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.

The endoscopic management of oesophageal strictures.

An oesophageal stricture refers to a narrowing of the oesophageal lumen, which may be benign or malignant. The cardinal feature is dysphagia, and this may result from intrinsic oesophageal disease or extrinsic compression. Oesophageal strictures can be further classified as simple or complex depending on stricture length, location, diameter, and underlying aetiology. Many endoscopic options are now available for treating oesophageal strictures including dilatation, injectional therapy, stenting, stricturotomy, and ablation. Self-expanding metal stents have revolutionised the palliation of malignant dysphagia, but oesophageal dilatation with balloon or bougienage remains first-line therapy for most benign strictures. The increase in endoscopic and surgical interventions on the oesophagus has seen more benign refractory oesophageal strictures that are difficult to treat, and often require advanced endoscopic techniques. In this review, we provide a practical overview on the evidence-based management of both benign and malignant oesophageal strictures, including a practical algorithm for managing benign refractory strictures.

A novel self-inflatable balloon for treating refractory benign esophageal strictures: a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Current treatments for refractory benign esophageal strictures (BESs) often take several years and have poor effects. The authors propose a novel method of self-help inflatable balloon (SHIB) and evaluate its efficacy and safety. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted from January 2019 to March 2022. All enrolled patients were diagnosed with refractory BESs and received SHIB. The primary endpoint was the clinical success rate at 12 months after removing SHIB. The secondary endpoints were the number of days of placing SHIB, and changes from baseline in BMI and health-related quality of life at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The clinical success rate was 51.2% (21/41) with the median days of placing SHIB being 104.0 days (range: 62.0-134.5 days), which was higher in the endoscopic group compared to the caustic and surgery groups (63.3 vs. 28.6% vs. 0, P=0.025). All patients (100%) showed significant improvement in dysphagia scores during placing SHIB. Although 20 patients (48.8%) experienced recurrent stricture, the median stricture length was decreased (P<0.001) and the median intervention-free interval was prolonged (P<0.001). In all patients, the mean BMI at and health-related quality of life at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly increased compared with baseline (P<0.05). On multivariate analysis, stricture etiology and wearing time were independent predictors of recurrent stricture. CONCLUSIONS: The SHIB has high efficacy and safety in treating refractory BESs of different origins, especially for endoscopic resection. Stricture etiology and wearing time were independent predictors of recurrent stricture.

Self-expandable metallic stents may be more efficient than balloon dilatation alone for esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection: a retrospective cohort study in China.

INTRODUCTION: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) can be used to treat esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), but its efficacy and placement timing remain to be determined. In this study, the treatment time and number of dilatations were compared between the SEMS placement group and the balloon dilatation (BD) group to clarify the efficacy and placement time of SEMSs in the treatment of esophageal stricture after circumferential esophageal ESD. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with esophageal stricture after circumferential ESD between January 2015 and January 2020 were included. Data on the patients' demographic characteristics, esophageal lesion-related factors, esophageal stricture occurrence, and measures taken to treat the stricture were collected. The primary outcome was the treatment time, and the secondary outcome was the number of dilatations. RESULTS: The total number of dilatations was 30 in the SEMS group and 106 in the BD group. The average number of dilatations in the SEMS group (1.76 ± 1.64) was significantly lower than that in the BD group (4.42 ± 5.32) (P = 0.016). Among the patients who underwent SEMS placement first had a shorter treatment time (average 119 days) than those who underwent BD first (average 245 days) (P = 0.041), and the average number of dilatations inpatients who underwent SEMS placement first (0.71 ± 1.07) was significantly lower than that in the patients who underwent BD first (2.5 ± 1.54). CONCLUSION: SEMSs were more efficient in the treatment of esophageal stricture in a cohort of patients after circumferential esophageal ESD.

Balloon dilatation for congenital esophageal stenosis associated with esophageal atresia.

PURPOSE: Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) associated with esophageal atresia (EA) is rare, and no standard treatment has been established. We reviewed cases of EA-associated CES to assess the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes, especially the feasibility of endoscopic dilatation. METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients with EA-associated CES. We also compared treatment outcomes of EA-associated CES with those of EA patients without CES who developed postoperative anastomotic stricture. RESULTS: Among 44 patients with EA, ten had CES (23%). Postoperative complications were not significantly different between EA patients with CES and those without CES but with anastomotic stricture. All CES patients underwent balloon dilatation as initial treatment. Eight of nine patients (89%) were successfully treated by dilatation only, and one patient underwent surgical resection. The median number of balloon dilatations for CES was five (2-17), which was higher than that for anastomotic stricture in patients without CES (p = 0.012). Esophageal perforation occurred in five patients with CES (5/9, 56%) after dilatation, but all perforations were successfully managed conservatively with an uneventful post-dilatation course. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-three percent of patients with EA had CES. Although balloon dilatation for EA-associated CES required multiple treatments and carried a risk of perforation, balloon dilatation showed an 89% success rate and all perforations could be managed conservatively.

Localized Photodynamic Therapy Using a Chlorin e6-Embedded Silicone-Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent as a Palliative Treatment for Malignant Esophageal Strictures.

Localized photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a polymeric-photosensitizer (PS)-embedded, covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS). PDT is minimally invasive and a noteworthy potential alternative for treating esophageal strictures, where surgery is not a viable option. However, preclinical evidence is insufficient, and optimized irradiation energy dose ranges for localized PDT are unclear. Herein, we validated the irradiation energy doses of the SEMS (embedded in a PS using chlorin e6 [Ce6] and covered in silicone) and PDT-induced tissue changes in a rat esophagus. Cytotoxicity and phototoxicity in the Ce6-embedded SEMS piece with laser irradiation were significantly higher than that of the silicone-covered SEMS with or without laser and the Ce6-embedded silicone-covered SEMS without laser groups (all p < 0.001). Moreover, surface morphology, atomic changes, and homogeneous coverage of the Ce6-embedded silicone-covered membrane were confirmed. The ablation range of the porcine liver was proportionally increased with the irradiation dose (all p < 0.001). The ablation region was identified at different irradiation energy doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 J/cm2. The in vivo study in the rat esophagus comprised a control group and 100, 200, and 400 J/cm2 energy-dose groups. Finally, histology and immunohistochemistry (TUNEL and Ki67) confirmed that the optimized Ce6-embedded silicone-covered SEMS with selected irradiation energy doses (200 and 400 J/cm2) effectively damaged the esophageal tissue without ductal perforation. The polymeric PS-embedded silicone-covered SEMS can be easily placed via a minimally invasive approach and represents a promising new approach for the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal strictures.

Anastomotic leaks and the relationship with anastomotic strictures after esophageal atresia surgery; effects of patient characteristics.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the link between anastomotic leaks (AL) and anastomotic strictures (AS) after esophageal atresia surgery and the influence of patient demographics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of neonates who underwent surgical repair for esophageal atresia were retrospectively reviewed. The results of AL treatment and the relationship with AS, also the effects of patient characteristics were examined with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Primary repair was performed on 122 of 125 patients who underwent surgery for esophageal atresia. AL occurred in 25 patients and 21 were treated non-operatively. While 4 patients were re-operated, AL recurred in 3 and led to the death of one. There was no correlation between the development of AL and sex or the presence of additional anomalies. The gestational age and birth weight of patients with AL were significantly higher than those of patients without. AS developed in 45 patients. The mean gestational age was significantly higher in patients who developed AS (p < .001). While the development of AS was significantly higher in patients with AL (p = .001), the number of dilatation sessions needed was also significantly higher in these patients (p = .026). Complications related to anastomosis were less common in patients whose gestational age was ≤33 weeks. CONCLUSION: Non-operative treatment remains effective for AL after esophageal atresia surgery. AL increases the risk of developing AS and significantly increases the number of dilatation sessions needed. Anastomotic complications are less common in patients with lower gestational age.NOVEL ASPECTSGestational age and birth weight were found to be significantly higher in patients with anastomotic leaks than in those without and fewer anastomotic complications were encountered in patients whose gestational age was ≤ 33 weeks.Anastomotic stricture development was significantly higher in patients with anastomotic leaks and the number of dilatation sessions needed for treatment was also significantly higher in these patients.

Short and Medium Term Outcomes of Open and Laparoscopic Assisted Oesophageal Replacement Procedures.

AIM OF THE STUDY: We describe the short- and medium-term outcomes following open and laparoscopic assisted oesophageal replacement surgery in a single tertiary paediatric surgical centre. METHODS: A retrospective review (institutional audit approval no. 3213) on patients who underwent open or laparoscopic-assisted oesophageal replacement (OAR vs. LAR) at our centre between 2002 and 2021 was completed. Data collected (demographics, early complications, stricture formation, need for oesophageal dilatations, and mortality) were analysed using GraphPad Prism v 9.50 and are presented as median (IQR). RESULTS: 71 children (37 male) had oesophageal replacement surgery at a median age of 2.3 years (IQR 4.7 years). 51 were LAR (6 conversions). Replacement conduit was stomach (n = 67), colon (n = 3), or jejunum (n = 1). Most gastric transpositions had a pyloroplasty (46/67) or pyloromyotomy (14/67). Most common pathology was oesophageal atresia (n = 50 including 2 failed transpositions), caustic injury (n = 19 including 3 due to button battery), stricture of unknown cause (n = 1), and megaoesophagus (n = 1). There were 2 (2.8 %) early postoperative deaths at 2 days (major vessel thrombosis), 1 month (systemic sepsis), and one death at 5 years in the community. The rate of postoperative complications were comparable across LAR and OAR including anastomotic leak, pleural effusions, or early strictures. More patients with caustic pathology needed dilatations (60 % vs 30 % in OA, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of open and laparoscopic-assisted oesophageal replacement procedures are comparable in the short and medium term. Anastomotic stricture is higher in those with caustic injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Role of Magnetic Compression Anastomosis in Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia: A Systematic Review.

Background: Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is an alternative technique for patients with long-gap esophageal atresia (EA). It allows for preservation of the native esophagus. We aimed to systematically summarize the current literature on MCA in EA. Methods: Studies where neonates with EA were treated with MCA devices were included, while studies on esophageal stenosis were excluded. All clinical studies, including comparative studies, case series, and case reports, were eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality assessment was performed using a validated tool. Results: Twelve studies with a total of 42 patients were included in this review. There was a wide variation among these studies with regard to the time of initiation of MCA (1 day to 7 months), procedure time (13-320 minutes), and magnet characteristics (strength, size, and shape of the magnets used). The time to achieve anastomosis ranged from 1 to 12 days. Stricture at the anastomotic site was reported in almost all the patients, which required multiple endoscopic dilatations (median no. of dilatations/patient = 9.8). Stent placement for refractory stricture was required in 9 (21%) patients, and surgery for stricture was required in 6 (14%) patients. Long-term outcomes included esophageal dysmotility (n = 3) and recurrent pulmonary infections (n = 3) were reported in only four studies. Conclusion: As per the findings of this review, neonates with long-gap EA undergoing MCA would invariably require multiple sittings of endoscopic dilatations (median no. of dilatations/patient = 9.8). Also, there is a wide variation among the included studies in terms of the procedure of MCA. Future studies with a standardized procedure for achieving MCA are needed to determine additional outcomes in this fragile patient population.

Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Anastomotic Stricture After Repair of Esophageal Atresia.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic strictures (AS) after esophageal atresia (EA) repair are common. While most respond to endoscopic therapy, some become refractory and require surgical intervention, for which the outcomes are not well established. METHODS: All EA children with AS who were treated surgically at two institutions (2011-2022) were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical repair was performed for those with AS that were either refractory to endoscopic therapy or clinically symptomatic and undergoing surgery for another indication. Anastomotic leak, need for repeat stricture resection, and esophageal replacement were considered poor outcomes. RESULTS: 139 patients (median age: 12 months, range 1.5 months-20 years; median weight: 8.1 kg) underwent 148 anastomotic stricture repairs (100 refractory, 48 non-refractory) in the form of stricturoplasty (n = 43), segmental stricture resection with primary anastomosis (n = 96), or stricture resection with a delayed anastomosis after traction-induced lengthening (n = 9). With a median follow-up of 38 months, most children (92%) preserved their esophagus, and the majority (83%) of stricture repairs were free of poor outcomes. Only one anastomotic leak occurred in a non-refractory stricture. Of the refractory stricture repairs (n = 100), 10% developed a leak, 9% required repeat stricture resection, and 13% required esophageal replacement. On multivariable analysis, significant risk factors for any type of poor outcome included anastomotic leak, stricture length, hiatal hernia, and patient's weight. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for refractory AS is associated with inherent yet low morbidity and high rates of esophageal preservation. Surgical repair of non-refractory symptomatic AS at the time of another thoracic operation is associated with excellent outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.