Preoperative gastric ischemic conditioning is a concept aimed at inducing an ischemic insult to the gastric fundus and cardia prior to esophagectomy, thus leading to improvement of gastric perfusion. This retrospective study compared outcome data from 81 patients who underwent esophagectomy after laparoscopic gastric ischemic conditioning with that from 71 patients who underwent esophagectomy without conditioning. Gastric ischemic conditioning consisted of laparoscopic division of the left gastric vessels ± the short gastric vessels. The time interval from gastric ischemic conditioning to esophagectomy ranged from 2 to 75 days. Main outcome measures included demographics, mean time interval between staging and esophagectomy, and the rate of leaks and strictures following esophagectomy. The two groups were comparable with respect to gender and age. In the gastric ischemic conditioning procedures, there were no conversions; the mean operative time was 57 ± 15 min, the mean length of hospital stay was 1.0 ± 1.1 days, and the rate of postoperative complications was 3.7%. The mean time interval between gastric ischemic conditioning and esophagectomy was 6.0 ± 5.4 days. There were no significant differences in the leak rate (11.1% for conditioning vs. 8.5% without conditioning) or stricture rate (29.6% for conditioning vs. 25.3% without conditioning) between the two groups. Laparoscopic gastric ischemic conditioning is feasible and safe. However, the use of gastric ischemic conditioning in this study did not alter the clinical rate of postoperative leaks and strictures.

Laparoscopic Gastric Pull-Up and Thoracoscopic Esophago-Esophagostomy Combined with Intrathoracic Fundoplication for Long-Gap Pure Esophageal Atresia

The management of long-gap pure esophageal atresia (LGEA) remains controversial. An 8-month-old girl with LGEA underwent a laparoscopic and thoracoscopic gastric pull-up and esophago-esophagostomy in the right thorax combined with intrathoracic fundoplication. She was positioned supine, and three 5-mm ports were placed in the standard locations for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The gastrostomy was taken down and an additional 5-mm port was inserted at the gastrostomy site. Laparoscopic gastric mobilization was performed; the short gastric and left gastric vessels were divided using harmonic shears, and the whole stomach and distal esophageal stump maintained their vascular supply via the right gastric and gastroepiploic arteries. The hiatus was enlarged by radial incisions at both cruras, and the mobilized whole stomach and distal esophageal stump were pushed up into the right thorax through the hiatus. The patient was placed in a modified prone position and three 5-mm ports were inserted into the right thorax. Via thoracoscopy, the upper esophageal pouch was dissected bluntly, and an esophago-esophagostomy was performed using interrupted 4-0 absorbable sutures and was wrapped by a 360-degree gastric fundoplication. The patient was positioned supine again, and a Heinecke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty and gastropexy were also performed laparoscopically. The patient has mild respiratory distress that requires bronchodilators; however, she is eating baby food well without vomiting. Postoperative intrathoracic gastrofiberscopy showed a well-functioning antireflux valve, and her parents are also satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the seven small wounds. Our new procedure is feasible and is an excellent option in selected patients with LGEA.