Recurrent Nerve Lymph Node Dissection Research Articles

Left recurrent nerve lymph node dissection in robotic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer without esophageal traction

BackgroundBecause the robotic arm is located on the dorsal side of the patient, when the esophagus is pulled dorsally for the left recurrent nerve lymph node (LRLN) dissection, the robotic arm interferes with the surgical field. This made it difficult to prepare for the left recurrent lymph node dissection. We developed LRLN dissection in robotic surgery with natural space creation by physiological organ movement and evaluated the short-term results.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we analyzed 102 cases of robot-assisted thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy (RATE) among radical subtotal esophagectomies performed between December 2018 and December 2022 using medical records. LRLN dissection is preceded by a dissection of the esophagus from the trachea. Leaving the esophagus on the vertebral side and away from the trachea resulted in a physiological elevation of the esophagus, providing space between the trachea and esophagus.ResultsThe thoracic surgery time in RATE was 181 (115–394) min. The number of LRLNs dissected was 4 (1–14). Six patients (6%) had a postoperative recurrence in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Seven patients (7%) had grade ≥ 1 left recurrent nerve palsy.ConclusionsLRLN dissection with RATE using natural space creation was performed safely with a sufficient number of dissected lymph nodes and little left recurrent nerve palsy.

PS01.189: A STUDY ON THE UTILITY OF INTRAOPERATIVE NEUROSTIMULATION MONITORING SYSTEM FOR RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE IN ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in esophagectomy is one of the most concerned complications. In recent years, intraoperative neurostimulation monitoring system (IONM) in thyroid surgery have been widespread for identification of recurrent laryngeal nerve and assessment of soundness. Therefore, IONM is often used during esophagectomy in Japan. In this study, we examined the efficacy of IONM in the patients undergoing esophagectomy. Methods Of 66 patients underwent esophagectomy since April 2015 until December 2017, IONM used in 27 patients in the surgery for the examination of recurrent nerve paralysis. We retrospectively reviewed these cases for intraoperative findings, neurostimulation monitoring findings and their outcomes. Results Of 27 patients, 25 were male and two were female, and the median age at operation was 66 years old. Although IONM was used in cervical lymph node dissection, there were no vocal cord responses in 5 patients (left side in 4 and right side in 1) with stimulation of the vagus nerve. Because all patients had no vocal cord paralysis due to stimulation of the cervical recurrent laryngeal nerve, it was diagnosed that there was the recurrent laryngeal nerve injury due to thoracic para recurrent nerve lymph node dissection. IONM was able to facilitate the identification and preservation of cervical recurrent nerve in all patients. Three out of 5 patients with no vocal cord response by IONM were confirmed recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in postoperative endoscope. In patients with vocal cord paralysis by IONM, it was possible to carefully performed postoperative management. On the other hand, in patients without paralysis, extubation on the operation day seemed possible without the concern for aspiration. Conclusion By using IONM in esophagectomy, we were able to evaluate the damage of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in real-time. Confirming the intraoperative recurrent nerve injuries is important for postoperative management or prediction of postoperative aspiration pneumonia. IONM in esophagectomy was useful not only in terms of surgical procedures but also in the evaluation of postoperative management. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Salvage chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal carcinomas

'Salvage chemoradiotherapy (CRT)' was introduced in 2005 to treat thoracic esophageal carcinomas deemed unresectable based on the intraoperative findings. The therapeutic concept is as follows: the surgical plan is changed to an operation that aims to achieve curability by the subsequent definitive CRT. For this purpose, the invading tumor is resected as much as possible, and systematic lymph node dissection is performed except for in the area around the bilateral recurrent nerves. The definitive CRT should be started as soon as possible and should be performed as planned. We hypothesized that this treatment would be feasible and provide good clinical effects. We herein verified this hypothesis. Twenty-seven patients who received salvage CRT were enrolled in the study, and their clinical course, therapeutic response, and prognosis were evaluated. The patients who had poor oral intake because of esophageal stenosis were able to eat solid food soon after the operation. The radiation field could be narrowed after surgery, and this might have contributed to the high rate of finishing the definitive CRT as planned. As a result, the overall response rate was 74.1%, and 48.1% of the patients had a complete response. No patient experienced fistula formation. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 66.5%, 35.2%, and 35.2%, respectively. Salvage CRT had clinical benefits, such as the fact that patients became able to have oral intake, that fistula formation could be prevented, that the adverse events associated with the definitive CRT could be reduced, and that prognosis of the patients was satisfactory. Although the rate of recurrent nerve paralysis was relatively high even after the suspension of aggressive bilateral recurrent nerve lymph node dissection, and the rate of the progressive disease after the definitive CRT was high, salvage CRT appears to provide some advantages for the patients who would otherwise not have other treatment options following a non-curative and residual operation.