Possibility of Using Conventional Computed Tomography Features and Histogram Texture Analysis Parameters as Imaging Biomarkers for Preoperative Prediction of High-Risk Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Stomach.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to determine the morphological computed tomography features of the tumor and texture analysis parameters, which may be a useful diagnostic tool for the preoperative prediction of high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors (HR GISTs). METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that was carried out in the period from 2019 to 2022. The study included 79 patients who underwent CT examination, texture analysis, surgical resection of a lesion that was suspicious for GIST as well as pathohistological and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Textural analysis pointed out min norm (p = 0.032) as a histogram parameter that significantly differed between HR and LR GISTs, while min norm (p = 0.007), skewness (p = 0.035) and kurtosis (p = 0.003) showed significant differences between high-grade and low-grade tumors. Univariate regression analysis identified tumor diameter, margin appearance, growth pattern, lesion shape, structure, mucosal continuity, enlarged peri- and intra-tumoral feeding or draining vessel (EFDV) and max norm as significant predictive factors for HR GISTs. Interrupted mucosa (p < 0.001) and presence of EFDV (p < 0.001) were obtained by multivariate regression analysis as independent predictive factors of high-risk GISTs with an AUC of 0.878 (CI: 0.797-0.959), sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 77% and accuracy of 88%. CONCLUSION: This result shows that morphological CT features of GIST are of great importance in the prediction of non-invasive preoperative metastatic risk. The incorporation of texture analysis into basic imaging protocols may further improve the preoperative assessment of risk stratification.

Value of Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Achalasia Subtypes and Detection of Pulmonary and Thoracic Complications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings in patients with achalasia, to assess its role in differentiating subtypes in detecting lung involvement and extra-esophageal thoracic complications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This clinical retrospective study included 51 patients with manometrically confirmed achalasia who underwent chest X-ray and MDCT in diagnostic work-up. Esophageal wall thickness and morphology, luminal dilatation, lung changes, and extra-esophageal manifestations were analyzed on MDCT by 2 readers. Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test were used for assessing the differences among the achalasia subtypes, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) assessing the inter-observer agreement between the measurements of 2 readers. RESULTS: Fourteen (27.5%) patients had achalasia subtype I, 21 (60.8%) had subtype II while 6 (11.8%) had subtype III. Esophageal wall thickness of the esophageal body (EB) and distal esophageal segment (DES) as well as nodular/lobulated appearance of DES were found significantly more often in subtype III (p = 0.024, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively). Esophageal dilatation gradually decreased from subtype I to III (p = 0.006). Chest X-ray revealed lung changes in 9 (17%) and MDCT in 21 (41%) patients (p = 0.001), most frequently in subtype I, with predominance of ground-glass opacities. Tracheal/carinal compression was detected in 27 (52.9%) and left atrial compression in 17 (33.3%) patients. Excellent inter-observer agreement was observed in measuring the EB and DES wall thickness, and diameter of EB (ICC 0.829, 0.901, and 0.922). CONCLUSION: MDCT is a useful tool for detecting lung and extra-esophageal thoracic complications in patients with achalasia, and could be a valuable additional imaging modality in the differentiation of achalasia subtypes.

Altered cytokine expression in Helicobacter pylori infected patients with bleeding duodenal ulcer.

OBJECTIVE: Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which an important role has infection with H. pylori. The most common complication of peptic ulcer is bleeding. The presence of H. pylori triggers local and systemic cytokine signaling which may affect processes such as healing, gastric or duodenal rupture, and carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined the concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF, TGF-ß and IL-17A in serum by enzyme immunoassay and their mRNA expressions in periulcer biopsies obtained from patients with bleeding peptic ulcer by means of real-time-PCR. RESULTS: We have shown that pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF concentrations in serum were significantly higher in patients who were infected with H. pylori, while the concentrations of TGF-ß and IL-17A were significantly lower compared to non-infected subjects. IL-17A expression in periulcer mucosa was significantly higher in patients who were infected with H. pylori, while the expression of other cytokines, there was no significant difference compared to non-infected controls. Considering higher serum concentrations in non-infected subjects and higher IL-17A expression in mucosal tissue of infected patients, our data support the studies that found IL-17A has protective role in eradication of H. pylori infection in infected patients.

A Surgeon's Role in the Management of Early Esophageal, EGJ and Gastric Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection and submucosal dissection (ESD) are indicated in a majority of mucosal esophageal, esophagogastric junction and gastric cancers (GC), and selected cases of submucosal cancers as well. SUMMARY: The presence of lymph node metastases in early esophageal cancer (EC) has been proven in up to 50% of -patients with sm3 cancers treated with surgical resection, and up to 18.5 and 30.5% in sm1 and sm2 cancer respectively. The presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), tumor depth >500 µm and poor tumor differentiation seem to be a common predictor of worse outcomes in literature reports. In case of early esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC) these predictors include LVI, tumor size >3 cm, Barrett's origin of the tumor and ulcerative tumor appearance. Extended indications for ESD in early GC are already adopted in high volume centers with high success rates (up to 98%). Jet, positive resection margins after ESD, LVI and poor tumor differentiation carry high metastatic potential, therefore advocating surgery. Limited resections and cooperative laparoscopic endoscopic approach may be implemented in cases of early EGJC and GC. Key Messages: The presence of LVI, depth of submucosal invasion, and poor tumor differentiation in cases of early EC, EGJC, and GC favor surgical treatment despite improvements in endoscopic techniques.

Analyzing the post-contrast attenuation of the esophageal wall on routine contrast-enhanced MDCT examination can improve the diagnostic accuracy in response evaluation of the squamous cell esophageal carcinoma to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in comparison with the esophageal wall thickness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the response evaluation of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) by analyzing the thickness and post-contrast attenuation of the esophageal wall after the nCRT. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced (CE)-MDCT examinations in portal venous phase of one hundred patients with locally advanced ESCC who received nCRT and underwent esophageal resection and histopathology assessment of tumor regression grade (TRG) were retrospectively analyzed by measuring the maximal thickness and mean density of the esophageal wall in the segment involved by tumor and visually searching for hyperdense foci within it. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using the ROC analysis. RESULTS: Average attenuation of the esophageal wall had stronger diagnostic performance for predicting pathologic complete regression (pCR) (AUC = 0.994; p < 0.001) in relation to maximal esophageal wall thickness (AUC = 0.731; p < 0.001). Maximal esophageal wall thickness ≤ 9 mm and average attenuation of the esophageal wall ≤ 64 HU predicted pCR with the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of 62.5%, 77.9%, and 73%, and 96.9%, 98.5%, and 98%, respectively. Combination of both cutoff values enabled correct assessment of pCR with the 100% accuracy. Visual detection of the hyperdense focus within the esophageal wall predicted pCR with the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy values of 100%, 94.1%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Visual analysis and measurement of post-contrast attenuation of the esophageal wall after the nCRT can improve diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in the response evaluation of the ESCC to nCRT in comparison with measuring the esophageal wall thickness.

Curative intent for unresectable advanced squamous cell esophageal cancer: Overall survival after chemoradiation.

PURPOSE: To analyse the overall survival (OS) of patients with locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer treated with chemoradiation (CRT) with or without surgery. METHODS: CRT was administered to 63 patients with locally advanced (T3-4, N0-1), initially unresectable squamous cell esophageal cancer. After the assessment of tumor response to treatment, medically fit patients converted to operable stage were subjected to surgery. Regular follow-up was performed every 3 months during first 2 years, and then every 6 months. RESULTS: All 63 patients completed the whole radiotherapy course. Forty patients (63%) received complete 4 cycles of chemotherapy. In the remaining 23 patients (37%) chemotherapy was interrupted due to toxicity. Clinical response to CRT was: complete response (CR) in 4 patients (6%), partial response (PR in 27 (43%), stable disease (SD) in 22 (35%) patients, and 10 patients (16%) had disease progression (PD). After reevaluation, 23 patients (15 PR and 8 SD after CRT) underwent surgery (37%), all with R0 resection. OS in the whole group was 53% at one year, and 36% at two years. OS was significantly better in the operated group of patients than in the non-operated group. No statistically significant difference in OS was observed comparing operated to CR patients with no surgery (70 vs 50%). In the non-operated group of patients there was no difference in OS between CR, PR, and SD patients. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate selection, patients with advanced squamous cell esophageal cancer should be considered for potentially effective treatment.

Serum Level of HMGB1 Protein and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Secondary Peritonitis: Time Course and the Association with Clinical Status.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal infection in secondary peritonitis drives as excessive production of inflammatory mediators and the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis. Finding a specific marker to distinguish SIRS from sepsis would be of immense clinical importance for the therapeutic approach. It is assumed that high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) could be such a marker. In this study, we examined the time course changes in the blood levels of HMGB1, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in patients with secondary peritonitis who developed SIRS or sepsis. METHODS: In our study, we evaluated 100 patients with diffuse secondary peritonitis who developed SIRS or sepsis (SIRS and SEPSIS group) and 30 patients with inguinal hernia as a control group. Serum levels of HMGB1, CRP, PCT, and SAA were determined on admission in all the patients, and monitored daily in patients with peritonitis until discharge from hospital. RESULTS: Preoperative HMGB1, CRP, PCT and SAA levels were statistically highly significantly increased in patients with peritonitis compared to patients with inguinal hernia, and significantly higher in patients with sepsis compared to those with SIRS. All four inflammatory markers changed significantly during the follow-up. It is interesting that the patterns of change of HMGB1 and SAA over time were distinctive for SIRS and SEPSIS groups. CONCLUSIONS: HMGB1 and SAA temporal patterns might be useful in distinguishing sepsis from noninfectious SIRS in secondary peritonitis.

Significance of Nissen fundoplication after endoscopic radiofrequency ablation of Barrett's esophagus.

OBJECTIVE: HALO radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been proven as safe and efficient in eradication of both non- and dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). Definitive post-RFA treatment is yet to be determined. METHODS: RFA was performed in 56 patients with BE, 38 with intestinal metaplasia (IM) and 18 with low-grade dysplasia (LGD), and repeated in case of residual BE. Length of the BE was classified according to C&M criteria. Follow-up included regular upper GI endoscopies with biopsies 6 months, 1 and 2 years after the complete resolution of BE. Patients were divided into two groups regarding post-RFA treatment: those maintaining proton pump inhibitors (PPI) daily and those submitted to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) at least 3 months after BE eradication or synchronous with RFA. RESULTS: There were no perforations or strictures related to RFA. Complete endoscopic resolution of BE was observed in 83.92 % patients (86.84 % IM and 77.77 % LGD), in 25 that maintained PPI and 22 in whom LNF was done. In PPI group, 2-year follow-up revealed BE recurrence in biopsy samples in 20 % of patients, while in LNF group 9.1 % of patients had recurrent IM. In overall sample of patients, no difference was noted regarding the influence of post-RFA treatment (p < 0.423). LNF proved superiority over PPI treatment in patients with long-segment BE (cutoff C > 4 cm, p < 0.021). CONCLUSION: HALO RFA is a safe procedure, with high rate of success in complete eradication of BE in symptomatic GERD patients. LNF provides good protection for neosquamous epithelium and in selected group of patients could be offered as a first line of treatment after HALO RFA.

Aortoesophageal and aortobronchial fistula caused by Candida albicans after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Introduction: Endovascular stent-graft placement has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for the treatment of aortic aneurysms and dissections. There are few reports of stent graft infections and aortoenteric fistula after endovascular thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, and the first multicentric study (Italian survey) showed the incidence of about 2%. Case report: We presented a 69-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital 9 months after thoracic endovascular aortic repair, due to severe chest pain in the left hemithorax and arm refractory to analgesic therapy. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) showed a collection between the stent graft and the esophagus with thin layers of gas while gastroendoscopy showed visible blood jet 28 cm from incisive teeth. Surgical treatment was performed in collaboration of two teams (esophageal and vascular surgical team). After explantation of the stent graft and in situ reconstruction by using Dacron graft subsequent esophagectomy and graft omentoplasty were made. After almost four weeks patient developed hemoptisia as a sign of aorto bronchial fistula. Treatment with implantation of another aortic cuff of 26 mm was performed. The patient was discharged to the regional center with negative blood culture, normal inflammatory parameters and respiratory function. Three months later the patient suffered deterioration with the severe weight loss and pneumonia caused by Candida albicans and unfortunately died. The survival time from the surgical treatment of aortoesophageal fistula was 4 months Conclusion: Even if endovascular repair of thoracic aortic diseases improves early results, risk of infection should not be forgotten. Postoperative respiratory deterioration and finally hemoptisia could be the symptoms of another fistula.

Foregut caustic injuries: results of the world society of emergency surgery consensus conference.

INTRODUCTION: Lesions of the upper digestive tract due to ingestion of caustic agents still represent a major medical and surgical emergency worldwide. The work-up of these patients is poorly defined and no clear therapeutic guidelines are available. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to provide an evidence-based international consensus on primary and secondary prevention, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of this life-threatening and potentially disabling condition. METHODS: An extensive literature search was performed by an international panel of experts under the auspices of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES). The level of evidence of the screened publications was graded using the Oxford 2011 criteria. The level of evidence of the literature and the main topics regarding foregut caustic injuries were discussed during a dedicated meeting in Milan, Italy (April 2015), and during the 3rd Annual Congress of the World Society of Emergency Surgery in Jerusalem, Israel (July 2015). RESULTS: One-hundred-forty-seven full papers which addressed the relevant clinical questions of the research were admitted to the consensus conference. There was an unanimous consensus on the fact that the current literature on foregut caustic injuries lacks homogeneous classification systems and prospective methodology. Moreover, the non-standardized definition of technical and clinical success precludes any accurate comparison of therapeutic modalities. Key recommendations and algorithms based on expert opinions, retrospective studies and literature reviews were proposed and approved during the final consensus conference. The clinical practice guidelines resulting from the consensus conference were approved by the WSES council. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations emerging from this consensus conference, although based on a low level of evidence, have important clinical implications. A world registry of foregut caustic injuries could be useful to collect a homogeneous data-base for prospective clinical studies that may help improving the current clinical practice guidelines.

Can different subsets of ineffective esophageal motility influence the outcome of nissen fundoplication?

BACKGROUND: Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease includes three different subsets that may affect symptom profiles. Our aim was to assess symptoms and functional outcome in patients with erosive esophagitis according to different subsets of IEM, before and after Nissen fundoplication (NF). METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study with prospective follow-up of 72 patients with reflux esophagitis and IEM in whom open NF was performed. Based on principal manometric esophageal body motility disorder, patients were divided in three groups: predominantly low-amplitude (LAC, N = 38), non-propulsive (NPC, N = 18), and simultaneous low-amplitude esophageal contractions (SC, N = 16). Patients underwent symptomatic questionnaire and stationary esophageal manometry before and 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperatively, patients in NPC and SC groups had higher mean scores of dysphagia, without statistical significance as opposed to the LAC group (p = 0.239). Postoperative dysphagia occurred in 36 patients, without statistical significance between groups regarding dysphagia grades (p = 0.390). A longer duration of postoperative dysphagia was noted in the SC group (p < 0.05). Improvement of nadir values of contraction amplitudes in distal esophagus occurred postoperatively in all groups, significantly higher in LAC (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Three years after NF, successful symptomatic and functional outcome was achieved in analyzed groups of patients with erosive esophagitis regardless of IEM subtype.

Does the computed tomography perfusion imaging improve the diagnostic accuracy in the response evaluation of esophageal carcinoma to the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy? Preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To estimate whether the computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging could be useful to predict the pathological complete response (pCR) of esophageal cancer to the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with the advanced squamous cell esophageal carcinoma, who were treated with concomitant CRT (CIS/5-FU/LV and 45-50 Gy total radiation dose), were re-evaluated using CT examination, which included the low-dose CT perfusion study. CT perfusion series were analysed using the deconvolution-based CT perfusion software (Perfusion 3.0, GE), and color parametric maps of the blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface area product (PS) were displayed. All patients were operated and histopathological analysis of the resected esophagus considered the gold standard for pathologic complete response (pCR). RESULTS: BFpost-NACRT, BVpost-NACRT, and PSpost-NACRT were significantly lower, and MTTpost-NACRT significantly higher in the pCR group. Mean (±SD), or median perfusion parameter values in the pCRs (11 patients) vs non-pCRs (16 patients) were: BFpost-NACRT- 21.4±5.0 vs 86.0±29 ml/min/100 g (p<0.001), BVpost-NACRT- 1.3 vs 3.9 ml/100 g (p<0.001), MTTpost-NACRT- 5.5 vs 3.7 s (p=0.018), and PSpost-NACRT- 5.9 vs 9.8 ml/min/100 g (p=0.006). ROC analysis revealed that BFpost- NACRT (AUC=1.000), BVpost-NACRT (AUC=0.932), MTTpost-NACRT (AUC=0.801), and PSpost-NACRT (AUC=0.844) could predict the pCR (p<0.01), while maximal esophageal wall thickness could not (AUC=0.676, p=0.126). If we set a cut-off value of BFpost-NACRT<30.0 ml/min/100 g, pCR was predicted with sensitivity and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: CT perfusion imaging enables accurate prediction of pCR of esophageal carcinoma to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

[Laparoscopic myotomy in achalasia cardia treatment: experience after 36 operations].

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Heller-Dor operation, a standard method in the treatment of achalasia, has been performed at the Center for Esophageal Surgery of the First Surgical Clinic since April 2006. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present this surgical procedure and initial experiences after 36 consecutive laparoscopic Heller-Dor operations. METHODS: This partly retrospective, partly prospective study presented our results after laparoscopic Heller-Dor operation (presentation of the treatment method). We performed a standard anterior esophagocardioymiotomy, without releasing the posterior aspect of the cardia, and anterior partial fundoplication. The type and severity of symptoms and their duration were evaluated based on questionnaires fulfilled by patients. The diagnosis was made based on radiological, endoscopic and manometric findings. Laparoscopic surgery as the method of treatment was evaluated based on the duration of surgery, intra- and postoperative complications, time interval until the initiation of oral feeding, length of hospital stay, need for additional therapeutic measures after the operation and effect of surgery on the severity of symptoms. RESULTS: Preopereratively, dysphagia was the predominant symptom in all patients, while regurgitation was much lower (44%). The average duration of operation was 127 minutes. Postoperative hospitalization lasted on the average 5.7 days. From 36 treated patients, 34 (94.4%) considered that the effect of treatment was good or excellent. Postoperative dysphagia was present in two patients (5.6%) and was successfully solved by balloon dilatation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Heller-Dor operation is an effective and safe surgical procedure in resolving symptoms of achalasia and today presents the method of the first choice in the treatment of this disease.

Primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the stomach in an adult woman: a case report and review of the literature.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor has been defined as a histologically distinctive lesion with uncertain behaviour. The term inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor more commonly referred to as "pseudostumor ", denotes a pseudosarcomatous inflammatory lesion that contains spindle cells, myofibroblasts, plasma cells, lymphocytes and histiocytes. It exhibits a variable biological behavior that ranges from frequently benign lesions to more aggressive variants. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor mostly occurs in the soft tissue of children and young adults, and the lungs are the most commonly affected site, but it has been recognized that any anatomic localization can be involved. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors in adults are very rare, especially in the stomach. We present a case of a 43-year old woman with primary inflammatory myofibiroblastic tumor in the stomach and a review of the literature.

Radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus high-volume center initial results.

INTRODUCTION: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a well established precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Both, surveillance and therapeutic strategies have been proposed over the years. Recent deve-lopment of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) brought new perspectives in the treatment of BE, with excellent initial results. METHODS: The study of 40 pts with macroscopically visible BE on endoscopy and biopsy proven goblet cells presence, was conducted from January 2010 until March 2012. In all pts a complete symptomatic, endoscopic and manometric evaluation was performed. Initially RFA HALO 90 and 360 were performed in 28 and 12 pts respectively. Repeated treatments were conducted in 7 pts. The overall number was 50, while the mean number of RFA procedures per patient was 1.25. RESULTS: The mean circumferential length and maximal extent of BE were 1.61 and 3.29 cm respectively. We did not encounter esophageal perforation or hemorrhage during the procedure. Complications were transient short-term retrosternal pain (23 pts) and dysphagia (11 pts). Three months after the RFA mean values of cumulative symptom and heartburn score dropped significantly (p < 0.05). Functional diagnostics did not disclose any statistically significant decrease of lower esophageal sphincter pressure or esophageal body contraction amplitudes. One year foIlow-up was obtained in 26 pts and revealed a complete macroscopically visible BE eradication. So far, in 19 pts a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was performed up to 3 months after complete RFA BE eradication. CONCLUSION: HALO RFA procedure is safe and very effective in the treatment of pts with BE, does not lead to esophageal function impairment, and produces no long term and serious side effects.

Invasive lobular breast cancer presenting an unusual metastatic pattern in the form of peritoneal and rectal metastases: a case report.

Gastrointestinal metastases from invasive lobular breast cancer are uncommon with the stomach and small intestines being the most common metastatic sites. Peritoneal and rectal metastases are very rare and only rarely occur as the first manifestation of disease. We herein report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with abdominal carcinomatosis as a first sign of invasive lobular breast carcinoma (ILC). Identifying the most important immunohistochemical markers for ILC: gross cystic disease fluid protein 15, estrogen and progesterone receptors enabled a correct diagnosis. After a six year disease-free period, relapse occurred with severe obstruction due to rectal metastasis from lobular breast carcinoma. Since there was no widespread metastatic disease, surgery with concomitant hormonal therapy was performed.

Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery: report of a case.

We report a case of carcinoma of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery. Barium esophagography, endoscopy, and computed tomography showed a resectable tumor in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus, coexistent with an aberrant right subclavian artery. We performed pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with bilateral neck dissection and gastric pull-up through cervical, right thoracic, and abdominal incisions. We also partially resected the aberrant right subclavian artery with reimplantation in the right common carotid artery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with transposition of an aberrant right subclavian artery.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy in the treatment of esophageal cancer.

In the Western countries, the incidence of esophaeal carcinoma is 3-6 cases per 100,000 persons. g Despite tremendous success of other therapeutic options, surgical treatment still represents the best therapeutic option whenever possible. For the long period, debate has centered on which of the a vailable surgical procedures is superior-transhiatal or transthoracic esophagectomy. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) could offer both minimally invasive approach and proper mediastinal lymph node dissection. Minimally invasive esophagectomy is safe and adequate, but time consuming and technically demanding procedure. It is procedure reserved for the surgeons experienced in open esophagectomy for cancer, and specially trained in advanced minimally invasive procedures. Even in that case, learning curve is steep.

Bloodless esophageal replacement in children with corrosive esophageal strictures--report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal replacement is major procedure with high risk for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT), especially in pediatric patients due to nutritive deficiency, anemia, small body weight and blood volume. Autologous blood policy is particularly important in female children. METHODS: We present treatment strategy with the aim of avoiding ABT, that have been applied in two female pediatric patients with caustic stricture of thoracic esophagus. The patients were 7 and 8 years old, with body weight 34 and 23.5 kg, respectively. Protocol was based on the stimulation of haematopoetic system with erythropoietin, iron therapy and preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD). In the first patient, with a history of previous retrosternal bypass esophagocoloplasty and extraction of necrotic colonic graft, delayed reconstruction--transhiatal subtotal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up with cervical anastomosis were performed. In the second patient, repeated ineffective dilatations of esophageal stricture were reason for retrosternal left colon interposiotion and exclusion of native esophagus. RESULTS: No adverse events were attributed to preoperative blood donation period. No allogenic blood products were used during perioperative period. Both patients had uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSION: In specialized institutions for esophageal surgery, PABD with administration of erythropoietin and iron therapy, enable bloodless esophageal replacement, even in children.

Significance of limited hiatal dissection in surgery for achalasia.

INTRODUCTION: It is speculated that postoperative pathologic gastroesophageal reflux after Heller's myotomy can be diminished if the lateral and posterior phrenoesophageal attachments are left intact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of limited hiatal dissection in patients operated due to achalasia. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, 3 years follow-up of 84 patients operated due to achalasia. In 26 patients, Heller-Dor with complete hiatal dissection was done (G1), limited hiatal dissection combined with myotomy and Dor's procedure was performed in 36 patients (G2), and with Heller's myotomy alone in 22 (G3). Stationary manometry and 24 h pH study were performed in regular postoperative intervals. RESULTS: Postoperatively, higher median values of lower esophageal sphincter resting pressures were marked in G2 and G3, while patients in G1 were presented with higher median values of pH acid score (p < 0.001). Abnormal DeMeester score 3 years after surgery was present in 23.1% of patients in G1 and 8.5% and 9.1% in G2 and G3 accordingly. There was no statistical difference between the groups concerning postoperative dysphagia recurrence. CONCLUSION: Indicating further long-term studies, 3 years after the operation limited hiatal dissection compared to complete obtains better reflux control in achalasia patients, regardless of Dor's fundoplication.