Radical Esophagectomy For Esophageal Cancer Research Articles

Effects of different anesthesia methods on perioperative immune function and long-term regression of patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of different anesthetic methods on perioperative immune function and long-term regression of patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for esophageal cancer. MethodsData from 147 patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for esophageal cancer in our hospital from January 2017 to June 2019 were selected for retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into control (intravenous anesthesia combined with an epidural block, n = 83) and observation (intravenous anesthesia combined with a thoracic paravertebral nerve block, n = 64) groups. The use of relevant drugs during the surgery, indexes of the peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subpopulation at different time points (before induction of anesthesia, at the completion of surgery, 24 h postoperatively, and 48 h postoperatively), and 3-year postoperative survival were compared between the two groups. ResultsData on propofol and remifentanil use during surgery were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the two groups. The proportion of vasoactive drug use was lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Differences in data for CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ cells between time points were significant (F = 13.256, 20.307, 18.035, P < 0.05), while those between the two groups were not (F = 1.005, 1.135, 1.204, P > 0.05). There was no interaction between data processing factors and time between the control and observation groups in CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ cells (F = 0.358, 0.778, 1.107, P > 0.05). The median overall survival time was 21.988 (95 % confidence interval: 18.436–25.541) and 26.978 (95 % confidence interval: 20.124–33.833) months in the control and observation groups, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (Log-rank χ2 = 3.925, P < 0.05). ConclusionsBoth anesthetic methods achieve satisfactory anesthetic results and reduce postoperative stress and immunosuppression. However intravenous anesthesia combined with an epidural block can increase the incidence of intraoperative hypotension in the patients, thoracic paravertebral nerve block combined with general anesthesia is more favorable for maintaining intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate stability, as well as for postoperative survival.

Clinical Outcomes of Preserving Bronchial Arteries During Radical Esophagectomy: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

Postoperative pneumonia is a common and major cause of mortality after radical esophagectomy. Intraoperative preservation of the bronchial arteries is often aimed at avoiding tracheobronchial ischemia; however, it is unknown whether this contributes to a reduction in postoperative pneumonia. We enrolled 348 consecutive patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at Toranomon Hospital from January 2011 to July 2018. We classified patients into a bronchial artery-resected (BA-R) group (n = 93) and a bronchial artery-preserved (BA-P) group (n = 255) and compared the incidence of postoperative pneumonia between the two groups. A propensity score-matching analysis for bronchial artery preservation versus resection was performed. Overall, 182 patients were matched. Univariate analysis of the propensity score-matched groups showed that Brinkman index ≥ 400, vital capacity (%VC) < 80%, and bronchial artery resection were associated with the development of postoperative pneumonia. Multivariate analysis revealed three significant factors associated with postoperative pneumonia: Brinkman index ≥ 400 [p = 0.006, odds ratio (HR) 3.302, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.399-7.790], %VC < 80% (p = 0.034, HR 6.365, 95% CI 1.151-35.205), and bronchial artery resection (p = 0.034, HR 2.131, 95% CI 1.060-4.282). The incidence of postoperative complications (CD grade III) was higher in the BA-R group (BA-R 42.8% versus BA-P 27.5%, p = 0.030). There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups at 5 years (BA-R 63.1% versus BA-P 72.1%, p = 0.130). Preserving the bronchial artery is associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative pneumonia.

435. CIRCULAR-STAPLED ESOPHAGOGASTROSTOMY USING THE KEYHOLE PROCEDURE: TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Abstract Background The optimal reconstruction method after radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has been under debate. For avoiding an anastomotic stricture, we developed a novel method of circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy by employing the keyhole procedure, which uses a linear stapler (LS) to enlarge the anastomotic opening made with a circular stapler (CS). We report the technique and the clinical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 70 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy and reconstruction via cervical CS-mediated anastomosis with or without the keyhole procedure between 2018 and 2020. The primary outcome was postoperative anastomotic stricture incidence within 180 days after surgery. Surgical procedures: After a 3.5 cm-wide gastric conduit was created, the blood supply was examined via indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. Usually, anastomosis was made at the site which was dominated by the last branch of the right epiploic artery owing to Kocher’s maneuver. The CS was inserted through the anterior wall of the gastric conduit, and the end-to-side anastomosis was established on the greater curvature side of the gastric conduit. Then, a 45-mm long LS was used to create a keyhole over the circular staples, and the entry hole was closed with a 60-mm long LS. Results Among 70 patients, 22 underwent the keyhole procedure (CS + K group) and the remaining did not (CS group). A smaller CS was used in the CS + K group (p &amp;lt; 0.001). The incidence of anastomotic stricture was significantly different (CS vs. CS + K, 18.8 vs. 0%, p = 0.049), especially when a 21 or 23 mm CS was used (CS vs. CS + K, 50.0 vs. 0%, p = 0.005). The univariate analysis confirmed that CS ≤ 23 without a keyhole was a significant risk factor (p = 0.001). Conclusions The keyhole procedure could be a simple and useful alternative technique that reduces the risk of stricture formation in the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, especially when using the smaller-sized CS.

151. INFLUENCE OF PERIOPERATIVE ANEMIA ON MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OUTCOMES AFTER RADICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Objectives Methods Retrospective and analytical study of patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer performed in our institution from 2015 to 2021. Several parameters related to anemia were measured: hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation and iron blood levels, as well as the need for perioperative blood transfusion. We analyzed, on the one hand, the incidence of complications in the immediate postoperative period. On the other hand, we assessed the results of overall survival and disease-free survival in relation to tumor disease. Results A total of 137 patients treated for esophageal neoplasia were included. The interventions performed were McKeown/Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. Up to 106 (77,4%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Patients who required transfusion in the perioperative period (35 patients; 26%) had a significantly lower mean survival (33 vs. 53 months). In addition, they presented higher rates of postoperative complications as well as a lower 5-year overall survival (Log Rank; p = 0.004). Patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels below 12 g/dL had a significantly higher recurrence rate (21% vs. 7%; p &amp;lt; 0.05). The anemic status was improved after the implementation of a multimodal prehabilitation protocol (12.1 g/dL versus 13 g/dL). Conclusions Radical esophagectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive surgery has improved intra and postoperative outcomes. Despite this, the risk of intraoperative bleeding is not negligible. Therefore, it is essential for the patient to be in an optimal clinical and analytical status. Multimodal prehabilitation could improve this status and the postoperative recovery. Studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up will be necessary to evaluate the impact of this strategy.

Thoracolaparoscopic radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer based on the mesoesophageal theory

To explore the feasibility of mesangium or membrane anatomy theory in thoracolaparoscopic radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, 98 patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled including 45 patients in the mesoesophageal esophagectomy group and 53 patients in the non-mesoesophageal esophagectomy group. Thoracolaparoscopic radical esophagecotmy was technically successful in all patients. Compared the non-mesoesophageal group, the mesoesophageal group had significantly (P < 0.05) shorter surgical duration (211.9 ± 42.0 min vs. 282.0 ± 44.5 min), less blood loss during the procedure (68.9 ± 45.9 ml vs. 167.0 ± 91.4 ml), more harvested lymph nodes (25.9 ± 6.3 vs. 21.8 ± 7.3), shorter hospital stay after surgery (10.5 ± 2.5 d vs. 12.5 ± 4.2 d), shorter fasting time or quicker postoperative feeding time (7.3 ± 1.2 d vs. 9.5 ± 3.9 d), and quicker removal of the thoracic drainage tube after surgery (7.7 ± 2.0 d vs. 9.2 ± 4.1 d). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 46.7% (21/45) in the mesoesophageal group, which was significantly (P = 0.02) fewer than that (69.8% or 37/53) of the non-mesoesophageal group (P = 0.020). During follow-up 20.6 ± 4.3 or 20.8 ± 3.4 months after esophagectomy, liver metastasis occurred in 1 case and lung metastasis in 1 in the mesoesophageal group, whereas liver metastasis occurred in 2 cases, mediastinal metastasis in 2, and anastomotic recurrence in 1 in the non-mesoesophageal group. The mesoesophageal group had significantly better physical function (81.9 ± 7.3 vs. 78.3 ± 7.6), social function (65.1 ± 7.1 vs. 56.2 ± 18.2), global health status (65.3 ± 10.1 vs. 58.7 ± 12.4), and pain improvement (29.5 ± 9.5 vs. 35.6 ± 10.6). The overall survival rate was 82.2% (37/45) in the mesoesophageal group and 71.7% (38/53) in the non-mesoesophageal group (P = 0.26). The disease-free survival rate was 77.8% (35/45) for the mesoesophageal group and 62.3% (33/53) for the non-mesoesophageal group (P = 0.13). In conclusion:, the mesangium or membrane anatomy theory can be used safely and effectively to guide thoracolaparoscopic radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with advantages of shorter surgical time, less bleeding, more lymph node harvest, fewer complications, and faster postoperative recovery.

Impact of postoperative physical activity on the development of pneumonia in the subacute phase after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

Physical activity is important to improve recovery following surgery. This study investigated the impact of physical activity on the development of pneumonia after radical esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer in the subacute phase from postoperative day 11 to hospital discharge. This retrospective cohort study included 83 patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2016 and 2022. Physical activity was measured using an activity tracker, and the average number of steps between postoperative days 8 and 10 was examined. The primary outcome was pneumonia (Clavien-Dindo classification 2 or higher) developing between postoperative day 11 and hospital discharge. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to calculate the optimal cutoff value of physical activity that can predict the development of pneumonia and define low physical activity. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate the impact of low physical activity on postoperative pneumonia. Pneumonia developed in 10 patients (12.0%) during the observation period. The optimal cutoff value of physical activity for predicting pneumonia was 1494 steps per day (sensitivity: 60.0%, specificity: 89.0%, area under the curve: 0.743). In multivariate analysis, low physical activity was an independent predictor of incident pneumonia [odds ratio: 12.10, 95% confidence interval: 2.21-65.90, p=0.004], with adjustment for age, gastric tube reconstruction route, and postoperative recurrent nerve palsy. Physical activity following radical esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer was an independent predictor of the development of pneumonia in the subacute phase after radical esophagectomy.

Continuous Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Single-Port Mediastinoscopic Radical Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

BackgroundAlthough single-port mediastinoscopic radical esophagectomy is ultimate minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer without thoracotomy or the thoracoscopic approach, the high incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy remains a pivotal clinical issue. MethodsThis study included 41 patients who underwent single-port mediastinoscopic radical esophagectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy between September 2014 and March 2022. Among these, continuous nerve monitoring (CNM) for RLN was done in 25 patients (CNM group), while the remaining 16 patients underwent without CNM (non-CNM group). Clinical benefits of CNM for RLN were evaluated. ResultsThe overall incidence of postoperative RLN palsy was 14.6% (6/41). The CNM group showed a significantly lower incidence of postoperative RLN palsy as compared to the non-CNM group (P = 0.026: CNM vs. non-CRNM: 4.0% (1/25) vs. 31.2% (5/16)). The CNM group had a lower incidence of postoperative pneumoniae (CNM vs. non-CNM: 4.0% (1/25) vs. 18.8% (3/16)) and shorter days of postoperative hospital stay (CNM vs. non-CNM: 13 days vs. 41 days). Multivariate analysis revealed that the CNM use (odds ratio 0.07; 95% CI 0.05–0.98) was an independent factor avoiding postoperative RLN palsy. ConclusionThe CNM for RLN contributes to a remarkable reduction in the risk of postoperative RLN palsy and improvement in outcomes in single-port mediastinoscopic radical esophagectomy.

308. RIGHT TOP PULMONARY VEIN IS A VENOUS ANOMALY OF WHICH SURGEONS SHOULD BE AWARE IN SUBCARINAL DISSECTION FOR RADICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract A right top pulmonary vein (RTPV) that crosses behind the right bronchus, is a variation of the superior posterior pulmonary vein in the right upper lobe. Damage of this vessel can lead to intraoperative bleeding, congestion of the posterior segment of the right upper lobe, and cardiac tamponade. Subcarinal lymph node dissection is mandatory in radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, and the RTPV is an anomalous vessel of which surgeons should be aware. A 70-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (T3N1M0). An anomaly of the superior posterior pulmonary vein in the right lobe was recognized on preoperative computed tomography imaging. With simulation and intraoperative navigation using three-dimensional imaging (SYNAPSE VINCENT, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) of the same view as that observed during the operation, radical subcarinal dissection could be performed with preservation of the RTPV. Only 5 case reports have described the association of RTPV in esophagectomy. In review of the literature, the incidence of RTPV ranged from 0.28 to 9.3%, and its mean vascular diameter ranged from 7.0 mm to 2.2 mm, with the right superior pulmonary vein being a common inflow site. Our case in which the RTPV ran dorsal to the right main bronchus is very rare. In radical subcarinal dissection of esophagectomy in cases with RTPV, it is important to recognize the posterior pericardial plane and release the ventral fixation of these lymph nodes to free space for the back side. Based on our review of the relevant literature, an RTPV larger than 4.5 mm should be noted in order to prevent injury and ligation should be avoided. The preoperative recognition of this abnormal vessel using 3D imaging was very useful for radical SCLN dissection during thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

Circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy using the keyhole procedure after radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Anastomotic leakage of cervical esophagogastrostomy following radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has reduced over time; however, postoperative anastomotic stricture still occurs at a considerably high rate. We developed a novel method of circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy by employing the keyhole procedure, which uses a linear stapler to enlarge the anastomotic opening made with a circular stapler (CS). We retrospectively reviewed 70 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy and reconstruction via cervical CS-mediated anastomosis with or without the keyhole procedure between 2018 and 2020. The primary outcome was postoperative anastomotic stricture incidence within 180days after surgery. Among 70 patients, 22 underwent the keyhole procedure (CS + K group) and the remaining did not (CS group). No differences were observed in patients' age, sex, body mass index, performance status, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, Charlson's comorbidity index, tumor histological type, tumor location, clinical stage, or preoperative treatment. A smaller stapler was used in the CS + K group (p < 0.001). Incidence of anastomotic stricture was significantly different (CS vs. CS + K, 18.8 vs. 0%, p = 0.049), especially when a 21 or 23mm CS was used (CS vs. CS + K, 50.0 vs. 0%, p = 0.005). Univariate analysis confirmed that CS ≤ 23 without keyhole was a significant risk factor (p = 0.001). The keyhole procedure could be a simple and useful alternative technique that reduces the risk of stricture formation in cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, especially when using the smaller-sized CS.

303 LONG-TERM SURVIVAL AND PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS IN MEDIASTINOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract The radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is an invasive therapy due to a long one-lung ventilation. The mediastinoscopic esophagectomy in consideration of pulmonary complications became eligible for Japanese health insurance. Methods Radical esophagectomies (R0/1, gastric tube reconstruction) by thoracotomy/thoracoscopy (groupT) or mediastinoscopy (groupM) were performed for 118/58 or 225 patients with esophageal cancer. The long-term therapeutic results of mediastinoscopic radical esophagectomy are investigated. Results In clinicopathological features, younger and lower PS patients, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, advanced cases, or R1 resection were more frequent in groupT (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Pulmonary complication was not significantly different in both groups (15.5 vs 11.0%, p = 0.19), whereas the any complications, including the recurrent nerve paralysis, were significantly frequent in groupM. The 5-years overall survival was better in group M (53.0% vs 68.2%, p = 0.04), but it may be because of the difference of cancer progression. In the subgroup analysis, the overall survival rate was similar in each clinical stage. The survival of patients with pulmonary complication was significantly worse in groupT. Conclusion The survival of patients underwent trans-mediastinoscopic radical esophagectomy was not different from that with conventional esophagectomy. The influence of pulmonary complications on survival may be lower in mediastinoscopic esophagectomy.

Impact of preoperative 6-minute walk distance on long-term prognosis after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer.

The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) is a simple way of assessing exercise capacity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative 6MWD and long-term prognosis after esophagectomy. This retrospective cohort study involved 108 patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2013 and 2020. The patients were classified into the short group (SG: 6MWD < 480m) or the long group (LG: 6MWD ≥ 480m). To adjust for the background characteristics of both groups, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed and 32 patients were matched from each group. Five-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test was used to evaluate differences in survival between the groups. After adjusting for other prognostic factors, the Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the impact of preoperative 6MWD on long-term prognosis. The median follow-up period was 923days. Thirty-three deaths were recorded during the study period. After PSM, 5-year OS following surgery was 29.2 and 66.1% (p = 0.003) and 5-year RFS was 27.9 and 58.6% (p = 0.021) in the SG and LG, respectively. In Cox proportional hazards analysis, the SG was a significant independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio 3.33; 95% confidence interval 1.37-8.11, p = 0.008) and RFS (hazard ratio 2.30; 95% confidence interval 1.08-4.88, p = 0.030). The preoperative 6MWD is useful for evaluating exercise capacity and predicting the long-term outcome in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Preoperative 3D-CT evaluation of the bronchial arteries in transmediastinal radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

In transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) with equivalent lymphadenectomy to transthoracic procedure, an understanding of surgical anatomy in the deep mediastinum near the aortic arch or tracheal bifurcation is essential for the safe procedure. The present study aimed to evaluate the bronchial arteries (BAs) with preoperative 3D-CT in TME. Seventy-nine patients with thoracic esophageal cancer undergoing TME were examined by preoperative 3D-CT to evaluate BA variations in the number, branching pattern, and mediastinal course. For the right BAs (RBAs) crossing the esophagus, the mediastinal courses in transcervical view were classified in relation to the esophagus and tracheobronchi and compared with surgical findings. A total of 107 RBAs (1.35/person) were confirmed on preoperative 3D-CT. Of these, 61 (57.0%) crossed the esophagus dorsally (type Ed), and the remaining 46 (43.0%) crossed the esophagus ventrally (type Ev). During the left transcervical procedure, all type Ed RBAs were identified and mostly preserved (57/61, 93.4%) whereas most type Ev RBAs were identified (39/46, 84.8%), but more than half were sacrificed (26/46, 56.5%) for lymphadenectomy. The blood loss during the transcervical procedure was 17.0 ± 55.8ml. The total number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes was 23.7 ± 9.3. There were no significant complications related to extensive lymphadenectomy. Preoperative 3D-CT evaluation is useful to understand the mediastinal courses of BAs specific to the transcervical approach, which may allow BAs to be handled more carefully according to the type during surgery, contributing to a safer procedure in the deep mediastinum.

Nutritional Outcomes of Thoracic Duct Resection for Radical Esophagectomy by Assessing Body Composition Changes in One Year: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Thoracic duct (TD) resection is performed when the tumor or a metastatic lymph node directly invades the TD, and is sometimes indicated for radical lymphadenectomy during esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients. However, the effect of TD resection on nutritional status has not been established. In total, 174 consecutive patients from October 2015 to March 2019 who underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in Toranomon Hospital were classified into thoracic duct preserved group (n = 51) and TD-resected (TD-R) group (n = 123). We compared laboratory data, body composition data from bioelectrical impedance analysis measured preoperatively and at 1 and 12months after surgery, and postoperative complications between the two groups. Clinical stage was significantly more advanced in the TD-R group. Total body weight, body mass index, and fat mass continuously decreased in the two groups over 12months after surgery, and the decreases were statistically greater in the TD-R group at 12months after surgery. Skeletal muscle mass and fat-free mass decreased over 1month after surgery and stayed in a reduced state until 12months after surgery without statistically significant differences between the two groups. TD resection did not increase incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ grade III), but TD resection increased incidence of chylothorax. Our results suggest that loss of body fat mass, which was a main contributor to body weight loss, was accelerated in the TD-R group, but TD resection does not deteriorate loss of muscle mass at 12months after surgery.

Comparative study on recurrence pattern and treatment method after radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Background : With regard to the recurrence of esophageal cancer after surgery, the prognosis has improved with the progress of multimodal perioperative treatment. In this study, the recurrence pattern, treatment method, and prognosis of recurrent cases following esophageal cancer surgery were retrospectively examined. Materials and Methods : Three hundred seven patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and others were enrolled in the study. With respect to clinicopathologic factors and recurrence patterns, recurrence risk factors, recurrence period, treatment for recurrence, and prognosis were investigated.Results : Ninety two percent of all recurrent cases were observed within two years after radical esophagectomy. Locoregional recurrence, distant recurrence, and mixed recurrence were observed in 38 (35%), 56 (51%), and 16 (14%) cases, respectively. Patients with lymph node metastasis showed a significantly longer survival in comparison to those with metastasis to other organs (p = 0.0032). When analyzed using the treatment method, patients who underwent surgery (only surgery or additional postoperative chemotherapy) exhibited better survival in comparison to those who underwent other treatments. Discussion : Detailed and strict follow-up within two years are necessary in cases with deeper than muscular invasion, cases with extensive lymph node metastasis, or cases with lymphatic or vascular invasion. J. Med. Invest. 68 : 129-135, February, 2021.

Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Paravertebral Block after Minimally Invasive Radical Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer.

Objective To compare the effects of continuous paravertebral block analgesia and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after minimally invasive radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and their effects on postoperative recovery. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed among 233 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophageal cancer radical operation and met the requirements, including 87 patients (group C) who were successfully placed with a continuous paravertebral block device under direct vision and 146 patients (group P) who used a patient-controlled intravenous analgesia device. Visual analogue pain score (VAS) at rest and in motion for 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after awakening, incidence of adverse reactions of the two analgesic methods, occurrence of pulmonary complications after operation, use of emergency analgesics, and hospital stay after operation was recorded. Results The VAS scores of group C in resting and active state at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after operation were significantly lower than those of group P (P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse reactions, pulmonary complications, and the use of emergency analgesics in group C were lower than those in group P (P < 0.05). The hospitalization time of group C was significantly shortened, and the satisfaction degree of group C was significantly higher than that of group P (P < 0.05). Conclusion Paravertebral block is safe and effective for patients undergoing minimally invasive radical esophagectomy. The incidence of adverse reactions and complications is lower, and the satisfaction of postoperative analgesia is higher, which is beneficial to the rapid recovery of patients after operation.

Application value of closed single-port thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Objective To investigate the application value of closed single-port thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of a 49-year-old male patient with esophageal cancer who was admitted to the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital in November 2018 were collected. The patient underwent closed single-port thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical esophagectomy and three-field lymph node dissection. In the thoracic part, esophageal separation and thoracic lymph node dissection were performed with closed pneumothorax, semi-lateral position and multi suspension methods. In the abdominal part, gastric separation and lymph node dissection were accomplished with lifting of liver lobe and respective separation of greater curvature and lesser curvature of stomach. The operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, time for out-of-bed activities, time of postoperative drainage tube removal, volume of thoracic drainage fluid, postoperative complications, postoperative pathological examination results, time for discharge from hospital and results of follow-up were observed. Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect tumor recurrence and metastasis of patients after operation up to February 2019. Count data were described as absolute number. Results The patient underwent successfully closed single-port thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical esophagectomy and three-field lymph node dissection. The operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss was 310 minutes and 120 mL. The patient resumed out-of-bed activities at 2 days after operation. The abdominal drainage tube, thoracic closed drainage tube and right cervical drainage tube were removed at 2 days after operation with fasting, acid suppression, nutritional support. The thoracic Abel drainage tube and the left cervical drainage tube were removed at 5 days after operation. The volume of thoracic drainage fluid was 550 mL. No obvious sign of anastomotic leakage was found on esophageal angiography at 5 days after operation. The patient recovered well after operation without hoarseness, pulmonary infection and chylothorax. The postoperative examination result of the patient showed mid-thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (pT3N1M0G3 ⅢB stage). The patient was discharged at 8 days after operation. The patient was followed up for 3 months, and was able to engage in light physical activity. CT reexamination showed no sign of local recurrence or distant metastasis of the tumor. Conclusion Closed single-port thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical esopahgectomy for esophageal cancer is safe and feasible, with good short-term efficacy. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Esophageal cancer; Radical surgery; Thoracoscopy; Laparoscopy; Single port

RA04.02: THE COMPLICATIONS AND LONG-TERM SURVIVAL IN TRANS-MEDIASTINAL RADICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background (Bachground) The radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is an invasive therapy for a long one-lung ventilation. We have been stylized trans-mediastinal radical esophagectomy in order to relieve the pulmonary complications. Methods (Candidates) The radical esophagectomy (R0/1, gastric tube reconstruction) by thoracotomy/thoracoscopy (groupT) or mediastinoscopy (groupM) were performed for 120/58 or 131 esophageal cancer patients. The long-term therapeutic results of trans-mediastinal radical esophagectomy and complications (Clavien-Dindo classification≧ 2) are investigated. Results (Results) In clinicopathological features, neoadjuvant therapy, cStage III/IV advanced cases, or R1 resection was significant in groupT (P &lt; 0.01). The frequency of anastomotic leakage and recurrent nerve paralysis were not different in both group (P = 0.94, 0.69, respectively), whereas pulmonary complication was significantly decreased (25.2 vs 10.9%, P = 0.003). Any complications were slightly frequent in groupT than in group M (32.4 vs 29.5%, P = 0.59). The 5-years overall survival was slightly better in group M than in group T due to the effects of disease stage (53.5% vs 63.4%, P = 0.19). In the subgroup analysis, the overall survival rate was similar in each clinical stage. Conclusion (Discussion) The trans-mediastinal radical esophagectomy was effective for the relief of pulmonary complication, and was not inferior to the esophagectomy by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy in the prognosis. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Effectiveness of intervention with a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed 85 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy via right thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery with gastric tube reconstruction. Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the non-intervention group (group N) from May 2011 to September 2012, 31 patients in the perioperative rehabilitation group (group R) from October 2012 to April 2014, and 33 patients in the multidisciplinary support team group (group S) from May 2014 to September 2015. Morbidity rates were 38, 45.2, and 42.4% for groups N, R, and S, respectively. Although there were no significant differences in the incidence of pneumonia among the groups, the durations of fever and C-reactive protein positivity were shorter in group S. Moreover, postoperative oral intake commenced earlier [5.9 (5-8)days] and postoperative hospital stay was shorter [19.6 (13-29)days] for group S. The intervention by a perioperative multidisciplinary support team for radical esophagectomy was effective in preventing the progression and prolongation of pneumonia as well as earlier ambulation, oral feeding, and shortening of postoperative hospitalization.

A case of video-assisted thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy for cancer in a patient with essential thrombocythemia

A 73-year-old man was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia and treated with acetylsalicylic acid and hydroxyurea for 15 years. He was referred to our hospital for treatment of esophageal cancer detected by endoscopy. The cancer stage was T1N1M0, cStage IIB according to the classification of the Union for International Cancer Control, 7th edition. After administering two courses of preoperative chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil + cisplatin), the patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy. Hydroxyurea administration was discontinued during anticancer therapy and restarted to control the platelet count. Heparin was continuously infused during the perioperative period, and hydroxyurea was restarted through a jejunostomy tube on the postoperative day 2. No thrombosis or hemorrhage developed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on the postoperative day 33. This is the first case report of video-assisted thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in a patient with essential thrombocythemia.

Oncologic Outcomes of Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy with Extended Lymph Node Dissection: 10‐year Experience from a Single Center

The oncologic feasibility of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has yet to be proven. We evaluated the oncologic outcome of VATS-esophagectomy by reviewing our 10-year experience, with particular emphasis on the effect of lymph node dissection. From January 2003 to December 2012, 146 patients with esophageal cancer underwent completion of VATS-esophagectomy in the left lateral position. The mean follow-up period was 37.1 months. Forty-six patients (31.5 %) had recurrence of cancer. Primary recurrence was hematogenous, lymphatic, peritoneal dissemination, pleural dissemination, locoregional, or port site in 20 (13.7 %), 23 (15.8 %), 2 (1.4 %), 5 (3.4 %), 4 (2.7 %), and 1 (0.67 %) patients, respectively. Pleural dissemination occurred more frequently after noncurative operation than curative operation (p = 0.010). The frequency of lymphatic metastasis within the mediastinal regional lymph nodes in the dissection field was only 5.5 %. The overall 5-year survival rate of stage I, II, and III disease after curative VATS-esophagectomy was 79.1, 77.9, and 56.7 %, respectively. T4 tumor, lymph node metastasis, R1 or 2, and concomitant lymph node metastasis in the cervical, mediastinal, and abdominal fields were indicators of unfavorable outcome. The lymph nodes in the abdominal region and those around the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) were frequent metastasis sites. Patients who had metastasis only around RLNs had favorable survival comparable to node-negative cases after curative VATS-esophagectomy. Video-assisted thorascopic-esophagectomy has an excellent locoregional control effect with favorable oncologic outcome. The lymph node dissection procedure by VATS-esophagectomy has survival benefit for the patients having lymph node metastasis around bilateral RLNs.