Transgastric drainage of the perforated esophagus: our experiences over 10 years.

We first described the technique of transgastric drainage of esophageal injuries in 2008. The method establishes vacuum drainage of the lumen of the esophagus, while maintaining patency, effectively exteriorizing the perforation to allow healing. We summarize this technique and present our experiences from the largest published series of patients. Our unit has treated selected esophageal injuries with transgastric drainage for 10 years. Indications include perforations not amenable to primary repair and treatment failure following prior surgical intervention. A 36 French silastic chest drain is pulled through the abdominal and stomach wall and introduced into the esophagus so that it crosses the perforation. Gastropexy is performed. Mediastinal decontamination and drainage are performed as needed. Continuous suction of -10 cm water is applied. Leak resolution is assessed with weekly water-soluble swallows. For this retrospective observational study, we analyzed data for patients with esophageal perforation, between 2012 and 2022. Inpatient mortality and time to leak resolution were set as primary and secondary outcomes. Esophageal perforations were treated with transgastric drain in 35 patients, of whom 68% (n = 24) were men. Median age was 67 (26-84). Spontaneous perforations accounted for 60% (n = 21), 31% (n = 11) were iatrogenic and 6% (n = 2) were ischemic. Inpatient and 30-day mortality was 14% (n = 5). Among successful treatments, the median length to resolution of leak on imaging was 34.5 days (6-80). Transgastric drainage can successfully treat esophageal perforations, where primary repair is not feasible. The mortality rate of 14% and reduced morbidity compares favorably with other traditional methods of management for esophageal perforation.

Systematic review of quality of life after esophagectomy and total gastrectomy in patients with gastro-esophageal junction cancer.

The optimal management of cancer of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) is an area of contention. GEJ tumors are typically resected via total gastrectomy or esophagectomy. Despite many studies aiming to determine the superiority of either procedure based on surgical or oncological outcomes, the evidence is equivocal. Data focusing specifically on quality of life (QoL), however, is limited. This systematic review was performed to determine if there is any difference in patient's QoL after total gastrectomy or esophagectomy. A systematic search of PubMed, Medline and Cochrane libraries was conducted for literature published between 1986 and 2023. Studies that used the internationally validated questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-OG25, to compare QoL after esophagectomy to gastrectomy for the management of GEJ cancer were included. Five studies involving 575 patients undergoing either esophagectomy (n = 365) or total gastrectomy (n = 210) for GEJ tumors were included. QoL was predominantly assessed at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Although individual studies demonstrated significant differences in certain domains, these differences were not consistently demonstrated in more than one study. There is no evidence to suggest any significant differences in QoL after total gastrectomy compared to esophagectomy for management of gastro-esophageal junction cancer.

Oesophagectomy or Total Gastrectomy for the Management of Siewert II Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the ideal surgical management of patients with Siewert type II gastroesophageal junctional (GEJ) cancers. Due to its anatomical location, total gastrectomy and oesophagectomy are widely used methods of resection. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal surgical treatment of these patients. METHOD: A systematic search of PubMed, Medline and Cochrane libraries was conducted for literature published between 2000 and 2022. Studies directly comparing oesophagectomy to gastrectomy for Siewert type II tumours were included. Outcome measures included rates of anastomotic leak, 30-day mortality, R0 resection and 5-year survival. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: Eleven studies involving 18,585 patients undergoing either oesophagectomy (n = 8618) or total gastrectomy (n = 9967) for Siewert type II GEJ cancer were included. There were no significant differences between the rates of anastomotic leak (OR 0.91, CI 0.59-1.40, p = 0.66) and R0 resection (OR 1.51, CI 0.93-2.42, p = 0.09). Patients undergoing total gastrectomy had a lower 30-day mortality (OR 0.66, CI 0.45-0.95, p = 0.03) and a greater 5-year overall survival (OR 1.49, CI 1.34-1.67, p < 0.001) compared to patients undergoing oesophagectomy. These differences were not statistically significant after excluding two large studies, which accounted for the majority of the total population in the analysis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that total gastrectomy results in lower 30-day mortality and improved overall survival in patients with Siewert type II GEJ cancer. However, interpretation of these results may be biased by the effect of two large studies.

Gut hormones profile after an Ivor Lewis gastro-esophagectomy and its relationship to delayed gastric emptying.

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is common after an Ivor Lewis gastro-esophagectomy (ILGO). The risk of a dilated conduit is the much-feared anastomotic leak. Therefore, prompt management of DGE is required. However, the pathophysiology of DGE is unclear. We proposed that post-ILGO patients with/without DGE have different gut hormone profiles (GHP). Consecutive patients undergoing an ILGO from 1 December 2017 to 31 November 2019 were recruited. Blood sampling was conducted on either day 4, 5, or 6 with baseline sample taken prior to a 193-kcal meal and after every 30 minutes for 2 hours. If patients received pyloric dilatation, a repeat profile was performed post-dilatation and were designated as had DGE. Analyses were conducted on the following groups: patient without dilatation (non-dilated) versus dilatation (dilated); and pre-dilatation versus post-dilatation. Gut hormone profiles analyzed were glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) using radioimmunoassay. Of 65 patients, 24 (36.9%) had dilatation and 41 (63.1%) did not. For the non-dilated and dilated groups, there were no differences in day 4, 5, or 6 GLP-1 (P = 0.499) (95% confidence interval for non-dilated [2822.64, 4416.40] and dilated [2519.91, 3162.32]). However, PYY levels were raised in the non-dilated group (P = 0.021) (95% confidence interval for non-dilated [1620.38, 3005.75] and dilated [821.53, 1606.18]). Additionally, after pyloric dilatation, paired analysis showed no differences in GLP-1, but PYY levels were different at all time points and had an exaggerated post-prandial response. We conclude that DGE is associated with an obtunded PYY response. However, the exact nature of the association is not yet established.

Lasting Symptoms After Esophageal Resection (LASER): European Multicenter Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most prevalent symptoms and those with greatest impact upon health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among esophageal cancer survivors. BACKGROUND: Long-term symptom burden after esophagectomy, and associations with HRQOL, are poorly understood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, patients from 20 European Centers who underwent esophageal cancer surgery, and were disease-free at least 1 year postoperatively were asked to complete LASER, EORTC-QLQ-C30, and QLQ-OG25 questionnaires. Specific symptom questionnaire items that were associated with poor HRQOL as identified by EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25 were identified by multivariable regression analysis and combined to form a tool. RESULTS: A total of 876 of 1081 invited patients responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 81%. Of these, 66.9% stated in the last 6 months they had symptoms associated with their esophagectomy. Ongoing weight loss was reported by 10.4% of patients, and only 13.8% returned to work with the same activities.Three LASER symptoms were correlated with poor HRQOL on multivariable analysis; pain on scars on chest (odds ratio (OR) 1.27; 95% CI 0.97-1.65), low mood (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.15-1.77) and reduced energy or activity tolerance (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.18-1.59). The areas under the curves for the development and validation datasets were 0.81 ±â€Š0.02 and 0.82 ±â€Š0.09 respectively. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of patients experience significant symptoms more than 1 year after surgery. The 3 key symptoms associated with poor HRQOL identified in this study should be further validated, and could be used in clinical practice to identify patients who require increased support.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the influence of prophylactic pyloric balloon dilatation in the prevention of early delayed gastric emptying after oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Early delayed gastric emptying (DGE) occurs in up to 50% of patients following oesophagectomy, which can contribute to increased anastomotic leak and respiratory infection rates. Although the treatment of DGE in the form of pyloric balloon dilatation (PBD) post-operatively is well established, there is no consensus on the optimal approach in the prevention of DGE. The aim of this review was to determine the efficacy of prophylactic PBD in the prevention of DGE following oesophagectomy. METHOD: PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library (January 1990 to April 2021) were searched for studies reporting the outcomes of prophylactic PBD in patients who underwent oesophagectomy. The primary outcome measure was the rate of DGE. Secondary outcome measures include anastomotic leak rate and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Three studies with a total of 203 patients [mean age 63 (26-82) years, 162 males (79.8%)] were analyzed. PBD with a 20-mm balloon was performed in 165 patients (46 patients had PBD and botox therapy) compared with 38 patients who had either no intervention or botox alone (14 patients). The pooled rates of early DGE [16.27%, 95% CI (12.29-20.24) vs. 39.02% (38.87-39.17) (P < 0.001)] and anastomotic leak [8.55%, 95% CI (8.51-8.59) vs. 12.23% (12.16-12.31), P < 0.001] were significantly lower in the PBD group. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic PBD with a 20-mm balloon significantly reduced the rates of early delayed gastric emptying and anastomotic leak following oesophagectomy.

Nutritional deficiency post esophageal and gastric cancer surgery: A quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy or gastrectomy for malignant tumors can have a profound effect on nutritional status of patients undergoing the procedure. Hence, postoperative nutritional status is an important prognostic factor to consider in ensuring optimal recovery. In this study, we looked at assessing the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies post esophagectomy or gastrectomies and the efficiency of Allied Health Professionals (AHP) led clinics in identifying and appropriately managing the deficiencies. METHOD: Between February 2017 and February 2018, all patients who attended the AHP clinic, had micronutrient screening, which includes ferritin, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Patients were screened for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) through series of questions related to symptoms of EPI including steatorrhea, flatulence and urgency to defecate. All patients included in the study were started on A-Z multivitamin tablets from their first visit. Patients reporting symptoms indicative of EPI were started on Creon. Patients found deficient in any micronutrients were invited for a follow-up measurement of the respective deficiency. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were included in the study period with a median follow-up of 18 months (range: 2-60 months) post esophagectomy and/or subtotal/total gastrectomy for malignant tumors. Proportion of patients with deficiency in ferritin, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D were 42.86%, 9.52%, 6.35% and 36.67% respectively. The proportion of patients identified with symptoms indicative of EPI was 31.75%. At re-test follow-up, 66.67% patient noticed settlement of symptoms of EPI. Ferritin, Folate, Vitamin B12 and D levels significantly improved post initial AHP follow-up (significance level p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights that nutritional deficiencies post esophagectomy and/or subtotal/total gastrectomy for malignant tumors are prevalent. AHP run follow-up clinics in our unit helps identify these deficiencies and manage them accordingly. This study shows statistically significant improvement in deficiencies thereby making AHP led follow-up clinics to be cost effective and improve patient outcome.

Laparoscopically assisted versus open oesophagectomy for patients with oesophageal cancer-the Randomised Oesophagectomy: Minimally Invasive or Open (ROMIO) study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

INTRODUCTION: Surgery (oesophagectomy), with neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy, is the main curative treatment for patients with oesophageal cancer. Several surgical approaches can be used to remove an oesophageal tumour. The Ivor Lewis (two-phase procedure) is usually used in the UK. This can be performed as an open oesophagectomy (OO), a laparoscopically assisted oesophagectomy (LAO) or a totally minimally invasive oesophagectomy (TMIO). All three are performed in the National Health Service, with LAO and OO the most common. However, there is limited evidence about which surgical approach is best for patients in terms of survival and postoperative health-related quality of life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will undertake a UK multicentre randomised controlled trial to compare LAO with OO in adult patients with oesophageal cancer. The primary outcome is patient-reported physical function at 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively and 3 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include: postoperative complications, survival, disease recurrence, other measures of quality of life, spirometry, success of patient blinding and quality assurance measures. A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed comparing LAO with OO. We will embed a randomised substudy to evaluate the safety and evolution of the TMIO procedure and a qualitative recruitment intervention to optimise patient recruitment. We will analyse the primary outcome using a multi-level regression model. Patients will be monitored for up to 3 years after their surgery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study received ethical approval from the South-West Franchay Research Ethics Committee. We will submit the results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN10386621.

Prospective cohort study of neoadjuvant therapy toxicity in the treatment of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Early studies investigating the benefits of neoadjuvant therapy in oesophageal cancer showed conflicting results, taking many years before a survival advantage was demonstrated in randomised trials. Gains are modest, limited by progressive disease and toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neoadjuvant therapy-associated toxicity and clinical outcomes including survival in patients with potentially curable oesophageal adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 286 patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection at a single institution was identified from a prospective database. Adverse events from neoadjuvant therapy were recorded and graded. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they suffered toxicity or not. Clinical outcomes including whether patients completed the neoadjuvant course, whether they proceeded to resection and overall survival, were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Neoadjuvant therapy-related toxicity was identified in 67/286 patients. 46 patients suffered severe, life-threatening or fatal adverse events. In patients with toxicity, 47% did not complete the chemotherapy course compared to 17% without toxicity, RR 2.7 (95%CI 1.7-4.4), (P < 0.001). In patients suffering toxicity, 17.9% failed to proceed to resection compared with 7.8% in those without toxicity, RR 2.3 (95%CI 1.2-4.6) P = 0.02. Median overall survival was shorter in patients suffering toxicity (20.7 months) compared to those without toxicity (37.8 months), P = 0.008. When patients failing to proceed to resection were excluded, median overall survival was shorter in patients suffering toxicity (26.2 months) compared with those without toxicity (47.8), P = 0.039. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant therapy-related toxicity is common and can have serious consequences including failure to complete chemotherapy cycles, a higher risk of not proceeding to surgical resection and poorer overall survival. Efforts should be made to reduce toxicity and research should aim to identify responders and factors predictive of toxicity.

Transplant nephrectomy - A single-center experience.

Transplant nephrectomy (TN) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and influences the outcome of subsequent renal transplantation. The aim of this study was to identify the reasons for TN in a single transplant center in the United Kingdom and to determine the complication rate, effect on relisting and re-transplantation. We studied all the TNs in our center from January 2000 to December 2011. Detailed information including cause of allograft failure and reason for TN were analyzed. Of 602 renal transplants performed at our center during the period of the study, 42 TNs were performed on 38 (6%) patients (24 men and 14 women). The median age of the patients at the time of transplantation who subsequently underwent TN was 56 years (range: 28-73 years) and 71% of the allografts were donated after circulatory death. The mean human leucocyte antigen mismatch for these patients was 2.3. The most commonly used immunosuppression was a combination of prednisolone, mycophenolate and tacrolimus, which was used in 50% of the patients. Twenty-five (60%) of the TNs in this series were for allografts failing during the first month of transplantation. The most common indication for the TN was graft thrombosis (50%), with an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 9.5% and a morbidity rate of 31%. Seven of 19 patients listed underwent successful re-transplantation. Although TN is associated with a risk of significant morbidity and mortality, it does not preclude from listing for re-transplantation. The difficulty of access to complete information about transplant failures and TN highlights the need for a national registry.

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy Using the Modified Prolonged Prefiring Compression Technique Reduces Pancreatic Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a common postoperative complication following distal pancreatectomy. The prolonged prefiring compression (PFC) technique to reduce PF has been described by Nakamura and colleagues in Japan. The present study assessed if this technique can be applied to the United Kingdom patient population in a tertiary referral center and replicate the low incidence of PF after the laparoscopic approach to distal pancreatectomy (Lap-DP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent Lap-DP using the modified PFC technique by the senior author between June 2011 and July 2014. The modified PFC technique involved compression of the pancreatic parenchyma with an endo-stapler for a 3-minute period prior to firing and further 1-minute compression after firing prior to removal of the stapler, which is a small variant to the original technique of maintaining a 2-minute compression post firing. RESULTS: Twenty patients (15 females; median age, 66 [range, 25-77] years) underwent Lap-DP using the PFC technique during the study period. Six patients had splenic-preserving Lap-DP. Median operating time was 240 minutes (range, 150-420 minutes) with a median length of hospital stay of 6 days (range, 3-22 days). Six patients (30%) developed Type A (biochemically noted as high drain fluid amylase) PF, and none of the patients had Type B/C PF. In the splenic preservation group, 1 patient had complete splenic infarction requiring laparoscopic splenectomy on Day 3, and 1 patient had partial infarction requiring prolonged hospital stay for pain relief. One patient required prolonged respiratory support due to severe preexisting lung disease. Overall mortality was zero. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that the PFC technique is safe, feasible, and effective in reducing clinically significant PF post-Lap-DP in the United Kingdom patient population.

Breast surgery using thoracic paravertebral blockade and sedation alone.

Introduction. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) provides superior analgesia for breast surgery when used in conjunction with general anesthesia (GA). Although TPVB and GA are often combined, for some patients GA is either contraindicated or undesirable. We present a series of 28 patients who received a TPVB with sedation alone for breast cancer surgery. Methods. A target controlled infusion of propofol or remifentanil was used for conscious sedation. Ultrasound guided TPVB was performed at one, two, or three thoracic levels, using up to 30 mL of local anesthetic. If required, top-up local infiltration analgesia with prilocaine 0.5% was performed by the surgeon. Results. Most patients were elderly with significant comorbidities and had TPVB injections at just one level (54%). Patient choice and anxiety about GA were indications for TVPB in 9 patients (32%). Prilocaine top-up was required in four (14%) cases and rescue opiate analgesia in six (21%). Conclusions. Based on our technique and the outcome of the 28 patients studied, TPVB with sedation and ultrasound guidance appears to be an effective and reliable form of anesthesia for breast surgery. TPVB with sedation is a useful anesthetic technique for patients in which GA is undesirable or poses an unacceptable risk.

Secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma causing small bowel intussusception in a patient with multiple myeloma - A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple myeloma is a monoclonal, immunoproliferative plasma-cell neoplasm of the B lymphoid cells. Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a type of plasma-cell neoplasm that can present as a primary tumour or secondary to another plasma-cell neoplasm, such as multiple myeloma. Secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma is usually noted in the advanced stages of the disease with ileum involvement being very rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a rare case of a 58-year-old man, with known multiple myeloma, re-presenting with evidence of small bowel obstruction, secondary to an intussusception due to a malignant plasma cell deposit, which was successfully resected at laparotomy. Previous two similar admissions, prior to this index admission, failed to arrive at this difficult rare diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Primary and secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma mainly affects the upper aero-digestive tract. Involvement of the ileum, as in this case, is a rare complication. Prognosis of secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma affecting the gastrointestinal tracts is unknown, due to the small number of cases reported in the literature, but suggestive of a poor prognosis. The role of surgery is often palliative to deal with resolvable life-threatening emergencies and where possible to prolong life. CONCLUSION: The case adds to the current literature of the rare event of visceral secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the gastrointestinal tract, in the course of multiple myeloma and highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for such uncommon complications, to avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Acute cholecystits leading to ischemic ECG changes in a patient with no underlying cardiac disease.

Although chest pain with ST-segment elevation is often indicative of cardiac ischemia, it has also been described with surgical conditions such as acute cholecystitis. We report the case of a 34-year-old Caucasian female who was referred with symptoms consistent with acute cholecystitis. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed unexpected changes with inferolateral ST-segment elevation indicative of an inferolateral myocardial infarct. Further investigations and analysis of the results along with the clinical picture meant an acute cardiac event was excluded. Gallstones were seen on ultrasound and an inflamed gallbladder, consistent with acute cholecystitis, was confirmed at laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This led to the resolution of her symptoms and a return to the isoelectric baseline of the ST segments on the ECG. Five previous cases of cholecystitis induced ECG changes have been described in the literature. This case describes the youngest patient with no previous cardiac disease. We review the literature and suggest the pathophysiological mechanism to explain these findings. When the initial diagnostic interventions for chest pain with ST-segment elevation do not yield the expected results, an alternative diagnosis such as cholecystitis should be considered.

Transomental defects as a cause of chronic abdominal pain, the role of diagnostic laparoscopy: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Transomental herniation is a rare but recognised clinical condition, which usually presents as an emergency with bowel obstruction. It accounts for 1-4% of intra-abdominal herniations. We reviewed 3 patients found to have a transomental defect during elective diagnostic laparoscopy performed for chronic abdominal pain. To our knowledge, there is no case series reported in the literature on transomental defect in the non-emergency situation. CASE PRESENTATION: A retrospective case note analysis of 3 patients, found to have transomental defect during elective diagnostic laparoscopy, was undertaken. Data were gathered with respect to clinical presentation, investigations performed, transomental defect size and outcome of surgery. All patients were followed up for 6 months post-operatively. Three females (age range 18-35 years) were referred with a 3-10 year history of chronic intermittent abdominal pain, often postprandial. Blood tests, radiological investigations (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography, small bowel studies) and endoscopy were all normal. In each case, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed the presence of a peripheral defect in the greater omentum, but no actual small bowel herniation. No other pathology was found. These defects were resected, which subsequently led to complete resolution of the patients' symptoms. CONCLUSION: Chronic abdominal pain of unknown aetiology with normal radiological findings may be caused by intermittent obstruction due to small bowel herniation through a transomental defect. This should be considered during elective diagnostic laparoscopy, in the absence of any other obvious pathology. The omentum should be thoroughly inspected as a discrete entity and any such defects should be closed or resected.