Contemporary outcomes for resected type 1-3 gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for tumors of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). However, contemporary analyses of the Western experience for GEJ adenocarcinoma are sparsely reported. METHODS: Patients with GEJ adenocarcinoma undergoing resection between 2012 and 2022 at a single institution were grouped based on Siewert subtype and analyzed. Pathologic and treatment related variables were assessed with relation to outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients underwent resection: 161 (53.3%) with type I, 116 (38.4%) with type II, and 25 (8.3%) with type III tumors. Most patients received neoadjuvant therapy (86.4%); 86% of cases were performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Anastomotic leak occurred in 6.0% and 30-day mortality in only 0.7%. The rate of grade 3+ morbidity was lower for the last 5 years of the study than for the first 5 years (27.5% vs 49.3%, P < .001), as was median length of stay (7 vs 8 days, P < .001). There was a significantly greater number of signet ring type tumors among type III tumors (44.0%) than type I/II tumors (11.2/12.9%, P < .001). Otherwise, there was no difference in the distribution of pathologic features among Siewert subtypes. Notably, there was a significant difference in 3-year overall survival based on Siewert classification: type I 60.0%, type II 77.2%, and type III 86.3% (P = .011). Siewert type I remained independently associated with worse survival on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 4.5; P = .023). CONCLUSIONS: In this large, single-institutional series, operative outcomes for patients with resected GEJ adenocarcinoma improved over time. On multivariable analysis, type I tumors were an independent predictor of poor survival.

Robot-assisted oesophagectomy (Ivor-Lewis) for a complex stenosis previously managed by open gastrostomy tube placement.

A man in his late 50s presented with severe dysphagia caused by a complex refractory benign stenosis that was completely obstructing the middle oesophagus. The patient was unsatisfied with the gastrostomy tube placed via laparotomy as a long-term solution. Therefore, we performed robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (video). Mobilisation of the stomach and gastric conduit preparation were more difficult due to the previously inserted gastrostomy tube; thus, the conduit blood supply was assessed using indocyanine green fluorescence. After an uncomplicated course, the patient was referred directly to inpatient rehabilitation on the 16th postoperative day. At 9 months after surgery, the motivated patient returned to full-time work and achieved level 7 on the functional oral intake scale (total oral diet, with no restrictions). At the 1-year follow-up, he positively confirmed all nine key elements of a good quality of life after oesophagectomy.

Successful chimney endovascular aortic repair with reconstruction of three visceral branches for huge saccular juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm after trans-thoracoabdominal esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Conventional graft replacement for a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JRAAA) remains challenging for high-risk patients since it often requires the reconstruction of some visceral arteries. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old woman was diagnosed with an 87 × 48 mm saccular JRAAA. Open graft replacement was contraindicated because of frailty and a past history of trans-thoracoabdominal esophagectomy. Chimney endovascular aortic repair (ChEVAR) with three chimney endografts was successfully performed without any endoleaks, and each visceral circulation was kept intact. The patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 8. Significant shrinkage of the aneurysmal sac and preservation of flow through each chimney graft were observed on computed tomography 6 months postoperatively, with no significant increase in serum creatinine levels on laboratory testing. CONCLUSIONS: ChEVAR can be a useful surgical option instead of conventional operations, especially for high-risk cases.

Feasibility of utilizing mediastinal drains alone following esophageal cancer surgery: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: It was typically necessary to place a closed thoracic drainage tube for drainage following esophageal cancer surgery. Recently, the extra use of thoracic mediastinal drainage after esophageal cancer surgery had also become more common. However, it had not yet been determined whether mediastinal drains could be used alone following esophageal cancer surgery. METHODS: A total of 134 patients who underwent esophageal cancer surgery in our department between June 2020 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 34 patients received closed thoracic drainage (CTD), 58 patients received closed thoracic drainage combined with mediastinal drainage (CTD-MD), while 42 patients received postoperative mediastinal drainage (MD). The general condition, incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, postoperative NRS score, and postoperative anastomotic leakage were compared. The Mann-Whitney U tests, Welch's t tests, one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests were applied. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative hyperthermia, peak leukocytes, total drainage, hospitalization days and postoperative pulmonary complications between MD group and the other two groups. Interestingly, patients in the MD group experienced significantly lower postoperative pain compared to the other two groups. Additionally, abnormal postoperative drainage fluid could be detected early in this group. Furthermore, there was no significant change in the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and the mortality rate of patients after the occurrence of anastomotic leakage in the MD group compared with the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using mediastinal drain alone following esophageal cancer surgery was equally safe. Furthermore, it could substantially decrease postoperative pain, potentially replacing the closed thoracic drain in clinical practice.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection versus surgery for T1b esophageal carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a preferred treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). However, only few studies compared long-term survival outcomes of ESD with surgery, especially for T1b SESCC. This study compared the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complication rates of both, to evaluate the value of ESD in patients with T1b SESCC. METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent ESD (n = 47) or surgery (n = 73) for T1b SESCC at Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from 2009 to 2021. To increase the precision of our results interpretation, subgroups were analyzed according to the depth of tumor invasion and elderly people. RESULTS: In the ESD and surgery groups, the overall mortality rates were 0/100 and 12.3/100 person years, incidence rates of recurrence were 2.13/100 and 11/100 person years, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed no significant different in OS, DSS and RFS. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and depth of submucosal invasion were identified as risk factors for cancer recurrence in multivariate analysis. For elderly people, no significant differences were found in OS, DSS and RFS between different treatments. CONCLUSION: ESD are related to lower complication rates and shorter hospital stay than surgery in long-term outcomes for patients with pT1b SESCC. But in pT1b-SM2 patients, we still need long-term follow-up.

Robot-Assisted-Minimally Invasive-Transhiatal Esophagectomy (RAMI-THE).

The authors review the development and steps of the robotic-assisted minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy. Key goals of the robot-assisted approach have been to address some of the concerns raised about the technical challenges with the traditional open transhiatal esophagectomy while keeping most of the steps consistent with the open approach.

Minimally Invasive Modified McKeown Esophagectomy.

McKeown esophagectomy is a transthoracic esophagectomy with a cervical anastomosis that is an established mainstay for the management of benign and malignant esophageal pathology. It has gone through multiple modifications. The most current version utilizes robotic or minimally invasive ports through both the right chest and abdominal portions. There is decreased pain and hospital length of stay compared to the open technique. However, anastomotic leak and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury continue to occur. Advancements in management of complications has decreased mortality, making this surgical approach a relevant option for esophageal pathologies.

Conduit Selection for Reconstruction After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer.

The reconstruction of the esophagus after esophagectomy presents many technical and management challenges to surgeons. An effective gastrointestinal conduit that replaces the resected esophagus must have adequate length to reach the upper thoracic space or the neck, have robust vascular perfusion, and provide sufficient function for an adequate swallowing mechanism. The stomach is currently the preferred conduit for esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy. However, there are circumstances, where the stomach cannot be utilized as a conduit. In these cases, an alternative conduit must be considered. The current alternative conduits include colon, jejunum, and tubed skin flaps.

Management of Major Complications After Esophagectomy.

Esophagectomy remains a procedure with one of the highest complication rates. Given the advances in medical and surgical management of patients and increased patient survival, the number of complications reported has increased. There are different grading systems for complications which vary based on severity or organ system, with the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group unifying them. Management involves conservative intervention and dietary modification to endoscopic interventions and surgical reintervention. Treatment is etiology specific but rehabilitation and patient optimization play a significant role in managing these complications by preventing them. Management is a step-up approach depending on the severity of symptoms.

Robotic-Assisted Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.

Robotic-assisted surgery is a safe and effective approach to minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Outcomes are optimized when surgeons are familiar with the fundamentals of minimally invasive surgery of the esophagus and after gaining sufficient experience with robotic surgical techniques.

Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is a technically demanding operation that requires an experienced surgeon, assistant, and anesthesiologist. The preoperative workup should focus on the extent of disease and extent of resection required, as well as the cardiopulmonary fitness of the patient. Surgical outcomes show decreased postoperative pain, decreased morbidity largely due to a reduction in respiratory complications, and decreased length of stay. Quality metrics and 5-year overall survival are equivalent to traditional open esophagectomy.

Premature mortality for patients after completely resected early adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or stomach.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the life expectancy burden of esophago-gastric cancer by analyzing years of life lost (YLL) for a Western patient population after treatment of early esophageal (EAC) or early gastric (GAC) adenocarcinoma. BACKGROUND: For patients with early EAC or GAC, the short-term prognosis after surgical resection is very good. Little data is available regarding long-term prognosis when compared to the general population. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen patients with pT1 EAC (n = 112) or GAC (n = 102) were included in the study. Patients with EAC underwent transthoracic en-bloc esophagectomy; those with GAC had total or subtotal gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy. Surviving patients had a median follow-up of approximately 14 years. YLL was calculated using average life expectancy data from Germany. RESULTS: Patients with EAC were younger (median age 61 years) than those with GAC (66 years) (p = 0.031). The male:female ratio was 10:1 for EAC and 3:2 for GAC (p < 0.001). Multivariate survival analysis showed the age of the patients ≥60 years and the existence of lymph node metastasis was associated with poor prognosis. The median YLL for all patients who died over follow-up was 8.0 years. For patients under 60 years, it was approximately 20 years, and for older patients, approximately 5 years (p < 0.001) without difference in tumor stage between these age cohorts. YLL did not differ for GAC vs. EAC. CONCLUSION: After surgical resection, the prognostic burden as measured by YLL is relevant for all patients with early esophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas and especially for younger patients. Reasons for YLL need further studies.

Novel reconstruction using pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic esophago-ileal anastomosis after distal esophagectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer: A report of two cases.

There is no optimal reconstruction after radical distal esophagectomy for cancers of the esophagogastric junction. We designed a novel reconstruction technique using pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic anastomosis between the esophagus and the elevated ileum. Two patients underwent the surgery. Case 1 was a 70-year-old man with esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma with 3 cm of esophageal invasion. Case 2 was a 70-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction; the epicenter of which was located just at the junction. These two patients underwent radical distal esophagectomy and pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic anastomosis. They were discharged on postoperative days 17 and 14, respectively, with no major complication. Pedicled ileocolic interposition is characterized by sufficient elevation and perfusion of the ileum, which is fed by the ileocolic artery and vein. As a result, we can generally adapt this reconstruction method to most curable esophagogastric junction cancers.

Predictive potential of preoperative Naples prognostic score-based nomogram model for the prognosis in surgical resected thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients: A retrospective cohort study.

The present study aimed to establish an effective prognostic nomogram model based on the Naples prognostic score (NPS) for resectable thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A total of 277 patients with ESCC, who underwent standard curative esophagectomy and designated as study cohort, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into different groups, including NPS 0, NPS 1, NPS 2, and NPS 3 or 4 groups, for further analysis, and the results were validated in an external cohort of 122 ESCC patients, who underwent surgery at another cancer center. In our multivariate analysis of the study cohort showed that the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, systemic inflammation score, and NPS were the independent prognostic factors for the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) durations. In addition, the differential grade was also an independent prognostic factor for the OS in the patients with ESCC after surgery (all P < .05). The area under the curve of receiver operator characteristics for the PFS and OS prediction with systemic inflammation score and NPS were 0.735 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.676-0.795, P < .001) and 0.835 (95% CI 0.786-0.884, P < .001), and 0.734 (95% CI 0.675-0.793, P < .001) and 0.851 (95% CI 0.805-0.896, P < .001), respectively. The above independent predictors for OS or PFS were all selected in the nomogram model. The concordance indices (C-indices) of the nomogram models for predicting OS and PFS were 0.718 (95% CI 0.681-0.755) and 0.669 (95% CI 0.633-0.705), respectively, which were higher than that of the 7th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system [C-index 0.598 (95% CI 0.558-0.638) for OS and 0.586 (95% CI 0.546-0.626) for PFS]. The calibration curves for predicting the 5-year OS or PFS showed a good agreement between the prediction by nomogram and actual observation. In the external validation cohort, the nomogram discrimination for OS was better than that of the 7th edition of TNM staging systems [C-index: 0.697 (95% CI 0.639-0.755) vs 0.644 (95% CI 0.589-0.699)]. The calibration curves showed good consistency in predicting the 5-year survival between the actual observation and nomogram predictions. The decision curve also showed a higher potential of the clinical application of predicting the 5-years OS of the proposed nomogram model as compared to that of the 7th edition of TNM staging systems. The preoperative NPS-based nomogram model had a certain potential role for predicting the prognosis of ESCC patients.

A approach of gastric conduit via the anterior of pulmonary hilum route during minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: The gastric conduit is the most commonly used replacement organ for reconstruction after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy. Although the optimal route of gastric conduit remains controversial, the posterior mediastinal route is physiologically preferable but is not without disadvantages. Here, we report the safety and efficacy of a method of gastric conduit reconstruction via the anterior of the pulmonary hilum route. METHODS: We have used the anterior of the pulmonary hilum route since 2021. This procedure involves pulling the gastric conduit up through a substernal tunnel between the right thoracic cavity and the abdominal cavity and passing it into the neck via the anterior of the pulmonary hilum route. In this retrospective study, we compared the clinical outcomes between 20 patients who underwent this procedure and 20 patients who underwent the posterior mediastinal route from 2021 to 2022. RESULTS: No mortality was reported in either group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in duration of surgery, blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay. As a result of the anterior of the pulmonary hilum route, the primary tumor bed and lymph node drainage area were effectively bypassed, which facilitates postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The distance of the gastric conduit accompanying the airway was significantly shorter in the anterior of the pulmonary hilum route group. CONCLUSIONS: Our method is considered to be a safe and useful technique for the reconstruction of gastric conduit.

The influence of postoperative outcomes on survival after esophageal cancer surgery: validation of a consensus-based updated textbook outcome parameter.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy in combination with perioperative multimodal therapy is the cornerstone of modern curative treatment for esophageal adenocarcinoma. The primary aim of this study was to assess the influence of textbook outcome (TO) as a composite quality performance indicator (QPI) and its perioperative parameters on survival in patients who underwent esophagectomy with curative intent. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent an esophagectomy between January 2014 and December 2022 at Christchurch Hospital were identified from a prospectively maintained hospital database. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to assess prognostic factors for each composite and individual postoperative outcome. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of these outcomes on overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients underwent an esophagectomy during the study period. The overall and Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 3 postoperative complication rates were 62% and 26%, respectively. The anastomotic leak rate was 6.5% (n = 7). The TO rate, 30-day readmission rate, and 30-day mortality rate were 20%, 13%, and 1%, respectively. Resection margin and nodal disease were found to be independent prognostic factors for reduced survival. CONCLUSION: TO as originally defined and its postoperative parameters of 30-day postoperative complications and 30-day readmission are validated QPIs of esophageal cancer surgery. Updating the postoperative complication parameter to include CD grade ≥ 3 complications resulted in a positive association between achieving TO and increased survival. Our findings support the call to redefine TO based on an update to this parameter, making it a more precise QPI of esophageal cancer surgery.

Role of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for evaluating blood supply in the gastric conduit via the substernal route after McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a determining factor of morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy. Adequate perfusion of the gastric conduit is crucial for AL prevention. This study aimed to determine whether intraoperative angiography using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence improves the incidence of AL after McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with gastric conduit via the substernal route (SR). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 120 patients who underwent MIE with gastric conduit via SR for esophageal cancer between February 2019 and April 2023. Of 120 patients, 88 experienced intraoperative angiography using ICG (ICG group), and 32 patients experienced intraoperative angiography without ICG (no-ICG group). Baseline characteristics and operative outcomes, including AL as the main concern, were compared between the 2 groups. In addition, the outcomes among patients in the ICG group with different levels of fluorescence intensity were compared. RESULTS: The ICG and no-ICG groups were comparable in baseline characteristics and operative outcomes. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the rate of AL (31.0% vs 37.5%; P = .505), median dates of AL (9 vs 9 days; P = .810), and severity of AL (88.9%, 11.11%, and 0.0% vs 66.7%, 16.7%, and 16.7% for grades I, II, and III, respectively; P = .074). Patients in the ICG group with lower intensity of ICG had higher rates of leakage (24.6%, 39.3%, and 100% in levels I, II, and III of ICG intensity, respectively; P = .04). CONCLUSION: The use of ICG did not seem to reduce the rate of AL. However, abnormal intensity of ICG fluorescence was associated with a higher rate of AL, which implies a predictive potential.

Chylous leakage after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chylous leakage is a rare complication following esophagectomy; however, it can lead to mortality. We aimed to systematically evaluate the factors that may lead to increased chylous leakage after esophagectomy. METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched for all studies investigating the occurrence of chylous leakage after esophagectomy. RESULTS: A total of 32 studies were identified, including 26 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort and case-control studies, each. The overall incidence of chylous leakage was 4.7% (278/5,971 cases). Analysis of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors showed that most of the qualitative analysis results did not significantly increase the incidence of chylous leakage. In some quantitative analyses, the chylous leakage rate was significantly lower in the thoracic duct mass ligation group than in the conservative treatment group (relative risk [RR] = 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.83; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.327). Direct oral feeding significantly reduced chylous leakage compared with jejunostomy (RR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.33; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.335). However, preoperative inspiratory muscle training (RR = 1.66; 95% CI, 0.21-12.33; I2 = 55.5%; P = 0.134), preoperative chemoradiotherapy (RR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.55-1.80; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.943), and robotic assistance (RR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.92-2.86; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.814) did not significantly reduce the incidence of chylous leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Ligation of the thoracic duct and direct oral feeding can reduce the incidence of chylous leakage after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer. Other contributing factors remain unclear and require validation in further high-quality studies.

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Wang et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2023. We focused on identifying risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) patients and how to construct a simple and reliable clinical prediction model to assess the risk of LNM in SESCC patients, thereby helping to guide the selection of an appropriate treatment plan. The current standard treatment for SESCC is radical esophagectomy with lymph node dissection. However, esophagectomy is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic resection (ER) offers a safer and less invasive alternative to surgical resection and can enable the patient's quality of life to be maintained while providing a satisfactory outcome. However, since ER is a localized treatment that does not allow for lymph node dissection, the risk of LNM in SESCC limits the effectiveness of ER. Understanding LNM status can aid in determining whether patients with SESCC can be cured by ER without the need for additional esophagectomy. Previous studies have shown that tumor size, macroscopic type of tumor, degree of differentiation, depth of tumor invasion, and lymphovascular invasion are factors associated with LNM in patients with SESCC. In addition, tumor budding is commonly associated with LNM, recurrence, and distant metastasis, but this topic has been less covered in previous studies. By comprehensively evaluating the above risk factors for LNM, useful evidence can be obtained for doctors to select appropriate treatments for SESCC patients.