Recurrent Nerve Lymph Node Research Articles

776. THREE-FIELD LYMPHADENECTOMY IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: EXPERIENCE OF A PORTUGUESE TERTIARY CENTER

Abstract Background The American Joint Committee for Cancer (AJCC) and the Japanese Esophagus Society (JES) differ in the N classification for esophageal cancer, with the former considering the presence of disease in the supraclavicular lymph nodes as M1, and the latter classifying it as loco-regional disease in thoracic esophageal tumors. Patients who would be excluded from a curative intent treatment strategy by the AJCC classification may be candidates for surgery with lymphadenectomy of nodal groups 101 and 104 (JES). Our goal is to understand the impact of three-field lymphadenectomy on morbidity, loco-regional control and overall survival in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a prospective database from a single center, which included all consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer with either two-field total thoracic lymphadenectomy or three-field lymphadenectomy, between January 2019 and December 2023. Three-field lymphadenectomy was performed for clinical supraclavicular and recurrent nerve nodal involvement and for proximal third tumors. We assessed the morbidity and mortality of both types of surgery, and loco-regional and distant recurrence and overall survival for both groups. Results Of the 279 esophagectomies for cancer, 137 were included for analysis. The median age was 65 years, with 84% males. 58,4% had squamous cell carcinoma and 41,6% adenocarcinoma. 34.3% of the patients had a 3-field lymphadenectomy, 27,7% of these for supraclavicular N+ and 34% for recurrent nerve N+. Conclusion In this large single-center cohort, patients with significant lymph node involvement, treated with esophagectomy and three-field lymphadenectomy, demonstrated comparable loco-regional control and overall survival to more favorable cases, with no statistically significant increase in morbidity and mortality.

Mapping of lymph node metastasis from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant treatment: a prospective analysis from a high-volume institution in China.

The study aimed to describe the prevalence of lymph node metastases per lymph node station for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant treatment. Clinicopathological variables of ESCC patients were retrieved from the prospective database of the Surgical Esophageal Cancer Patient Registry in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. A two-field lymphadenectomy was routinely performed, and an extensive three-field lymphadenectomy was performed if cervical lymph node metastasis was suspected. According to AJCC/UICC 8, lymph node stations were investigated separately. The number of patients with metastatic lymph nodes divided by those who underwent lymph node dissection at that station was used to define the percentage of patients with lymph node metastases. Data are also separately analyzed according to the pathological response of the primary tumor, neoadjuvant treatment regimens, pretreatment tumor length, and tumor location. Between January 2019 and March 2023, 623 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy followed by transthoracic esophagectomy were enrolled. Lymph node metastases were found in 212 patients (34.0%) and most frequently seen in lymph nodes along the right recurrent nerve (10.1%, 58/575), paracardial station (11.4%, 67/587), and lymph nodes along the left gastric artery (10.9%, 65/597). For patients with pretreatment tumor length of >4cm and non-pathological complete response of the primary tumor, the metastatic rate of the right lower cervical paratracheal lymph nodes is 10.9% (10/92) and 10.6% (11/104), respectively. For patients with an upper thoracic tumor, metastatic lymph nodes were most frequently seen along the right recurrent nerve (14.2%, 8/56). For patients with a middle thoracic tumor, metastatic lymph nodes were most commonly seen in the right lower cervical paratracheal lymph nodes (10.3%, 8/78), paracardial lymph nodes (10.2%, 29/285), and lymph nodes along the left gastric artery (10.4%, 30/289). For patients with a lower thoracic tumor, metastatic lymph nodes were most frequently seen in the paracardial station (14.2%, 35/247) and lymph nodes along the left gastric artery (13.1%, 33/252). The study precisely determined the distribution of lymph node metastases in ESCC after neoadjuvant treatment, which may help to optimize the extent of lymphadenectomy in the surgical management of ESCC patients after neoadjuvant therapy.

Precise pattern of lymphatic spread of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: results of 1074 patients with N1 disease.

The route of lymphatic spread in esophageal cancer remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the pattern of lymphatic metastasis in its early stages. The data were reviewed of 1074 patients who underwent curative esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and metastasis in 1-2 lymph nodes between January 2015 and December 2021. The frequencies of lymph node metastasis were analyzed by the anatomic sites and regions involved. Of the 1074 patients, 668 patients (62.2%) with one positive lymph node and 406 (37.8%) with two positive lymph nodes. Paracardial lymph nodes were the most frequently involved nodes (35.1%), followed by right thoracic recurrent nerve nodes (24.0%), middle thoracic paraesophageal nodes (14.7%), left thoracic recurrent nerve nodes (10.4%), subcarinal nodes (8.0%), lower thoracic paraesophageal nodes (7.8%), and upper thoracic paraesophageal nodes (5.7%). The frequency of lymph node metastasis in other sites was less than 3%. The majority of lymph node metastases occurred in the longitudinal direction to the perigastric (36.5%) and bilateral recurrent nerve regions (33.4%) and in the transverse direction to the paraesophageal region (27.7%). As the tumor location changed from the upper to the lower thoracic esophagus, the frequencies of lymph node metastasis decreased in the bilateral recurrent nerve region but increased in the perigastric region. Bilateral recurrent nerve nodes, paraesophageal lymph nodes, and perigastric nodes were the most common sites of early lymph node metastasis. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma involves more longitudinal than transverse lymph node metastases.

145. PRECISE PATTERN OF LYMPHATIC SPREAD OF ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA RESULTS OF 1074 PATIENTS WITH N1 DISEASE

Abstract Objective The precise pattern of lymphatic spread in esophageal cancer remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the pattern of lymphatic metastasis in its early stages. Methods The data were reviewed of 1074 patients who underwent curative esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and metastasis in 1–2 lymph nodes between January 2015 and December 2021. The frequencies of lymph node metastasis were analyzed by the anatomic sites and regions involved. Results Of the 1074 patients, the median number of resected lymph nodes was 27 (interquartile range, 20–35). There were 668 patients (62.2%) with one positive lymph node and 406 patients (37.8%) with two positive lymph nodes. Paracardial lymph nodes were the most frequently involved nodes (35.2%), followed by the right thoracic recurrent nerve nodes (24.0%) and middle thoracic paraesophageal nodes (14.7%). The majority of lymph node metastases occurred in the longitudinal direction to the perigastric (35.2%) and bilateral recurrent nerve regions (33.0%) and in the transverse direction to the paraesophageal region (27.7%). Deep tumor depth (P = 0.047), poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.038), and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.023) were associated with lymph node metastasis. Conclusion Perigastric nodes, bilateral recurrent nerve nodes, and paraesophageal lymph nodes were the most common early lymph node metastasis regions. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma involves more longitudinal than transverse lymph node metastases. Two-field lymphadenectomy should include the radical lymph nodes dissection both in the upper mediastinum and in the upper abdomen.

430. MAPPING OF LYMPH NODE METASTASIS FROM ESCC AFTER NEOADJUVANT TREATMENT: A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM A HIGH-VOLUME INSTITUTION IN CHINA

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of lymph node metastases per lymph node station for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant treatment. Methods Clinicopathological variables of ESCC patients were retrieved from the prospective database of the Surgical Esophageal Cancer Patient Registry in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Two-field lymphadenectomy was routinely performed and an extensive three-field lymphadenectomy was performed if cervical lymph nodes metastasis were suspected. Lymph node stations according to AJCC 8 were separately investigated. Percentage of patients with lymph node metastases was defined as number of patients with metastatic lymph nodes/number of patients with lymph node dissection of this station. Data is also separately analyzed according to pathological response of the primary tumor, pretreatment tumor length and tumor location. Results Between January 2019 and March 2023, 623 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy followed by transthoracic esophagectomy were enrolled (Table 1–1). Lymph node metastases were found in 215 patients (34.5%) and most frequently seen in lymph nodes along the right recurrent nerve (10.1%, 58/575), paracardial station (11.4%, 67/587) and lymph nodes along the left gastric artery (10.9%, 65/597). For patients with pretreatment tumor length > 4 cm and non-PCR of primary tumor, the metastatic rate of right lower cervical paratracheal lymph nodes is 10.9% (10/92) and 10.6% (11/104), respectively (Table 1–2). For patients with an upper thoracic tumor, metastatic lymph nodes were most frequently seen along the right recurrent nerve (14.2%, 8/56). For patients with a middle thoracic tumor, metastatic lymph nodes were most frequently seen in the right lower cervical paratracheal lymph nodes (10.3%, 8/78), paracardial lymph nodes (10.2%, 29/285) and lymph nodes along the left gastric artery (10.4%, 30/289). For patients with a lower thoracic tumor, metastatic lymph nodes were most frequently seen in paracardial station (14.2%, 35/247) and lymph nodes along the left gastric artery (13.1%, 33/252) (Table 1–3). Conclusion The study accurately identified the distribution of lymph node metastases from ESCC after neoadjuvant treatment, which may contribute to guide the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of ESCC patients after neoadjuvant treatment.

415. STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO CERVICAL LYMPHADENECTOMY IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sByes2_wNgSmb8DW9BjNQknjN7HCXtf1/view Background Cervical lymphadenectomy is an essential component of the treatment of esophageal cancer. Over the last six years, our upper gastrointestinal unit has carried out 180 esophagectomies, with 20% of them involving 3-field lymph node dissection. According to our unit’s protocol, the procedure is indicated for the following conditions: supraclavicular lymph node metastases, upper thoracic esophageal cancer, and recurrent nerve lymph node metastasis. We aim to present a step-by-step approach to cervical lymphadenectomy. Methods Our upper gastrointestinal unit has implemented several learning protocols that aim to design the most efficient and effective training environment. The primary objective is to enhance the learning process and surgical performance while maintaining quality standards. One of the essential components of this learning environment is video coaching, which provides a powerful tool for demonstrating and deconstructing surgical procedures. In recognition of the importance of cervical lymphadenectomy, we have developed a video that is incorporated into our unit’s existing curriculum. Results As an essential component of our comprehensive teaching protocol, we have included a video demonstrating the systematic approach to cervical lymphadenectomy. It offers a clear and concise overview of the anatomical landmarks that must be identified during the procedure, as well as the steps involved and the main pitfalls that must be avoided. Conclusion Our unit is committed to a phased and systematized approach to learning based on steps through the deconstruction of complex procedures. The unit’s structured teaching protocol allows the acquisition of competencies that enable the performance of cervical lymphadenectomy in an effective and efficient way, without compromising patient safety. We believe that our step-by-step approach to cervical lymphadenectomy will be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals working in our upper gastrointestinal unit.

386. ROLE OF RECURRENT NERVE LYMPHADENECTOMY THROUGH MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY IN THE TREATMENT OF OESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Background With the development of neoadjuvant therapy protocols and the advances in minimally invasive surgery, an increasing number of patients are undergoing surgery of oesophageal cancer. Lymphatic involvement is one of the most important independent prognostic factors. There is enough evidence to support that the greater the lymphadenectomy, the better survival rates. Our aim is to present the results of our series, in which partial or total recurrent nerve lymphadenectomy was performed during oncological oesophagectomies. Methods Retrospective observational study that includes all patients that were operated on for oesophageal cancer from January 2019 to January 2023. All surgeries were performed by the same specialized team. Quantitative variables are described as mean and standard deviation, and qualitative variables as absolute number and percentage. The univariate methods used were Pearson’s X2 or Student’s t test for independent samples. We used logistic regression models to study prognostic factors influencing survival. The IBM SPSS Statistics 22 programme was chosen for data analysis. Results 59 patients were operated during this period through minimally invasive approach, including recurrent nerve lymphadenectomy. Anatomopathological results showed 6 (10.2%) patients with recurrent lymph node involvement, 2 (3.4%) with right-sided positive nodes, 3 (5.1%) with left-sided ones and 1 (1.7%) with bilateral invasion. Analysis by subgroups showed that 20% of tumours larger than T2 had recurrent nerve lymph node metastasis. There were 18 (30.5%) recurrent nerve injuries, all of which were transient except for 3 (5.1%) that required scheduled surgery. A statistically significant relationship was found between the number of affected nodes and disease-free survival time (p-value = 0.045). Conclusions Mediastinal and recurrent nerve lymphadenectomy in oesophageal cancer increases the number of total positive lymph nodes obtained after surgery, allowing for a better adequacy of adjuvant treatment and corelating positively with disease-free survival time. Complications derived from these procedures are similar in number to standard lymphadenectomy and most of them can be managed by conservative treatment.

Results of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy in 111 consecutive patients: an Asia cohort study

BackgroundRobot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for esophageal cancer. The purpose of this study was to use the da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) to perform 111 consecutive cases of radical esophageal cancer and report the perioperative data of surgery and postoperative complications and short-term oncological outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 111 patients who underwent RAMIE conducted at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from August 2016 to January 2021. Each patient’s characteristics, clinicopathological stage, postoperative pathological stage, surgery outcome, postoperative recovery, and short-term oncological outcomes were analyzed.ResultsOf the 111 patients who underwent RAMIE, 77 were male and 34 were female, and the mean age was 62.1 ± 8.8 years. Twenty-seven patients (24.3%) received preoperative neoadjuvant therapies, the most popular of which was preoperative induction chemotherapy in 16 cases (14.4%), followed by preoperative induction radiotherapy in 8 cases (7.2%) and preoperative induction chemotherapy plus immunization in 3 cases (2.7%). The vast majority of patients (110/111, 99.1%) underwent radical resection, with a mean intraoperative bleeding amount of 99.9 ± 68.4 mL and a mean operative time of 271.9 ± 70.0 min. The mean total number of lymph nodes removed was 40.9 ± 16.7, including 21.8 ± 9.0 thoracic lymph nodes. Fifty-five (49.6%) patients had lymph node metastases, including 17 (15.3%) with lymph node metastases in the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, 24 (21.6%) with lymph node metastases in the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, and 7 (6.3%) with lymph node metastases in the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve. The positive rate of left recurrent nerve lymph nodes was 4.77%, and he positive rate of right recurrent nerve lymph nodes was 8.38%. The main postoperative complications included pulmonary infection in 24 cases (21.6%), celiac disease in 3 cases (2.7%), tracheoesophageal fistula in 1 case (0.9%), anastomotic fistula in 3 cases (2.7%), postoperative cardiac arrhythmias in 11 cases (9.9%), VTE in 3 cases (2.7%), and pleural effusion (requiring postoperative tube drainage) in 13 cases (11.7%). Additionally, 2 cases of postoperative pneumothorax (1.8%), 1 case of poor incision healing (0.9%), 1 case of incomplete bowel obstruction (0.9%), 1 case of neck hematoma (0.9%), and 1 case of postoperative admission to the intensive care unit (0.9%) occurred. The median length of stay was 10.9 ± 6.1 days, and there were no cases of perioperative death.ConclusionsRobotic esophageal cancer radical surgery is safe and feasible. The surgeon can be proficient in thoracic robotic surgery and mediastinal lymph node dissection and achieve high levels of perioperative safety and short-term efficacy.

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.

Histological study of the thin membranous dense connective tissues around the curving portion of the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves.

We aimed to demonstrate the anatomical relationship between the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs), thin membranous dense connective tissue (TMDCT [e.g., the visceral or vascular sheaths around the esophagus]), and the lymph nodes around the esophagus at the curving portion of the RLNs for rational and efficient lymph node dissection. Transverse sections of the mediastinum at 5mm or 1mm intervals were obtained from four cadavers. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Elastica van Gieson staining were performed. The visceral sheaths could not be clearly observed the curving portions of the bilateral RLNs, which were observed on the cranial and medial side of the great vessels (aortic arch and right subclavian artery [SCA]). The vascular sheaths could be clearly observed. The bilateral RLNs diverged from the bilateral vagus nerves, which ran along with the vascular sheaths, went up around the caudal side of the great vessels and the vascular sheath, and ran cranially on the medial side of the visceral sheath. Visceral sheaths were not observed around the region containing the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes (No. 106tbL) or the right recurrent nerve lymph nodes (No. 106recR). The regions containing the left recurrent nerve lymph nodes (No. 106recL) and the right cervical paraesophageal lymph nodes (No. 101R) were observed on the medial side of the visceral sheath, with the RLN. The recurrent nerve, which branched off from the vagus nerve descending along the vascular sheath, ascended the medial side of the visceral sheath after inversion. However, no clear visceral sheath could be identified in the inverted area. Therefore, during radical esophagectomy, the visceral sheath along No. 101R or 106recL may be recognized and available.

Prognostic relevance of tumor-resident memory T cells in metastatic lymph nodes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Tumor-resident memory T (TRM ) cells in primary tumors are reportedly associated with a favorable prognosis in several malignancies. However, the behaviors and functions of TRM cells in regional lymph nodes (LNs) of esophageal cancer remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of TRM cells in regional LNs of esophageal cancer on clinicopathological findings and prognosis. Specimens of esophageal cancer and primary metastatic LNs (recurrent nerve LNs) were obtained from 84 patients who underwent radical esophagectomy between 2011 and 2017. We performed immunohistochemistry to enumerate and analyze TRM cells, and used flow cytometry to investigate the function of TRM cells. TRM cells were observed in both metastatic LNs and primary tumors. TRM cell-rich specimens exhibited reduced lymphatic invasion and LN metastasis and prolonged survival compared with TRM cell-poor specimens. TRM cells in metastatic LNs were more significantly associated with enhanced survival than TRM cells in primary tumors. TRM cells expressed high levels of granzyme B as a cytotoxicity marker. Our results suggested that high TRM cell infiltration in metastatic LNs improves survival even though LN metastasis is commonly associated with poor prognosis. TRM cells possibly contribute to antitumor immunity in regional LNs.

362. CLINICAL VALUE AND EFFICACY INDEX OF LYMPHADENECTOMY FOR THORACIC ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has high mortality in China. The cornerstone of treatment for resectable esophageal cancer is still surgery. It is vital to find the regularity of lymph node metastasis and the value of dissection for thoracic ESCC in China, to provide a basis for accurate staging and the relationship between overall survival (OS) and lymph node dissection. Cases were collected from 2957 patients in Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Esophageal Cancer Case Management Database (SCH-ECCM Database) from January 2010 to August 2017. The stations of lymph node were referenced according to CSCO diagnosis and treatment guidelines and JES, 11th Ed. According to the frequency and patient’s survival of metastases to each station of investigated tumor location were used to calculate the Efficacy Index (EI). EI was calculated by multiplying the frequency (%) and 5-year survival rate of metastases (%) in patients, and then dividing by the number of 100. The median follow-up time was 59.5 months. The EI was high in supraclavicular and mediastinal zones in patients with upper esophageal tumors, and the EI of 106recR was 13.72, which was the highest among lymph node stations. The EI was high in mediastinal zone followed by celiac and supraclavicular zones in patients with middle esophageal tumors, 104R with EI of 15.54 was the highest among lymph node stations. As for patients with lower esophageal tumors, the EI was high in celiac zone followed by mediastinal zones, the EI of left gastric artery was 10.86, over every lymph node stations. The EI of right recurrent nerve lymph nodes is the highest in upper esophageal cancer, as for middle esophageal cancer right supraclavicular lymph nodes had high metastasis rate and EI, but the left gastric lymph nodes had high metastasis rate and EI in the lower esophageal cancer. Although the lymph node metastasis rate of ESCC is still high, the more efficient lymphadenectomy should be considered based on further studies.

Preoperative maximum phonation time as a predictor of pneumonia in patients undergoing esophagectomy

Esophagectomy is a highly invasive procedure, associated with several postoperative complications including pneumonia, anastomotic leakage, and sepsis, which may result in multiorgan failure. Pneumonia is considered a major predictor of poor long-term prognosis, so its prevention is important for patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer. The subjects of this study were 137 patients who underwent esophagectomy at Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, between January, 2012 and December, 2016. Patients who underwent R0 or R1 resection or esophagectomy with organ excision were included. Patients who underwent salvage surgery or resection of recurrent laryngeal nerve, and those with preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, were excluded. We investigated the effect of the maximum phonation time on the development of postoperative pneumonia. Pneumonia developed more frequently in patients with a long operative time, clinically left recurrent nerve lymph node metastasis, and a short preoperative maximum phonation time (p = 0.074, 0.046, and 0.080, respectively). Pneumonia was also more common in men with an abnormal maximum phonation time (p = 0.010). The maximum phonation time is a significant predictor of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy in men.

190 THE USEFULNESS OF A BILATERAL TRANS-CERVICAL PNEUMOMEDIASTINAL APPROACH FOR MEDIASTINOSCOPIC RADICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Several authors have reported on the left trans-cervical and transhiatal approaches under pneumomediastinum and right cervical open surgery for mediastinoscopic esophagectomy. However, with these approaches, sufficient dissection of the right upper mediastinal paraesophageal lymph nodes, right recurrent nerve lymph nodes and the subaortic arch to the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes is thought to be difficult. We herein report the usefulness of the ‘bilateral’ trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach. Methods Ten patients with thoracic esophageal cancer were treated using this approach. Under pneumomediastinum via a right neck incision, the right cervical and upper mediastinal paraesophageal lymph nodes were dissected. The left recurrent nerve lymph nodes were dissected using a left trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach. The subaortic arch to the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes was dissected with a combined right and left trans-cervical crossover approach. After this approach, thoracoscopic observation was then performed in the left decubitus position, and if the lymph nodes were not sufficiently dissected, the remnant lymph nodes were retrieved thoracoscopically. Results The average total number of dissected lymph nodes among the right cervical and upper mediastinal paraesophageal lymph nodes identified with a right cervical open/right trans-cervical mediastinoscopic/right thoracoscopic approach was 3.2/4.0/0.6, respectively. The average total number of dissected lymph nodes among the subaortic arch to the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes with a right trans-cervical mediastinoscopic/right thoracoscopic approach was 1.5/0.6, respectively. These findings indicate that, without the right trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach, roughly four of the right cervical and upper mediastinal paraesophageal lymph nodes and one or two of the subaortic arch to the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes could not have been retrieved. Conclusion A bilateral trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach is useful for achieving sufficient upper mediastinal lymph node dissection and esophagectomy.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the oesophagus: a case report

BackgroundMalignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) is a very rare disease, and its pathogenesis is unknown. There are few reports of MPNST of the oesophagus. We report a case of an MPNST that was diagnosed and resected.Case presentationA 30-year-old female presented with dysphagia. She had been aware of the dysphagia approximately 6 months before presentation. The chest X-ray showed shadows in the right mediastinum. Barium fluoroscopy revealed a semicircular raised lesion in the lower oesophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 1 oesophageal tumour centred on the posterior wall 26–35 cm from the incisors. The surface was ulcerated, and the tumour was exposed. The affected area showed no iodine uptake. The EUS showed an isoechoic mass. The CT scan showed a mass of 71 × 61 × 55 mm in the beginning of the lower oesophagus with low density mass and swelling of the right recurrent nerve lymph node to 12 mm. On FDG-PET, the tumour showed an SUVmax of 11.05, and no abnormal accumulation was found in lymph nodes or other organs. The MRI showed a hyperintense mass on the T2WI, which had prolonged contrast enhancement, and no findings of invasion into surrounding tissue were found. The patient underwent right thoracotomy and open thoracic oesophagectomy. The affected lymph node was tumour negative by rapid pathological diagnosis during the operation. Histologically, spindle cells with different-sized nuclei were mixed throughout the tissue. Some regions showed nuclear polymorphism or a storiform pattern, and locally, there were approximately 7 mitoses/10 HPFs. The margin was relatively clear, but spindle-shaped tumour cells infiltrated the surrounding interstitium and basal myoepithelium, and the patient was diagnosed with MPNST. In this case, the postoperative course was good, and 16 months after the operation, the patient is currently under observation at the outpatient stage without recurrence.ConclusionsMPNST in the oesophagus is a relatively rare disease. Diagnosis before treatment is sometimes difficult, but the prognosis is good if radical resection is possible.

The usefulness of a bilateral trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach for mediastinoscopic radical esophagectomy: a right transcervical approach is an available option.

We investigated the merits and demerits of right cervical open surgery with right trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach in mediastinoscopic esophagectomy. Ten thoracic esophageal cancer patients were treated using this approach. Under pneumomediastinum via a right neck incision, the right cervical and upper mediastinal paraesophageal lymph nodes were dissected. The left recurrent nerve lymph nodes were dissected using a left trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach. The subaortic arch to the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes was dissected with a combined right and left trans-cervical crossover approach. The average number of dissected lymph nodes among the right cervical and upper mediastinal paraesophageal lymph nodes identified with a right cervical open/right trans-cervical mediastinoscopic/right thoracoscopic approach was 3.2/4.0/0.6, respectively. The average number of dissected lymph nodes among the subaortic arch to the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes with a right trans-cervical mediastinoscopic/right thoracoscopic approach was 1.5/0.6, respectively. These findings indicate that, without using the right trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach, it might be impossible to successfully remove some of the right cervical and upper mediastinal paraesophageal lymph nodes and the subaortic arch to the left tracheobronchial lymph nodes lymph nodes. Regarding surgical complications, one case of bilateral recurrent nerve palsy as well as two cases on the right and two cases on the left were noted. Although the rate of recurrent nerve palsy should still be reduced, a bilateral (especially right-sided) trans-cervical pneumomediastinal approach is an available option for achieving sufficient upper mediastinal lymph node dissection and esophagectomy.

Failure patterns after adjuvant chemoradiotherapy following endoscopic resection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BackgroundThis study evaluated the locations of lymph node recurrence and their association with irradiation fields used for radiotherapy after adjuvant chemoradiotherapy following endoscopic resection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsMedical records of 96 consecutive patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent adjuvant chemoradiotherapy following endoscopic resection were reviewed. Computed tomography was used to identify whether nodal recurrences were within the elective nodal irradiation field. The cumulative incidence of recurrence was calculated, accounting for death as a competing risk. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors predicting nodal recurrence.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 61 months (range: 6‐137 months). Seven patients (7.3%) developed lymph node recurrence only; two patients (2.1%) developed nodal plus local recurrence. Six of the seven cases without local recurrence involved the elective nodal irradiation field, with five cases involving the recurrent nerve lymph nodes. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of lymph node recurrence was higher for T1b tumors with lymphovascular invasion than for T1a tumors with lymphovascular invasion (17.6% vs 6.2%, P = 0.086; HR: 3.74, 95% CI: 0.80‐17.52, P = 0.094) and T1b tumors without lymphovascular invasion (17.6% vs 3.3%, P = 0.031; HR: 6.78, 95% CI: 0.80‐57.63, P = 0.080).ConclusionsLymph node recurrence frequently involved the elective nodal irradiation field, with recurrent nerve lymph nodes being common metastasis sites. The high incidence of nodal recurrence for T1b tumors with lymphovascular invasion highlights a need for new strategies for treating this subset of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas.

Clinical Impact of the Location of Lymph Node Metastases After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Middle and Lower Thoracic Esophageal Cancer

In the current cancer staging systems, the location of lymph node (LN) metastases is not considered, although LN status is defined according to the number of LN metastases. This study aimed to investigate the clinical impact of the location of LN metastases in esophageal cancer and to evaluate the relevance of minimizing the extent of lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant therapy. In 561 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the therapeutic value of each LN dissection was estimated by multiplying the incidence of metastasis by the 5-year survival rate of patients with positive nodes. In addition, we examined whether the value was affected by the response to neoadjuvant therapy. Metastasis to the celiac LN and middle mediastinal LN regions was identified as an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis, together with the number of LN metastases; however metastasis to the cervical LN and upper mediastinal LN regions was not identified as an independent prognostic factor. The therapeutic value was high in recurrent nerve LNs, paraesophageal LNs, paracardial LNs, and left gastric LNs. The therapeutic value for each LN dissection did not change according to the response to neoadjuvant therapy, excluding the lower mediastinal LN and perigastric LN stations for which the value was relatively high in patients with a poor response. The present study shows that the location and number of LN metastases have a prognostic impact in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Limited lymphadenectomy according to the response to neoadjuvant therapy cannot be justified.

Incidence of Regional Recurrence Outside of Radiation Fields in Patients with or without Elective Nodal Irradiation for Stage I Middle Thoracic Esophageal Cancer

The appropriate field of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) for middle thoracic (Mt) esophageal cancer is still unclear. To evaluate the efficacy of ENI for stage I Mt esophageal cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT), we researched the incidence of recurrence outside of radiation fields in patients with and without ENI. From April 2006 to December 2014, 55 patients with stage I esophageal cancer mainly located at Mt received definitive RT with or without concurrent chemotherapy in our institution. Of these, 52 patients followed up for more than six months were examined in this study (age, 51-89, median 70; male/female = 46/6; chemoradiotherapy/RT alone = 43/9). Because of the change of institutional policy, ENI became to be performed in principle from 2013. Seventeen patients (33%) received ENI to the mediastinum with or without the supraclavicular region and the upper abdomen. Remaining 35 patients received irradiation only to the range where the margin of 3-4 cm was added above and below the gross tumor volumes. The median follow-up time was 51.8 months (2.5 to 126.5 months). A total of 11 patients (21%) relapsed: 4 (8.0%) developed local, 6 (12%) developed regional and 1 (2.0%) developed loco-regional. The regional recurrence outside of radiation fields occurred in two patients with ENI (12%) and in three patients without ENI (9%) (p=0.71). For patients with ENI, sites of regional recurrences were recurrent nerve lymph nodes (#106rec) in one case and lymph nodes along the lesser curvatures (#3) in one. For patients without ENI, sites of regional recurrences were #106rec in two cases, right cardiac lymph nodes (#2) in one, lymph nodes along the celiac artery in one and left cervical lymph nodes in one. Three-year overall survival rates (OS) and progression free survival rates (PFS) for all patients were 83% and 73%, respectively. Three-year OS for patients with and without ENI were 88% and 80%, respectively (p=0.52). Three-year PFS for patients with and without ENI were 77% and 71%, respectively (p=0.32). Incidence of lymph node recurrence outside of radiation fields did not differ significantly between patient with and without ENI for stage I Mt esophageal cancer. In addition, ENI did not improve OS and PFS significantly.

PS02.190: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INTRAOPERATIVE PATHOLOGICAL OF RECURRENT NERVE NODE IN NECK-FIELD LYMPH NODE DISSECTION OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to explore whether the metastasis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve node can guide neck-field lymph node dissection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods collected data from 58 patients who had undergone intraoperative pathological frozen of bilateral recurrent nerve node and three-field lymph node dissection in Fujian medical university union hospital, to explore the relationship between recurrent laryngeal nerve node metastasis and cervical lymph nodes metastasis. Results In the positive right laryngeal node group, 31.58% of the patients had metastasis in the cervical lymph nodes, and patients with negative laryngeal node, 10.26% of the patients had metastasis (P0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value were 70.00%, 70.83%, 70.69%, 33.33% and 91.89%. In the positive left laryngeal node group, 55.56% of the patients had metastasis, and patients with negative laryngeal node, 10.20%of the patients had metastasisP0.05. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value were 50.00%, 91.67%, 84.48%, 55.56% and 89.80%. In the positive laryngeal node group(one of the laryngeal node were positive), 33.33% of the patients had metastasis, In the negative group, 5.88% of the patients had metastasisP0.05.The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value were 80.00%, 66.67%, 68.97%, 33.33% and 94.12%. In the group of bilateral laryngeal node metastasis, 66.67% of the patients had metastasis. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of the preoperative neck ultrasound combined with PET/CT were 20.00%, 83.33%, 72.41%, 20.00%, 83.33%. Table 1 The statistics about the intraoperative pathological frozen of bilateral recurrent nerve node and the preoperative neck ultrasound combined with PET/CT Conclusion If intraoperative pathological frozen prompted positive, we can decide whether three-field lymph node dissection should be performed combined with preoperative examination, tumor location and degree of tumor infiltration to get appropriately stage and achieve the purpose of radical.Intraoperative pathological frozen state of recurrent nerve node metastasis is an indicator for the selection of neck-field dissection in thoracic esophageal carcinoma. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.