Transmediastinal Esophagectomy Research Articles

Simultaneous transmediastinal esophagectomy and thoracoscopic lobectomy for synchronous double cancers of the esophagus and lung: a case report

Abstract Background Simultaneous surgery for synchronous double cancers of the esophagus and lung is so invasive that minimally invasive surgical procedures are preferred. For left lung cancer, there are few reports on simultaneous surgery due to the difficulty of performing radical esophagectomy only via the left thoracic approach and the high invasiveness of bilateral thoracotomy. Case presentation A 65-year-old man who was diagnosed with synchronous double cancer of the esophagus and left lung underwent transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) and thoracoscopic lobectomy (TSL) simultaneously. This procedure is advantageous because radical esophagectomy can be completed regardless of the side affected by the lung cancer, and respiratory function can be preserved by shortening the duration of differential lung ventilation and avoiding thoracotomy. Conclusion This surgery could be a good treatment option for synchronous double cancers of the esophagus and lung in a highly proficient hospital.

395. SURGICAL PROCEDURE AND PERIOPERATIVE OUTCOME OF TRANSMEDIASTINAL ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCER

Abstract Background We started performing mediastinal lymph node dissection by a laparoscopic transhiatal approach (LTHA) in 2009. To date, 548 patients had undergone our method during various esophageal surgical procedures, including esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC). Furthermore, we started performing single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach in 2014, and developed a simple technique for transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) without thoracic approach (435 cases). Seventy five patients with EGJC were treated by TME. Methods Left single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach was performed with pneumomediastinum. Mainly for advanced SCC, upper mediastinal lymph node dissection including recurrent laryngeal nerve LNs was performed with intraoperative monitoring using NIM system. Next, LTHA was performed for en bloc mediastinal lymph node dissection. The esophageal hiatus was opened, and working space was secured by Long Retractors. The posterior plane of the pericardium was extended. The posterior side of LNs was then separated. Finally, while lifting LNs like a membrane, they were resected from bilateral mediastinal pleura. Reconstruction with narrow gastric conduit was performed through substernal tract. Results Patients with EGJC performed TME were analyzed (n = 75, SCC/Adeno/Others = 37/35/3). Upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 13 cases (SCC/Adeno = 6/7), middle mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 10 cases (SCC/Adeno = 3/7), and all of them had advanced tumors. Their perioperative outcome was compared with those performed the right thoracotomy (n = 41). The operative time and bleeding were decreased by TME. The number of resected mediastinal lymph nodes, pR0 rate, and mediastinal recurrence in TME group were not inferior to the right thoracotomy group. In 93.3% of patients treated by TME, extubation was performed at 0 POD. Postoperative respiratory complication was decreased by TME (TME:6.7%, thoracotomy:17.1%). Conclusions This procedure, TME, resulted in a good surgical view, safe en-bloc mediastinal lymph node dissection, and the decrease of postoperative respiratory complications in patients with EGJC.

200. COMPARISON OF SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES BETWEEN TRANSTHORACIC AND ROBOT-ASSISTED TRANSMEDIASTINAL RADICAL SURGERY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background The present study aimed to assess the lower invasiveness of robot-assisted transmediastinal radical esophagectomy by prospectively comparing this procedure with transthoracic esophagectomy in terms of perioperative outcomes, serum cytokine levels, and respiratory function after surgery for esophageal cancer. Methods Patients who underwent a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy between April 2015 and March 2017 were included. The perioperative outcomes, preoperative and postoperative serum IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels, and respiratory function measured preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively were compared in patients with a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy and those with a transthoracic esophagectomy. Results Sixty patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled. The transmediastinal esophagectomy group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative pneumonia (p = 0.002) and a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.0002). The serum IL-6 levels on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were significantly lower in the transmediastinal esophagectomy group (p = 0.005, 0.0007, 0.022, 0.020, respectively). In the latter group, the serum IL-8 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery and on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.003, 0.001, respectively) while the serum IL-10 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery (p = 0.041). The reduction in vital capacity, percent vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume at 1.0 s 6 months after surgery was significantly greater in the transthoracic esophagectomy group (p < 0.0001 for all four measurements). Conclusions Although further, large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings, robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy may confer short-term benefits in radical surgery for esophageal cancer.

436. USEFULNESS OF INTRAOPERATIVE CONTINUOUS NERVE MONITORING IN TRANSMEDIASTINAL MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Introduction We have previously reported that continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring (CIONM) is useful in reducing postoperative left recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) in transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME). In this study, we investigated the relationship between the paralysis risk types on CIONM and postoperative RLNP. Methods A total of 161 patients who underwent TME for esophageal malignancies and esophagogastric junctional cancer with CIONM between October 2017 and July 2022. The relationship between clinical background factors, changes in amplitude during surgery, and left RLNP (endoscopic vocal cord findings on postoperative day 7) was retrospectively investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between LOS types (segmental or diffuse) and left RLNP was examined. Results The median age was 70 years, with 127 male and 34 female patients. At the end of transcervical procedure, 46 patients had amplitude less than 100 μV (LOS: loss of signal) and 78 patients had amplitude ≤50% of baseline. Postoperatively, 76.1% of LOS cases and 46.2% of cases with amplitudes ≤50% of baseline had left RLNP. The amplitude reduction types (LOS, baseline≤50%), primary tumor in the cervical/upper thoracic/middle thoracic esophagus, and males were significantly associated with left RLNP (p < 0.001). When examined by LOS type, RLNP was more common in segmental LOS than in diffuse LOS. Conclusion The pattern of amplitude reduction on CIONM is useful in predicting postoperative left RLNP. We will continue to increase the number of cases and verify the further effectiveness of CIONM for TME.

231. ROBOT-ASSISTED TRANSMEDIASTINAL (TRANSCERVICAL & TRANSHIATAL) ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Background Esophagectomy is still main treatment mode for esophageal cancer, though it is known to be associated with severe surgical invasiveness resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), which consisted of thoracoscopic and/or laparoscopic procedure, has been widely performed to diminish those disadvantages of open procedure. Recent reports, however, show insufficient effects of the conventional MIE. Therefore, additional improvements are needed to overcome those problems. Methods We developed the robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy (RATME) in 2012 to prevent the postoperative complications. It is the combination of transcervical and transhiatal approach without one lung ventilation anesthesia and body change during surgery. Upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy along left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is perfomed by transcervical mediastinoscopic procedure under pneumo-mediastinum. Laparoscopic abdominal LN dissection is performed in parallel with the cervical procedure. Remnant lower and middle LN dissections, including subcarinal and main bronchus, are done using robotic procedure in which robotic arms are inserted through hiatus from abdomen. Finally, bilateral pleura can be preserved. Results To date, 275 RATMEs have been performed. Among them, post-operative pneumonia occurred in 33 cases (12%), and mortality is zero. Oncological outcomes, e.g., the numbers of harvested LNs, post-operative QOL, e.g., post-operative pulmonary function, were observed and reported to be better in RATME group as compared to open esophagectomy group. Survival after surgery is, also, not at all inferior. Conclusion RATME is a promising minimally invasive technique, overcoming the disadvantages of conventional procedures. For the patients with previous thoracic surgery, and/or impaired respiratory function who are unable to undergo transthoracic esophagectomy, RATME can offer a valuable alternative surgery as a radical treatment.

230. SURVIVAL OUTCOMES OF ROBOT-ASSISTED TRANS-MEDIASTIONAL ESOPHAGECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH CT1N0 ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract Background We have developed a robot-assisted trans-mediastinal esophagectomy (RATME) to reduce the surgical invasiveness of open trans-thoracic esophagectomy (oTTE). However, the long-term outcome of esophageal cancer patients who underwent RATME remains unclear. Methods Patients who underwent RATME or oTTE for clinical T1N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled in this study. The clinicopathological and surgical details, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cause-specific survival (CSS) were compared between the RATME and oTTE groups. Results Forty-three and 47 patients who underwent RATME and oTTE, respectively, were included in this analysis. The RATME group included more male patients and had a significantly lower comorbidity index. There was no significant difference in age, tumor location, preoperative ESD rates, and pathological TNM factors between the two groups. The RATME group showed a longer operation time, less blood loss, low incidence of pneumonia, and shorter hospital stays. The OS and DFS rates in the RATME tended to be higher than in the oTTE group; The 5-year OS rates were 88.4 vs 71.5%, and the 5-year DFS rates were 81.4 vs 62.8% (RATME vs oTTE group, p = 0.09 and p = 0.11). The CSS in both groups were equivalent; The 5-year CSS rates were 93.7 vs 92.4% in the RATME and oTTE groups respectively. The RATME group had significantly fewer deaths than the oTTE group (p = 0.032). Conclusions The RATME group tended to show better OS and DFS than the oTTE group. The OS of the RATME group was equivalent to that of the comprehensive registry data in Japan, indicating that RATME radicality is guaranteed.

Clinical advantage of transmediastinal esophagectomy in terms of postoperative respiratory complications.

Although the transmediastinal approach as a radical esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma patients has attracted attention, its advantages over the transthoracic approach remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) in terms of postoperative respiratory complications compared to that of open transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE). We reviewed patients with thoracic and abdominal esophageal carcinoma who underwent TME or TTE between February 2014 and November 2021. We compared postoperative respiratory complications as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included perioperative operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications, and the number of harvested mediastinal lymph nodes. Overall, 60 and 54 patients underwent TME and TTE, respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, except for age and histological type. There were no intraoperative lethal complications in either group. The incidence of respiratory complications was significantly lower in the TME group than in the TTE group (6.7 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.03). The TME group had a shorter operation time (403 vs. 451min, p < 0.01), less blood loss (107 vs. 253mL, p < 0.01), and slightly higher anastomotic leakage (11.7 vs. 5.6%, p = 0.33). The number of harvested lymph nodes was similar in both groups (24 vs. 26, p = 0.10). Multivariate analysis revealed that TME is an independent factor in reducing respiratory complications (odds ratio = 0.27, p = 0.04). TME for esophageal carcinoma was performed safely. TME was superior to TTE in terms of postoperative respiratory complications; however, the relatively higher frequency of anastomotic leakage should be considered and requires further evaluation.

Essential updates 2020/2021: Recent topics in surgery and perioperative therapy for esophageal cancer.

In this review, we focused on four topics, namely, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE), conversion and salvage surgery, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, based on notable reports published in the years 2020 and 2021. It seems that while the short-term outcomes of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-IL) were better than those of open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (OE-IL), there were no significant differences in the long-term outcomes between MIE-IL and OE-IL. Similarly, the short-term outcomes of minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy (MIE-MK) were better than those of open McKeown esophagectomy (OE-MK), while there were no significant differences in the long-term outcomes between MIE-MK and OE-MK. Furthermore, the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (RAMIE-IL) were superior to those of completely minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (CMIE-IL). On the other hand, there were advantages and disadvantages in relation to the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy (RAMIE-MK) as compared with completely minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy (CMIE-MK). However, there were no significant differences in the long-term outcomes between RAMIE-MK and CMIE-MK. Further research is needed to evaluate of short-term and long-term outcomes of transmediastinal esophagectomy with and without robotic assistance. Both induction chemotherapy and induction chemoradiotherapy appear to be promising to secure a higher rate of conversion surgery. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and chemoimmunoradiotherapy have shown promising results and are expected as new powerful therapies.

Robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy: The path of concept and practice

The technique and concept of surgical treatment of esophageal cancer are constantly progressing. Using a combination of transcervical mediastinoscopy and robotic systems, this approach facilitates upper mediastinal operations without the need for thoracic manipulation. Its potential advantages comprise shorter operation times, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and fewer pulmonary complications. Additionally, patients unfit for traditional thoracic surgery might benefit from this approach. This article aims to introduce and share the surgical techniques and prospects of robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy.

240. PERIOPERATIVE OUTCOME AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE OF TRANSMEDIASTINAL ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCER

Abstract We started performing mediastinal lymph node dissection by a laparoscopic transhiatal approach (LTHA) in 2009. To date, 463 patients had undergone our method during various esophageal surgical procedures, including esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC). Furthermore, we started performing single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach in 2014, and developed a simple technique for transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) without thoracic approach (350 cases). Fifty four patients with EGJC were treated by TME. Left single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach was performed with pneumomediastinum. Mainly for advanced SCC, upper mediastinal lymph node dissection including recurrent laryngeal nerve LNs was performed with intraoperative monitoring using NIM system. Next, LTHA was performed for en bloc mediastinal lymph node dissection. The esophageal hiatus was opened, and working space was secured by Long Retractors. The posterior plane of the pericardium was extended. The posterior side of LNs was then separated. Finally, while lifting LNs like a membrane, they were resected from bilateral mediastinal pleura. Reconstruction with narrow gastric conduit was performed through substernal tract. Patients with EGJC performed TME were analyzed (n = 54, SCC/Adeno/Others = 29/23/2). Upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 9 cases (SCC/Adeno = 5/4), middle mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 5 cases (SCC/Adeno = 3/2), and all of them had advanced tumors. Their perioperative outcome were compared with those performed the right thoracotomy (n = 41). The operative time and bleeding were decreased by TME. The number of resected mediastinal lymph nodes, pR0 rate, and mediastinal recurrence in the two groups were not different. In 92.6% of patients treated by TME, extubation was performed at 0 POD. Postoperative respiratory complications was decreased by TME (TME:7.4%, thoracotomy:17.1%). This procedure, TME, resulted in a good surgical view, safe en-bloc mediastinal lymph node dissection, and the decrease of postoperative respiratory complications in patients with EGJC.

405. TRANSTHORACIC VERSUS TRANSMEDIASTINAL ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER: PROPENSITY SCORE-MATCHED COHORT ANALYSIS

Abstract Transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) has been the standard procedure for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In our institution, we performed transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) as a radical operation for ESCC from 2013. In this study, we compared the short-term and long-term outcome of TME and conventional TTE using propensity score matching analysis. We performed a retrospective cohort study including 223 patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction for ESCC between January 2009 and December 2017. Of these, 115 patents underwent TME and 108 patients underwent TTE. Propensity score was calculated using logistic regression analysis and one-to-one patient pairs were matched using propensity score matching. 72 patients in the TME group and TTE group were extracted by propensity score matching. The incidence of postoperative pneumonia was significantly lower in the TME group (9.7% vs 33.3%, P = 0.0004). Three-year overall survival rate was relatively better in the TME group than in the TTE group (75.0% vs 62.6%, P = 0.165). And Three-year recurrence-free survival rate also tended to be better in the TME group than in the TTE group (55.2% vs 48.5%, P = 0.373). TME reduce postoperative pneumonia and may improve long-term prognosis in ESCC patients.

239. EVALUATION OF SUBCARINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION AND METASTASIS IN TRANSMEDIASTINAL RADICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate subcarinal lymph node dissection in transmediastinal radical esophagectomy and subcarinal lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer and to identify predictive factors for subcarinal lymph node metastasis. Three hundred and twenty-three patients with primary esophageal cancer who underwent transmediastinal or transthoracic esophagectomy with radical two- or three-field lymph node dissection were retrospectively investigated. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients with subcarinal lymph node metastasis were analyzed in detail. The median number of dissected subcarinal lymph nodes in transmediastinal and transthoracic esophagectomy groups was 6 and 7, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.12). Of all patients, 26 (8.0%) were pathologically diagnosed as positive for subcarinal lymph node metastasis. By univariate analysis, subcarinal lymph node metastasis was found in larger (≥ 30 mm) and deeper (T3/T4a) primary lesions (p = 0.02 and 0.02, respectively), but it was not found in patients (n = 49) with the primary lesion located in the upper thoracic esophagus. Subcarinal lymph nodes can be dissected in transmediastinal esophagectomy, almost equivalent to transthoracic esophagectomy. The tumor size, depth, and location may be predictive factors for subcarinal lymph node metastasis.

180. SINGLE-PORT MEDIASTINOSCOPIC LYMPHADENECTOMY IN THE UPPER AND MIDDLE MEDIASTINUM USING CONTINUOUS INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE MONITORING

Abstract The left cervical approach with single-port mediastinoscopy is essential for radical esophagectomy without thoracotomy for esophageal cancer, which provides excellent visibility and handling along the esophagus to achieve radical lymph nodes (LNs) dissection in the upper and middle mediastinum. However, the transcervical procedure dissecting along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) requires careful use of both energy device for dissection and forceps for surgical field expansion to minimize the risk of RLN palsy. Using the left cervical approach, the LNs along the left RLN and tracheal bifurcation (subcarinal and bilateral main bronchial LNs) were dissected en bloc with the esophagus. The LNs along the right RLN were basically dissected through a right cervical incision under direct vision or dissected with the left cervical approach if visible. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) with NIM Response 3.0 was introduced to minimize the risk of RLN palsy. Continuous and intermittent IONMswere used for the left and right cervical procedures, respectively. Until March 2019, 175 patients underwent transmediastinal esophagectomy. Squamous cell carcinoma was predominant (93.7%). The upper and middle thoracic tumors were the most frequent (65.7%). Since IONM introduction, RLN palsy (grade I or more, CD classification) was significantly reduced. Without IONM (n = 106), the left RLN palsy was observed in 35.9%, while was in 13.6% with IONM (n = 66). In addition, the bilateral RLNs palsy was 14.2% without IONM, while was reduced to 3.0% with IONM. IONM is useful to reduce RLN palsy in transmediastinal esophagectomy. Especially, continuous IONM, which provides a real-time information on the risk procedure of RLN injury, is effective in preventing RLN palsy. The left cervical procedure with continuous IONM will be shown in movie.

Feasibility of Continuous Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring System for Esophageal Cancer during Transmediastinal Esophagectomy

Feasibility of Continuous Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring System for Esophageal Cancer during Transmediastinal Esophagectomy

145 ADVANTAGES OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE TRANSMEDIASTINAL ESOPHAGECTOMY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most invasive surgical procedures and, especially for elderly patients, postoperative respiratory complication (PRC) is still frequent and life-threatening. We started esophagectomy by a laparoscopic transhiatal approach in 2009, and single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach in 2014. Nowadays, we have performed total mediastinal lymph node dissection without thoracic approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) for the prevention of PRC in elderly patients. Methods 1) Patients with EC performed TME (n = 238) were compared with those performed the right thoracotomy (n = 185). 2) Outcomes of TME for elderly patients (75 years and older, n = 48) was evaluated by comparing with non-elderly patients (n = 190). 3) Elderly patients performed subtotal esophagectomy were divided into 2 groups according to the presence (n = 12) or absence (n = 51) of PRC. The two groups were compared about clinicopathological factors, and risk factors of PRC were analyzed. Results 1) Percentage of elderly patients was higher in TME group (20.2% vs 8.1%). The operative time and bleeding were decreased by TME. The number of resected LNs and pR0 rate were not different between two groups. In TME groups, the occurrence of PRC was significantly reduced (10.1% vs 28.1%). 2) 81.3% of elderly patients were able to extubation on 0POD, and there was no significant difference in PRC between two groups. 3) Univariate analysis showed that surgical approach was significantly different between two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that thoracotomy was the strongest risk factor of PRC for elderly patients. Conclusion This study showed that our surgical procedure was less invasive during operation and resulted in a safe en-bloc mediastinal lymph node dissection. For elderly patients, TME was the effective minimally invasive approach and was able to reduce the occurrence of PRC.

152 SURGICAL PROCEDURE AND OUTCOME OF MEDIASTINOSCOPIC RADICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCER

Abstract We started performing mediastinal lymph node dissection by a laparoscopic transhiatal approach (LTHA) in 2009. To date, 371 patients had undergone our method during various esophageal surgical procedures, including esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC). Furthermore, we started performing single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach in 2014, and developed a simple technique for transmediastinal radical esophagectomy (TMr) without thoracic approach (258 cases). Forty patients with EGJC were also treated by TMr. Methods Left single-port mediastinoscopic cervical approach was performed with pneumomediastinum. Mainly for advanced SCC, upper mediastinal lymph node dissection including recurrent laryngeal nerve LNs was performed with intraoperative monitoring using NIM system. Next, LTHA was performed for en bloc mediastinal lymph node dissection. The esophageal hiatus was opened, and working space was secured by Long Retractors. The posterior plane of the pericardium was extended. The posterior side of LNs was then separated. Finally, while lifting LNs like a membrane, they were resected from bilateral mediastinal pleura. Reconstruction with narrow gastric conduit was performed through substernal tract. Results Patients with EGJC performed TMr were analyzed (n = 40, SCC/Adeno/Others = 21/17/2). Upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 6 cases (SCC/Adeno = 3/3), middle mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 2 cases (SCC/Adeno = 1/1), and all of them had advanced tumors. Their perioperative outcome were compared with those performed the right thoracotomy (n = 41). The operative time and bleeding were decreased by TMr. The number of resected mediastinal lymph nodes, pR0 rate, and mediastinal recurrence in the two groups were not different. In 95.0% of patients treated by TMr, extubation was performed at 0 POD. Postoperative respiratory complications was decreased by TMr (TMr:7.5%, thoracotomy:17.1%). Conclusion This procedure, TMr, resulted in a good surgical view, safe en-bloc mediastinal lymph node dissection, and the decrease of postoperative respiratory complications in patients with EGJC.

Comparison of short-term outcomes between transthoracic and robot-assisted transmediastinal radical surgery for esophageal cancer: a prospective study

BackgroundThe present study aimed to assess the lower invasiveness of robot-assisted transmediastinal radical esophagectomy by prospectively comparing this procedure with transthoracic esophagectomy in terms of perioperative outcomes, serum cytokine levels, and respiratory function after surgery for esophageal cancer.MethodsPatients who underwent a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy between April 2015 and March 2017 were included. The perioperative outcomes, preoperative and postoperative serum IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels, and respiratory function measured preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively were compared in patients with a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy and those with a transthoracic esophagectomy.ResultsSixty patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled. The transmediastinal esophagectomy group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative pneumonia (p = 0.002) and a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.0002). The serum IL-6 levels on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were significantly lower in the transmediastinal esophagectomy group (p = 0.005, 0.0007, 0.022, 0.020, respectively). In the latter group, the serum IL-8 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery and on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.003, 0.001, respectively) while the serum IL-10 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery (p = 0.041). The reduction in vital capacity, percent vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume at 1.0 s 6 months after surgery was significantly greater in the transthoracic esophagectomy group (p < 0.0001 for all four measurements).ConclusionsAlthough further, large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings, robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy may confer short-term benefits in radical surgery for esophageal cancer.Trial registrationThis trial was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000017565 14/05/2015).

Evaluation of subcarinal lymph node dissection and metastasis in transmediastinal radical esophagectomy

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate subcarinal lymph node dissection in transmediastinal radical esophagectomy and subcarinal lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer.MethodsThree hundred and twenty-three patients with primary esophageal cancer who underwent transmediastinal or transthoracic esophagectomy with radical two- or three-field lymph node dissection were retrospectively investigated. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients with subcarinal lymph node metastasis were analyzed in detail.ResultsThe median of dissected subcarinal lymph nodes in transmediastinal and transthoracic esophagectomy groups was 6 and 7, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.12). Of all patients, 26 (8.0%) were pathologically diagnosed as positive for subcarinal lymph node metastasis, whereas only 7 (26.9%) of those with metastasis were preoperatively diagnosed as positive. In addition, all patients with subcarinal lymph node metastasis had other non-subcarinal lymph node metastasis. By univariate analysis, subcarinal lymph node metastasis was found in larger (≥ 30 mm) and deeper (T3/T4a) primary lesions (p = 0.02 and 0.02, respectively), but it was not found in 49 patients with the primary lesion located in the upper thoracic esophagus.ConclusionsSubcarinal lymph nodes can be dissected in transmediastinal esophagectomy, almost equivalent to transthoracic esophagectomy. The tumor size, depth, and location may be predictive factors for subcarinal lymph node metastasis.

Long-term outcomes and safety of radical transmediastinal esophagectomy with preoperative docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus

BackgroundIt is unknown whether transmediastinal esophagectomy (TME) is an acceptable surgical procedure for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of long-term survival after TME with neoadjuvant docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy (DCF therapy).MethodsThis retrospective, observational study included locally advanced resectable ESCC. All patients received two cycles of preoperative DCF therapy (60 mg/m2 of docetaxel and cisplatin on day 1 and 700 mg/m2/day of 5-FU on days 1–5 in each cycle) followed by radical TME. The main outcomes were survival and the rate of adverse events of chemotherapy and surgery.ResultsSixteen patients were included in this study. All patients received two cycles of DCF therapy, followed by surgery. The median follow-up duration of the 16 patients was 35.4 months. The 2-year overall survival (OS) was 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.3–99.0), and the 3-year OS was 78.8% (95% CI, 47.3–92.7). The 2-year and 3-year relapse-free survivals were both 73.3% (95% CI, 43.6–89.1). Leukopenia and neutropenia occurred in most patients; however, they were controllable. Fifteen patients completed TME, and one was converted to open transthoracic esophagectomy because of tracheal injury. Three-field dissection was performed for 12 of 16 patients (75%), and R0 resection was achieved in 15 of 16 patients (93.8%). Three cases of grade IIIb chylothorax were observed. There was no mortality in this study.ConclusionCombined neoadjuvant DCF and TME for locally advanced ESCC was safe and less invasive than traditional therapies and had a satisfactory long-term prognosis.

Essential Updates 2018/2019: Essential Updates for esophageal cancer surgery.

Key papers to treatment of esophageal cancer surgery and reduction of postoperative complications after esophagectomy published between 2018 and 2019 were reviewed. Within this review there was a focus on minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), robot‐assisted MIE (RAMIE), and centralization to high‐volume center. Advantages of MIE, irrespectively of hybrid or total MIE, to prevent postoperative complications, especially pneumonia, were shown in comparison to open procedure. However, whether total MIE has evident effects or not, as compared to hybrid MIEs, still remains unclear. Differences between RAMIE and MIE were reported to be marginal, though the advantage of lymphadenectomy, especially along recurrent laryngeal nerve, has been suggested. Centralization to high‐volume center evidently benefits esophageal cancer patients by improving short‐term outcomes. The definition of high‐volume center has not been established yet, though institutional structure and quality are thought to be important. Transmediastinal esophagectomy, currently developed, has a potential to be one radical option of MIE for esophageal cancer.