Analysis of Compliance with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol for Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: ERAS guidelines have provided an effective recovery approach for esophagectomy. This study aimed to identify the relationship between the length of hospital stay (LOS) and compliance with clinical benchmarks of an established institutional ERAS program. METHODS: A single-center prospective database of esophageal cancer patients was retrospectively analyzed between January 2016 and January 2020. All patients underwent surgery within a standardized ERAS pathway for esophagectomy. Compliance with individual ERAS benchmarks and postoperative outcomes were evaluated according to patient's LOS; accelerated (≤ 6 days, AR), targeted (7-8 days, TR), and delayed recovery (≥ 9 days, DR). RESULTS: The study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy with a median LOS of 7 (3.8-40.8) days, and a 30-day readmission rate of 12.6%. LOS was not affected by comorbidities, tumor type or stage, neoadjuvant therapy, operative approach or anastomotic leak. Postoperative complications were 49.5%, and 90-day mortality was 3.8%. AR, TR, and DL were achieved by 45%, 31%, and 24% of patients, respectively. Postoperative morbidity differed significantly among groups, impacting LOS (p < 0.001). Overall compliance with ERAS protocol was 82.7% and adherence to specific benchmarks was initially (< 48 h) high, but significantly affected by postoperative complications afterwards. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to recovery benchmarks in patients undergoing esophagectomy is most commonly impacted by postoperative complications. In esophageal cancer surgery, the adherence to ERAS benchmarks after esophagectomy should be regularly audited. Modification to ERAS protocols to increase application in patients with complications should be considered.

ERAS guidelines-driven upper gastrointestinal contrast study after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Early nasogastric tube (NGT) removal is a component of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for esophagectomy. The aim of this study is to assess a protocol-driven application of UGI contrast study to facilitate early NGT removal and direct a standardized therapeutic response in patients with evidence for delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE). METHODS: All patients undergoing esophagectomy between January 2017 and October 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Esophageal resections were performed through different surgical approaches involving gastric conduit reconstruction. A standardized clinical protocol (SCP) was systematically applied, which targeted a UGI contrast study on POD 2-3 to allow immediate NGT removal or initiate DGCE protocols. RESULTS: This study enrolled 50 patients undergoing open Ivor Lewis (42%), left thoracoabdominal (46%), and three-field procedure (12%) with gastric conduit reconstruction and either upper thoracic (66%) or cervical (34%) anastomosis. Jejunostomy was routinely placed while pyloric procedures were not performed. Patients achieving targeted contrast study (86%) demonstrated significantly earlier NGT removal (p-value 0.010), oral protocol initiation (0.001), and decreased length of hospital stay (6 vs 10 days, 0.024). Four patients (8%) presented with radiology signs of DCGE and underwent protocoled treatment, eventually achieving discharge similar to the overall study population (7 vs 8.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: Protocol-driven UGI contrast study can effectively provide objective data facilitating early NGT removal and discharge. Patients with DGCE can successfully undergo intervention to improve conduit emptying and adhere to ERAS discharge goals.

Impact of standardized clinical pathways on esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Esophageal surgery is historically associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Selected high-volume centers have previously reported the effect on clinical outcomes following the adoption of a standardized clinical pathway (SCP). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the current literature to document the effect of SCP and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on esophagectomy outcomes. A literature search was conducted through the main search engines (PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane database) in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. All eligible comparative studies (randomized control trial, prospective, retrospective, and combined) were identified and assessed based on Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies and Jadad quality criteria. Data concerning overall morbidity, early mortality, and length of stay (LOS) were primarily collected and compared. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic leaks, pulmonary complications, and readmission rate. Twenty-six articles (including five randomized controlled trials and six prospective trials) were included in the analysis. Overall study quality was moderate and the included studies utilized a variable approach to SCP. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of overall morbidity, postoperative mortality, anastomotic leak, and readmission rates. Significant improvements included pulmonary complications (odds ratios [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.94) and hospital LOS (OR -3.68, 95% CI -4.49 to -2.87). Previous reports of SCP within esophagectomy programs have demonstrated clinical improvements in postoperative pulmonary complications and LOS. Given the high heterogeneity historically demonstrated within SCPs, further improvement in outcomes should be expected following the adoption of standardized ERAS guidelines.

Risk Prediction Model of 90-Day Mortality After Esophagectomy for Cancer.

Importance: Ninety-day mortality rates after esophagectomy are an indicator of the quality of surgical oncologic management. Accurate risk prediction based on large data sets may aid patients and surgeons in making informed decisions. Objective: To develop and validate a risk prediction model of death within 90 days after esophagectomy for cancer using the International Esodata Study Group (IESG) database, the largest existing prospective, multicenter cohort reporting standardized postoperative outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this diagnostic/prognostic study, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients from 39 institutions in 19 countries between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Patients with esophageal cancer were randomly assigned to development and validation cohorts. A scoring system that predicted death within 90 days based on logistic regression ß coefficients was conducted. A final prognostic score was determined and categorized into homogeneous risk groups that predicted death within 90 days. Calibration and discrimination tests were assessed between cohorts. Exposures: Esophageal resection for cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. Main Outcomes and Measures: All-cause postoperative 90-day mortality. Results: A total of 8403 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.6 [9.0] years; 6641 [79.0%] male) were included. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0% (n = 164), and the 90-day mortality rate was 4.2% (n = 353). Development (n = 4172) and validation (n = 4231) cohorts were randomly assigned. The multiple logistic regression model identified 10 weighted point variables factored into the prognostic score: age, sex, body mass index, performance status, myocardial infarction, connective tissue disease, peripheral vascular disease, liver disease, neoadjuvant treatment, and hospital volume. The prognostic scores were categorized into 5 risk groups: very low risk (score, ≥1; 90-day mortality, 1.8%), low risk (score, 0; 90-day mortality, 3.0%), medium risk (score, -1 to -2; 90-day mortality, 5.8%), high risk (score, -3 to -4: 90-day mortality, 8.9%), and very high risk (score, ≤-5; 90-day mortality, 18.2%). The model was supported by nonsignificance in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64-0.72) in the development cohort and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60-0.69) in the validation cohort. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, on the basis of preoperative variables, the IESG risk prediction model allowed stratification of an individual patient's risk of death within 90 days after esophagectomy. These data suggest that this model can help in the decision-making process when esophageal cancer surgery is being considered and in informed consent.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Esophagectomy: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs provide a format for multidisciplinary care and has been shown to predictably improve short term outcomes associated with surgical procedures. Esophagectomy has historically been associated with significant levels of morbidity and mortality and as a result routine application and audit of ERAS guidelines specifically designed for esophageal resection has significant potential to improve outcomes associated with this complex procedure. METHODS: A team of international experts in the surgical management of esophageal cancer was assembled and the existing literature was identified and reviewed prior to the production of the guidelines. Well established procedure specific components of ERAS were reviewed and updated with changes relevant to esophagectomy. Procedure specific, operative and technical sections were produced utilizing the best current level of evidence. All sections were rated regarding the level of evidence and overall recommendation according to the evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Thirty-nine sections were ultimately produced and assessed for quality of evidence and recommendations. Some sections were completely new to ERAS programs due to the fact that esophagectomy is the first guideline with a thoracic component to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The current ERAS society guidelines should be reviewed and applied in all centers looking to improve outcomes and quality associated with esophageal resection.

Clinical ramifications of giant paraesophageal hernias are underappreciated: making the case for routine surgical repair.

BACKGROUND: We propose that the symptoms associated with paraesophageal hernia (PEH) are more diverse than previously suggested, and symptoms and clinical manifestations correlate to the anatomy of the hernia. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for PEH were reviewed from a prospective, institutional review board-approved, single-center database. Presenting symptoms, anatomy of the PEH, demographics, and outcomes were analyzed from 2000 to 2010. Presenting symptoms were assessed for incidence and improvement after surgery. Size and configuration of the PEH were assessed with respect to presenting symptoms. RESULTS: The study included 270 consecutive patients, 63% were female, and the median age was 70 years (range, 39 to 94 years). The most common presenting symptoms were heartburn in 175 patients (65%), early satiety in 136 patients (50%), chest pain in 130 patients (48%), dyspnea in 130 patients (48%), dysphagia in 129 patients (48%), regurgitation in 128 patients (47%), and anemia in 112 patients (41%). Two hundred sixty-nine patients (99.6%) had at least one symptom; the median number of symptoms was 4 (range, 0 to 10). The type of PEH was II (n=10), III (n=206), and IV (n=54), and the percent intrathoracic stomach was less than 50% (n=33), 50% to 74% (n=86), 75% to 99% (n=55), and 100% (n=96). Paraesophageal hernia type was significantly associated with heartburn (type II/III; p=0.005) and dyspnea (type IV; p=0.007). Significant associations included lower percent intrathoracic stomach with regurgitation (p=0.04); higher percent intrathoracic stomach with early satiety (p=0.02), decreased meal size (p=0.007), and dyspnea (p<0.001); and 50% to 74% intrathoracic stomach with anemia (p=0.001). With a median postoperative follow-up of 103 days, symptoms were subjectively better in patients with dyspnea (67%), early satiety (79%), regurgitation (92%), dysphagia (81%), chest pain (76%), and heartburn (93%). CONCLUSIONS: Paraesophageal hernia is associated with a greater diversity of symptomatic presentation than previously thought. Asymptomatic patients are rare, and size and configuration of the hernia are associated with specific symptoms. Patients with large PEHs should be assessed by an experienced surgeon for elective repair.

Repair of giant paraesophageal hernias routinely produces improvement in respiratory function.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the clinical impact of giant paraesophageal hernias have historically focused on upper gastrointestinal symptoms. This study assesses the effect of paraesophageal hernia repair on respiratory function. METHODS: All patients undergoing repair of giant paraesophageal hernia were prospectively entered into a database approved by the institutional review board. Patients had symptoms documented preoperatively, including dyspnea. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were done preoperatively and repeated a median of 106 days after repair (range, 16-660 days). RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative PFTs were obtained in 120 unselected patients treated for paraesophageal hernia between 2000 and 2010. Patients' median age was 74 years (range, 45-91 years), 74 (62%) were female, and median body mass index was 28.0 (range, 16.8-46.6). Median length of stay was 4 days (range, 3-10 days), and perioperative mortality was zero. Hernias were classified as type II in 3 (3%) patients, III in 92 (77%), and IV in 25 (21%). Percent of intrathoracic stomach was assigned from preoperative contrast studies and grouped as less than 50% (n = 6; 5%), 50% to 74% (n = 35; 29%), 75% to 99% (n = 29; 24%), and 100% (n = 50; 42%). Preoperative symptoms included heartburn 71 (59%), early satiety 65 (54%), dyspnea 63 (52%), chest pain 48 (40%), dysphagia 56 (47%), regurgitation 47 (39%), and anemia 44 (37%). PFTs significantly improved after paraesophageal hernia repair (mean volume change, percent reference change): forced vital capacity +0.30 L,+10.3%pred; FEV(1) +0.23 L,+10.4%pred (all P < .001); diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide +0.58 mL · mm Hg(-1) · min(-1) (P = .004), and +2.9%pred (P = .002). Greater improvements were documented in older patients with significant subjective respiratory symptoms and higher percent of intrathoracic stomach (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Paraesophageal hernia has a significant effect on respiratory function, which is largely underappreciated. This study demonstrates that these repairs can be done safely and supports routine consideration for elective repair; older patients with borderline respiratory function may achieve substantial improvements in their respiratory status and quality of life.

Limb salvage surgery in the excision of a massive fibromatosis.

Fibromatosis is a rare fibroproliferative disorder with a tendency for local infiltrative and destructive growth. Local recurrence is frequent, despite apparent complete resection after radical excision. We present a case of a 22-year-old woman with massive recurrent thoracic fibromatosis extending into the neck and impairing the function of her right upper limb. This required a multidisciplinary approach to surgery to salvage the limb. The case highlights the fact that while every attempt should be made to achieve negative histologic margins, local recurrence is not uncommon. Therefore, if fibromatosis occurs adjacent to or involves vital structures, these should not be sacrificed to achieve negative margins. Function and structure preserving procedures are important as the primary goal, if not even more important.

In an era of health reform: defining cost differences in current esophageal cancer management strategies and assessing the cost of complications.

OBJECTIVE: Outcomes assessing various treatment modalities for esophageal cancer primarily report results in terms of morbidity, mortality, survival, and quality of life. The most appropriate stage-by-stage treatment for esophageal cancer remains controversial. There are limited data outlining the comparative costs of surgical, combined modality and definitive chemoradiation treatments, and added costs associated with complications. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2004, 4 treatment groups were studied: surgery alone, chemotherapy followed by surgery, chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, and chemoradiotherapy alone. Fifteen consecutive patients from each group receiving their entire treatment at Virginia Mason Medical Center were identified. Patient demographics and outcomes were taken from a prospective institutional review board-approved surgical database, and chart review obtained information for neoadjuvant therapy and definitive chemoradiotherapy groups. Treatment-related costs were extracted from Virginia Mason Medical Center's financial data management system between date of diagnosis to 90 days after completion of primary therapy. RESULTS: Treatment groups were similar in age, gender ratio, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, body mass index, and tumor cell type. Costs increased with the number of treatment modalities: surgery alone, $33,517; chemotherapy followed by surgery, $41,875; chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, $47,389; and chemoradiotherapy alone, $46,659. Treatment-related complications were surgery alone, 47%; chemotherapy followed by surgery, 64%; chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, 66%; and chemoradiotherapy alone, 87% (P = .139). Complications increased costs in all groups: surgery alone, 26% (P = .008); chemotherapy followed by surgery, 23% (P = .001); chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, 9% (P = .702); and chemoradiotherapy alone, 19% (P = .248). CONCLUSIONS: Costs vary significantly among treatment approaches: surgery alone costs 80% of chemotherapy and surgery, 71% of chemoradiotherapy and surgery, and 72% of chemoradiotherapy alone. Costs of tri-modality therapy and definitive chemoradiotherapy are similar. Especially in the absence of definitive evidence-based data, these costs should be a factor in the production of future national treatment guidelines. Decreasing costs requires future quality initiatives in esophageal cancer treatment that focus on minimizing complications related to treatment.