Transhiatal Esophagectomies Research Articles

Transhiatal esophagectomy for cardia and esophagus cancer

To present the result of transhiatal esophagectomies with simultaneous repair. The study included 67 procedures. In 35 cases surgery was carried out for adenocarcinoma of distal esophagus or cardia with high transition to esophagus, in 32 cases - for epidermal carcinoma of the esophagus. Gastric graft and left half of the colon were used in 60 and 7 cases respectively for simultaneous repair. 29 patients underwent transhiatal instrumental esophagectomy using author's original technique.

Transthoracic Anastomotic Leak After Esophagectomy: Current Trends

Leaks from intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis are thought to be associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality than leaks from cervical anastomosis. We challenge this assumption and hypothesize that there is no significant difference in mortality based on the location of the esophagogastric anastomosis. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases on all studies published from January 2000 to June 2015, comparing transthoracic (TTE) and transhiatal (THE) esophagectomies. Studies using jejunal or colonic interposition were excluded. Outcomes analyzed were leak rate, leak-associated mortality, overall 30-day mortality, and overall morbidity. Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel-Haenszel statistical analyses on studies reporting leak rates of both approaches. Nominal data are presented as frequency and interquartile range (IQR); measures of the association between treatments and outcomes are presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Twenty-one studies (3 randomized controlled trials) were analyzed comprising of 7167 patients (54% TTE). TTE approach yields a lower anastomotic leak rate (9.8%; IQR 6.0-12.2%) than THE (12%; IQR 11.6-22.1%; OR 0.56 [0.34-0.92]), without any significant difference in leak associated mortality (7.1% TTE vs. 4.6% THE: OR 1.83 [0.39-8.52]). There was no difference in overall 30-day mortality (3.9% TTE vs. 4.3% THE; OR 0.86 [0.66-1.13]) and morbidity (59.0% TTE vs. 66.6% THE; OR 0.76 [0.37-1.59]). Based on meta-analysis, TTE is associated with alower leak rate and does not result in higher morbidity or mortality than THE. The previously assumed higher rate of transthoracic anastomotic leak-associated mortality is overstated, thus supporting surgeon discretion and other factors to influence the choice of thoracic versus cervical anastomosis.

Role of Barium Swallow in Diagnosing Clinically Significant Anastomotic Leak following Esophagectomy.

BackgroundBarium swallow is performed following esophagectomy to evaluate the anastomosis for detection of leaks and to assess the emptying of the gastric conduit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the barium swallow study in diagnosing anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy.MethodsPatients who underwent esophagectomy from January 2000 to December 2013 at our institution were investigated. Barium swallow was routinely done between days 5–7 to detect a leak. These results were compared to clinically determined leaks (defined by neck wound infection requiring jejunal feeds and or parenteral nutrition) during the postoperative period. The sensitivity and specificity of barium swallow in diagnosing clinically significant anastomotic leaks was determined.ResultsA total of 395 esophagectomies were performed (mean age, 62.2 years). The indications for the esophagectomy were as follows: malignancy (n=320), high-grade dysplasia (n=14), perforation (n=27), benign stricture (n=7), achalasia (n=16), and other (n=11). A variety of techniques were used including transhiatal (n=351), McKeown (n=35), and Ivor Lewis (n=9) esophagectomies. Operative mortality was 2.8% (n=11). Three hundred and sixty-eight patients (93%) underwent barium swallow study after esophagectomy. Clinically significant anastomotic leak was identified in 36 patients (9.8%). Barium swallow was able to detect only 13/36 clinically significant leaks. The sensitivity of the swallow in diagnosing a leak was 36% and specificity was 97%. The positive and negative predictive values of barium swallow study in detecting leaks were 59% and 93%, respectively.ConclusionBarium swallow is an insensitive but specific test for detecting leaks at the cervical anastomotic site after esophagectomy.

Transthoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: Still a catastrophe?

126 Background: Leaks from intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis are thought to be associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality than leaks from cervical anastomosis. We challenge this assumption, and hypothesize that there is no significant difference in mortality based on the position of the esophagogastric anastomosis. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases on all studies published between January 2000 and June 2015 comparing transthoracic (TTE) and transhiatal (THE) esophagectomies. Studies that used alternate reconstruction approaches were excluded. Outcomes analyzed were leak rate, leak-associated mortality, overall 30-day mortality, and overall morbidity. Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel Haenszel statistical analyses on studies that reported on leak rates of both approaches. Nominal data are presented as frequency and interquartile range (IQR); measures of the association between treatments and outcomes are presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Twenty-one studies (including 3 randomized controlled trials) were included comprising of 7167 patients (54% TTE). THE approach yields a higher anastomotic leak rate (12%; IQR: 11.6% - 22.1%) than TTE (9.8%; IQR: 6.0% - 12.2%) (OR: 1.83 [0.34-06.92]), without any difference in leak-associated mortality (7.1% TTE vs. 4.6% THE; OR: 1.83, [0.39-8.52]). There was no difference in overall 30-day mortality (3.9% TTE vs. 4.3% THE; OR: 0.86, [0.66-1.13]) and morbidity (59.0% TTE vs. 66.6% THE; OR: 0.76, [0.37-1.59]). Conclusions: Transthoracic esophagectomy is associated with a lower leak rate and does not result in higher morbidity or mortality than transhiatal esophagectomy. The previously assumed higher rate of transthoracic leak-associated mortality is overstated, thus allowing surgeon discretion and other factors to influence the choice of intrathoracic versus cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.

Outcomes after transhiatal esophagectomies in an eastern-European low-volume center.

The present study proposes to analyze the results obtained after transhiatal esophagectomies (THE), from the perspective of an Eastern European surgical center with low esophageal resection volume (LV). Our analysis, which to the authors' knowledge is the first of its kind in Romania, has the purpose of comparing our results with those obtained in higher or similar volume centers, in order to derive conclusions regarding the quality of therapeutic management for patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer in Romania. Retrospective observational study. In total, 70 patients were included, in whom THE was performed during the period 1997-2013 by six senior surgeons. The majority of our patients had esophageal cancers (n=66; 94.3%); we also performed 4 THE procedures for benign conditions (n=3; 4.27%) and esophageal perforation (n=1; 1.42%). The majority of cancer-group patients had T3/N+ tumors. The nodal involvement in the T2, T3 and T4 categories was 9.9%, 21.6% and 35.1%, respectively. Complications were identified in 45 patients (68.2%), with the majority being represented by pulmonary complications (16 patients; 24.3%) and cervical leaks (15 cases; 22.7%). In-hospital mortality was 9.09%. We found a one-year overall survival rate of 58.7% (95%CI: 51.7-65.7%), 27.2% at 2 years (95%CI: 21.2-36.2%) and 10.5% at 3 years (95%CI: 6.5-14.5%). The median survival rate was estimated to be 16 months. Morbidity and in-hospital mortality after THE was performed in low-volume centers, despite being significantly higher than reported in HV centers, could be kept at reasonable rates. In our opinion, the measures which have the potential to raise the standard of care for patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer in Romania are represented by the standardization of therapeutic and diagnostic protocols for esophageal cancer and the centralization of these major oncologic interventions in surgical excellence centers.

Laparoscopic versus open transhiatal esophagectomy for distal and junction cancer

the only curative treatment for esophageal cancer is surgical resection. This treatment is associated with a high morbidity rate and long in-hospital recovery period. Both transthoracic and transhiatal esophagectomies are performed worldwide. The transhiatal approach may reduce the respiratory infection rate in compromised patients with distal esophageal and gastro-esophageal (GE) cancers. Minimally invasive esophagectomy could further improve post-operative outcome. Two cohorts of laparoscopic and open transhiatal esophagectomy for cancer were compared for short- and long-term outcome. from January 2001 through December 2004, 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy were compared to a historical group of 50 patients who had undergone open transhiatal esophagectomy between January 1998 and December 2000. Post-operative management was identical in both groups. no significant differences were seen between the two groups with regard to baseline characteristics and oncological parameters including resection margin (R0 82 vs. 74%, p = 0.334) and 5-year survival. Operation time did not differ significantly between the groups. (300 vs. 280 min, p = 0.110). Median hospital stay and intensive care unit stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (13 vs. 16 days, p = 0.001 and 1 vs. 3 days, p = 0.000 respectively). minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy is feasible and has the same oncological outcome as open transhiatal esophagectomy. Faster recovery without a significant longer operation time could be the major benefit of the laparoscopic transhiatal approach. To our knowledge, this is the largest comparative study in literature comparing laparoscopic transhiatal with open transhiatal esophagectomy for cancers of distal and GE junction. Randomized trials are needed to further clarify the role of laparoscopic transhiatal approach for esophageal cancer.

Endoscopic pyloric balloon dilatation obviates the need for pyloroplasty at esophagectomy

Because the rate of acquired pyloric stenosis (APS) from truncal vagotomy is 15%, many surgeons perform pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy at the time of esophagectomy. Endoscopic pyloric balloon dilatation (EPBD) is another method to manage APS. This study evaluated a cohort treated with preoperative EPBD. This is a retrospective review of all patients treated with preoperative EPBD and esophagectomy for cancer from 2002 to 2009 at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a tertiary care center. Outcome measures included need for subsequent surgery for gastric outlet obstruction, rate of pyloric stenosis noted on postoperative endoscopy, and complications. Upon review of the series, 25 patients (80% male; median age, 63 [range 47-81] years) had outpatient preoperative EPBD and esophagectomies 1-2 weeks later and were included in the study. None had pyloroplasties or pyloromyotomies at the time of esophagectomy. Selected patients had postoperative endoscopy. Of the 25 patients, 20 had transhiatal esophagectomies, 3 had thoracoabdominal esophagectomies, and 2 had VATS 3-hole esophagectomies. Median follow-up time was 22 (range, 1-84) months. There were no complications from EPBD. There were no postoperative deaths. No patient needed a second operation for gastric outlet obstruction. All patients had postoperative barium swallows (BaS) or endoscopy or both. Only one patient (4%) required one postoperative EPBD to dilate a 16-mm pylorus. Three others had delayed gastric emptying on BaS with endoscopy showing each pylorus was wide open. Their symptoms improved with time. In this cohort, preoperative EPBD in all patients combined with postoperative EPBD in one patient obviated the need for pyloroplasty. This approach merits further study in a larger cohort, particularly to determine whether preoperative EPBD is necessary or if only selected postoperative EPBD is sufficient.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy: current status and future direction

We read with interest the review article on minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer published recently in Surgical Endoscopy [1]. After an extensive study of the literature about the subject in the last few years, the authors concluded that minimally invasive esophagectomy is at least comparable to open esophagectomy. We do agree with the comments and conclusions of the authors, but in the context of the search and the final comment, we would like make two remarks. First, our paper, published by Scheepers et al. [2], is not included in your extended search of the literature. Despite the fact that our study was the second largest series of minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomies for cancer (n = 50). The results of this study were promising: length of operating time was 300 min, with 18% conversions and 500 ml of blood loss. There were 42% early complications and 8% late complications. ICU stay was 1 day and hospital stay was 13 days, with one in-hospital mortality. The rate of respiratory complications was 18%, and there was one chylothorax (2%) and no anastomotic leakage. Second, concerning the necessity of a randomized trial, the authors stated that “this would not be likely to come into fruition …” but it has actually been done in our department early this year under the TIME trial name. The protocol for this randomized study was published in the BMC Surgery journal and also has a recognized international registration [3]. In this trial, the traditional open transthoracic procedure (combining thoracotomy and laparotomy) was compared to the minimally invasive transthoracic procedure (right thoracoscopy in prone position and laparoscopy) in 115 patients. Currently we are analyzing the database in order to publish our promising data as soon as possible. As the authors emphasized, these data are needed to substantiate the current formation of opinion on esophageal surgery.

Survival and quality of life after minimally invasive esophagectomy: a single-surgeon experience

Reports on quality of life (QOL) after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) have been limited. This report compares perioperative outcomes, survival, and QOL after MIEs with open transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) and open transhiatal esophagectomy (THE). After institutional review board approval, retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who underwent esophageal resection for esophageal cancer at Creighton University between August 2003 and August 2010. Patients with preoperative stage 4 disease, emergent procedures, laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomies, or esophagojeujunostomies were excluded from the study. The study patients were categorized as having undergone open TTE, open THE, or MIE. Overall survival (OS) was the interval between diagnosis and death or follow-up assessment. Disease-free survival (DFS) was the interval between surgery and recurrence, death, or follow-up assessment. For the patients who survived at least 1year after surgery, QOL was assessed using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC-QLQ, version 3.0) and esophageal module (EORTC-QLQ OES 18) questionnaires. The study criteria were satisfied by 104 patients. Lymph node harvest with MIE (median = 20) was similar to that with open TTEs (median = 19) and significantly higher (P<0.001) than that with open THEs (median = 12). The percentage of patients requiring intraoperative blood transfusion in the MIE group (23.4%) was significantly lower (P<0.001) than in the open TTE (73.1%) and THE (67.7%) groups. The volume of intraoperative blood product transfusion was significantly lower for the MIE patients (median = 0ml) than for the open TTE (median = 700ml) and THE (median = 700ml) patients. The incidence of respiratory complications with MIEs (10.64%) was significantly lower than with open TTEs (34.61%) and THEs (32.26%). The groups did not differ significantly in terms of R0 resection rates, OS, DFS, or QOL. MIEs offer a safe and viable alternative to open esophagectomies because they reduce the need and volume of intraoperative blood product transfusion and postoperative respiratory complications without compromising oncological clearance, survival, and QOL.

Management and Outcome of Intrathoracic Bleeding due to Vascular Injury During Transhiatal Esophagectomy

Study ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to ascertain the incidence and outcome of intrathoracic vascular injury during transhiatal resection of the esophagus. BackgroundResection of the esophagus is indicated for a variety of benign and malignant diseases and can be performed via the transhiatal or transthoracic route. As the esophagus is in close vicinity to the aorta, pulmonary vessels and the azygous vein, these blood vessels can be injured during its resection. MethodsWe extracted data on the incidence, management, and outcome of intrathoracic vascular injuries that occurred during transhiatal esophagectomy between 1983 and 2010 from a prospectively maintained esophageal diseases database. ResultsDuring this period, 710 transhiatal esophagectomies were done for malignant (n = 617) and benign causes (n = 93). Intrathoracic vascular injury occurred in ten patients (1.4%). The indication for esophagectomy was malignancy (nine patients) and corrosive stricture (one patient). All nine patients with malignancy had squamous cell carcinoma, and the tumor was located in the midthoracic esophagus in seven and lower thoracic esophagus in two patients. Eight of nine patients with cancer had received preoperative radiotherapy. The site of injury was the aorta/its esophageal branch (six patients), azygous vein (three patients), and inferior pulmonary vein (one patient). The estimated median intraoperative blood loss was 4,450 ml (range, 2,000–6,000 ml), and the median duration of the surgery was 5 h (range, 4–7 h). On a multivariable analysis, location of tumor (in the midthoracic esophagus) was a significant risk factor for the occurrence of vascular injury. Seven patients required a thoracotomy to control the bleeding while in two patients, it could be identified and controlled transhiatally. Two patients died intraoperatively due to massive bleeding and another two died in the postoperative period. Of the patients who survived (n = 6), three patients had an uneventful recovery, one patient developed a cervical anastomotic leak, and two patients developed chest infection. ConclusionVascular injury during transhiatal esophagectomy is a rare but life-threatening complication. There may be a higher risk in tumors located in the mid esophagus. Management involves prompt identification and control via a dilated hiatus or a thoracotomy.

Esofagectomia transhiatal laparoscópica para o tratamento do megaesôfago avançado: análise de 60 casos

We studied and demonstrated that the technique of subtotal esophagectomy, through laparoscopic and transmediastinal access, in order to prepare the stomach, to dissect the abdominal and thoracic esophagus, and to perform a left cervicotomy for esophageal removal and to proceed with an esophagogastric anastomosis is a good choice and it is a safe method for advanced megaesophagus treatment. Sixty transhiatal esophagectomies by laparoscopy were performed between September 1996 and December 2006, with preservation of the vagus nerve in the last ten cases. The mean age of the patients was 56.4 years-old (18-76) and they were submitted to preoperative blood tests for T. Cruzi, esophagography, high-resolution digestive endoscopy, electromanometry, biliary ultrasound, and 24-hour ph-metry. Also a nutritional evaluation, respiratory physiotherapy and enteral nutritional support, using a nasoenteral tube were done. The indications for this surgery were radiologically and functionally advanced megaesophagus, recurrence of megaesophagus after surgery involving the esophageal junction and association of severe dysplasia and/or neoplasia. The follow-up period was from six to 118 months. There was no mortality, the mean surgery time was 160 minutes (110 to 325), and improvement was noted in all evaluated parameters. Twelve of 60 (20%) patients presented with complications; eight cases had hemopneumothorax (13.33%); three cases had gastric stasis (5%); four cases had cervical fistulae (6.67%), and resolution was achieved with non operative treatment; nine cases had dysphonia (15%). The results observed in laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy were encouraging. They demonstrated that this is a practical and safe technique with excellent postoperative results.

Outcomes of Esophagectomy According to Surgeon’s Training: General vs. Thoracic

IntroductionEsophagectomy is performed by general and thoracic surgeons with the type of operation often dictated by the surgeons’ training. The objective was to investigate outcomes of esophagectomy to determine if they varied according to surgeon’s training. MethodsClinical data of patients who underwent partial or total esophagectomy for esophageal cancer from 2003 through 2007 were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium database. Data were examined between general versus thoracic surgeon and were reviewed for number and type of operations performed, demographics, length of stay, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. ResultsDuring the 54-month period, 2,657 esophagectomies were performed; 1,079 (41%) by general surgeons and 1,578 (59%) by thoracic surgeons. More blunt transhiatal esophagectomies were performed by general surgeons compared to thoracic surgeons (56% vs. 37%, p < 0.01) while more Ivor Lewis resections were performed by thoracic surgeons (63% vs. 44%, p < 0.01). Thoracic surgery certification did not significantly affected outcomes with regards to mean hospital and ICU stay, complications, observed mortality, and mortality index. ConclusionsIn academic centers, the majority of esophagectomies for carcinoma are performed by thoracic surgeons who favor the Ivor Lewis approach, while general surgeons favor the blunt transhiatal approach. Despite these differences, specialty training does not appear an important factor affecting outcome.

Two thousand transhiatal esophagectomies: changing trends, lessons learned

Two thousand transhiatal esophagectomies: changing trends, lessons learned

Two thousand transhiatal esophagectomies: changing trends, lessons learned.

"Rediscovered" in 1976, transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) has been applicable in most situations requiring esophageal resection and reconstruction. The objective of this study was to review the authors' 30-year experience with THE and changing trends in its use. Using the authors' prospective Esophagectomy Database, this single institution experience with THE was analyzed retrospectively. Two thousand and seven THEs were performed-1063 (previously reported) between 1976 and 1998 (group I) and 944 from 1998 to 2006 (group II), 24% for benign disease, 76%, cancer. THE was possible in 98%. Stomach was the esophageal substitute in 97%. Comparing outcomes between group I and group II, statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed in hospital mortality (4% vs. 1%); adenocarcinoma histology (69% vs. 86%); use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (28% vs. 52%); mean blood loss (677 vs. 368 mL); anastomotic leak (14% vs. 9%); and discharge within 10 days (52% vs. 78%). Major complications remain infrequent: wound infection/dehiscence, 3%, atelectasis/pneumonia, 2%, intrathoracic hemorrhage, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, chylothorax, and tracheal laceration, <1% each. Late functional results have been good or excellent in 73%. Aggressive preoperative conditioning, avoiding the ICU, improved pain management, and early ambulation reduce length of stay, with 50% in group II discharged within 1 week. THE refinements have reduced the historic morbidity and mortality of esophageal resection. This largest reported THE experience reinforces the value of consistent technique and a clinical pathway in managing these high acuity esophageal patients.

An audit of surgical outcomes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were increasingly recognized as two entities with different biologic behaviors and prognosis. Surgical risks and oncologic benefits of transthoracic and transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients are not confessed. Between 1994 and 2005, 216 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients underwent esophagectomy were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively. One hundred sixty-six patients underwent transthoracic esophagectomy and 50 patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. The overall hospital mortality and postoperative complication rates were 9.7 and 49%, respectively. The amount of intra-operative blood loss or transfusion, postoperative complication rate, lengths of hospital stay and hospital mortality rate were not significantly different between both groups. However, shorter operative time was noticed in transhiatal group (p<0.001). The overall 5-year survival rate was 16.8%. ESCC patients underwent either transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy had comparable long-term survival. The pTNM stage was independent prognostic factor for patients underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. However, location of tumor (p=0.009) and pathologic tumor length (p=0.012) were predictors of prognosis for patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. For esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients, no significant differences in postoperative mortality or morbidity rates were observed between transthoracic and transhiatal esophagectomy. However, traditional pTNM staging system might underestimate the severity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. The information of dissimilar prognostic factors for transhiatal or transthoracic esophagectomies will be helpful in tailoring more individualized adjuvant therapy to optimize esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patient's outcome.

Tension Chylothorax

Thoracic duct injury resulting in chylothorax is a well-known and documented complication of thoracic surgery. However, chylothorax under tension is a rarely reported complication that results in respiratory and hemodynamic collapse. Early recognition and treatment of this entity are essential for optimal patient outcome. Herein we present two cases of postoperative tension chylothorax followed by a review of the diagnostic work-up and therapy for this complication.

Lymphadenectomy in carcinoma stomach: Experience from a regional cancer centre

14121 Background: Carcinoma stomach is the most common cancer in males in chennai city. Lot of controversy exists regarding the need for extended lymphadenectomy because of the morbidity and mortality associated. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done to assess the benefit of extended lymphadenectomy. The records of all the patients operated at Cancer Institute from 1991 to 2004 were analysed. Out of 5050 cases of carcinoma stomach seen, only 570 cases were taken up for some form of treatment. 400 cases underwent resection, of which 366 patients records were retreived from the tumor registry for analysis. Followup ranged from 1 year to 10 years. Results: Male to female ratio was 3:1, most patients were in 40 - 60 year age group (60%). 60% patients had antral tumors and the rest were evenly distributed. 79 patients (21%) underwent conventional gastrectomy (D1), 243 patients (66%) underwent extended lymphadenectomy and 44 patients (12%)underwent palliative gastrectomy. 280 patients underwent subtotal gastrectomy, 54 patients total gastrectomy, 28 esophago gastrectomy and 5 had transhiatal esophagectomies. Stage wise distribution was IA 4.9%, IB 9.8%, II 21%, IIIA 29.4%, IIIB 12.8%, IV 22.1%. The total number of nodes dissected in the Extended nodal dissection group was less than or equal to 15 in 12% patients, 15 to 30 nodes in 48% patients and &gt;30 nodes in 40% patients. 72% patients had node positive disease. Overall Survival at 5years was 38.9% for all the cases. 5year ovarall survival for conventional gastrectomy group was 37% and was 48% for the extended lymphadenectomy group which was statistically significant(p =0.06) .On substratification for T status and stage, the difference in survival between conventional and extended lymphadenectomy arms was not found to be significant.However,there was a trend towards improved survival in the lymphadenectomy arm.There were 7 post operative deaths in the lymphadenectomy arm,5 of which were in the first year of starting extended lymphadenectomies, which points to the learning curve for these procedures. Conclusions: Larger trials may be required to prove the advantage of extended lymphadenectomies in Gastric cancer. In addition neoadjuvant chemotherapy and Intraoperative radiotherapy may need to be studied to improve survival in gastric cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma in elderly patients

To evaluate the risk of esophagectomy for carcinoma of the esophagus in the elderly (70 years or more) compared with younger patients (< 70 years) and to determine whether the short-term outcomes of esophagectomy in the elderly have improved in recent years. Preoperative risks, postoperative morbidity and mortality in 60 elderly patients (> or = 70 years) with esophagectomy for carcinoma of the esophagus were compared with the findings in 1782 younger patients (< 70 years) with esophagectomy between January 1990 and December 2004. Changes in perioperative outcome and short-time survival in elderly patients between 1990 to 1997 and 1998 to 2004 were separately analyzed. Preoperatively, there were significantly more patients with hypertension, pulmonary dysfunction, cardiac disease, and diabetes mellitus in the elderly patients as compared with the younger patients. No significant difference was found regarding the operation time, blood loss, organs in reconstruction and anastomotic site between the two groups, but elderly patients were more often to receive blood transfusion than younger patients. Significantly more transhiatal and fewer transthoracic esophagectomies were performed in the elderly patients as compared with the younger patients. Resection was considered curative in 71.66% (43/60) elderly and 64.92% (1157/1782) younger patients, which was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of surgical complications between the two groups. Postoperative cardiopulmonary medical complications were encountered more frequently in elderly patients. The hospital mortality rate was 3.3% (2/60) for elderly patients and 1.1% (19/1 782) for younger patients without a significant difference. When the study period was divided into a former (1990 to 1997) and a recent (1997 to 2004) period, operation time, blood loss, and percentage of patients receiving blood transfusion of the elderly patients significantly improved from the former period to the recent period. The hospital mortality rate of the elderly patients dropped from the former period (5.9%) to the recent period (2.3%), but it was not statistically significant. Preoperative medical risk factors and postoperative cardiopulmonary complications after esophagectomy are more common in the elderly, but operative mortality is comparable to that of younger patients. These encouraging results and improvements in postoperative mortality and morbidity of the elderly patients in recent period are attributed to better surgical techniques and more intensive perioperative care in the elderly.

Telescopic esophageal anastomosis: operative technique, clinical experiences.

The authors reconstructed the continuity of the alimentary tract by performing telescopic esophagogastrostoma in 208 patients who underwent either esophageal resection or total gastrectomy. The substance of the telescopic technique is to invaginate the distal section of any oral tubular organ to the lumen of an aboral tubular one and to fix it there. In case of telescopic esophageal anastomosis a 10-15 mm long esophageal segment is invaginated into the gastric tube or jejunum. A 3-4 mm wide serosal surface of the wall of the distal anastomosing organ straps the esophagus circularly. Ninety-six transthoracic and 12 transhiatal esophagectomies, 19 partial esophageal resections, four esophageal bypasses, and 77 total or extended total gastrectomies were reconstructed using telescopic anastomosis. Undisturbed healing could be observed in 67 patients after esophageal operations and in 46 patients of total gastrectomies. Anastomosis leakage occurred in 12 of 108 patients (11.1%) after cervical esophagogastrostomy. Leakage could be observed in 7 of 44 patients (15.9%) after end to side and in 5 of 64 patients (7.8%) in case of end to end esophago gastrostoma. There were no failures after two cases of cervical esophago-ileocolostoma and 21 of esophagogastrostomas in the thoracic position. All of the 59 intra-abdominal anastomoses healed without complication. Thirteen of 131 patients (9.9%) died after esophageal operations and four of 77 (5.2%) after gastrectomies. There were no mortal complications due to anastomotic leakage. The telescopic anastomosis is a safe alternative method in cases of total gastrectomy or esophageal operation.

Transthoracic versus transhiatal esophagectomy: A prospective study of 945 patients

Objective: Debate continues as to whether transhiatal esophagectomy results in lower morbidity and mortality than transthoracic esophagectomy. Most data addressing this issue are derived from single-institution studies. To investigate this question from a nationwide multicenter perspective, we used the Veterans Administration National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to prospectively analyze risk factors for morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy or transhiatal esophagectomy from 1991 to 2000. Methods: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on 945 patients (mean age, 63 ± 10 years). There were 562 transthoracic esophagectomies and 383 transhiatal esophagectomies in 105 hospitals, with complete 30-day outcomes recorded. Results: There were no differences in recorded preoperative variables between the groups that might bias any comparisons. Overall mortality was 10.0% (56/562) for transthoracic esophagectomy and 9.9% (38/383) for transhiatal esophagectomy (P = .983). Morbidity occurred in 47% (266/562) of patients after transthoracic esophagectomy and in 49% (188/383) of patients after transhiatal esophagectomy (P = .596). Risk factors for mortality common to both groups included a serum albumin value of less than 3.5 g/dL, age greater than 65 years, and blood transfusion of greater than 4 units (P < .05). When comparing transthoracic esophagectomy with transhiatal esophagectomy, there was no difference in the incidence of respiratory failure, renal failure, bleeding, infection, sepsis, anastomotic complications, or mediastinitis. Wound dehiscence occurred in 5% (18/383) of patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy and only 2% (12/562) of patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy (P = .036). Conclusions: These data demonstrate no significant differences in preoperative variables and postoperative mortality or morbidity between transthoracic esophagectomy and transhiatal esophagectomy on the basis of a 10-year, prospective, multi-institutional, nationwide study.J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:1114-20