There is no correlation between a delayed gastric conduit emptying and the occurrence of an anastomotic leakage after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Esophagectomy is the gold standard in the surgical therapy of esophageal cancer. It is either performed thoracoabdominal with a intrathoracic anastomosis or in proximal cancers with a three-incision esophagectomy and cervical reconstruction. Delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) is the most common functional postoperative disorder after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (IL). Pneumonia is significantly more often in patients with DGCE. It remains unclear if DGCE anastomotic leakage (AL) is associated. Aim of our study is to analyze, if AL is more likely to happen in patients with a DGCE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 816 patients were included. All patients have had an IL due to esophageal/esophagogastric-junction cancer between 2013 and 2018 in our center. Intrathoracic esophagogastric end-to-side anastomosis was performed with a circular stapling device. The collective has been divided in two groups depending on the occurrence of DGCE. The diagnosis DGCE was determined by clinical and radiologic criteria in accordance with current international expert consensus. RESULTS: 27.7% of all patients suffered from DGCE postoperatively. Female patients had a significantly higher chance to suffer from DGCE than male patients (34.4% vs. 26.2% vs., p = 0.040). Pneumonia was more common in patients with DGCE (13.7% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.025), furthermore hospitalization was longer in DGCE patients (median 17 days vs. 14d, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of type II anastomotic leakage, (5.8% in both groups DGCE). All patients with ECCG type II AL (n = 47; 5.8%) were treated successfully by endoluminal/endoscopic therapy. The subgroup analysis showed that ASA ≥ III (7.6% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.05) and the histology squamous cell carcinoma (9.8% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of an AL. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that DGCE after IL is a common finding in a standardized collective of patients in a high-volume center. This functional disorder is associated with a higher rate of pneumonia and a prolonged hospital stay. Still, there is no association between DGCE and the occurrence of an AL after esophagectomy. The hypothesis, that an DGCE results in a higher pressure on the anastomosis and therefore to an AL in consequence, can be refuted. DGCE is not a pathogenetic factor for an AL.

Primary anastomosis as a valid alternative for extremely low birth weight infants with spontaneous intestinal perforation.

The aim was to assess the results of primary anastomosis (PA) compared to enterostomy (ES) in infants with spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) and a weight below 1000 g. Between 2014 and 2016, enterostomy was routinely carried out on extremely low birth weight (ELBW) patients with SIP. From 2016 until 2019, all patients underwent anastomosis without stoma formation. We compared outcome and complications in both groups. Forty-two patients with a median gestational age of 24.3 weeks and a birth weight of 640 g with SIP were included. Thirty patients underwent PA; ES was performed in 12 patients. Overall in-hospital mortality was 11.9% (PA: 13.3%, ES: 8.3%). Reoperations due to complications became necessary in 10/30 patients with PA and 4/12 patients with ES. Length of stay was 110.5 days in the PA group and 124 days in the ES group. Median weight at discharge was higher in the PA group (PA: 2258 g, ES: 1880 g, p = .036).Conclusion: Primary anastomosis is a feasible treatment option for SIP in infants < 1000 g and may have a positive impact on weight gain and length of hospitalization. However, further studies on selection criteria for PA are necessary. What is Known: • Enterostomy (ES) and primary anastomosis (PA) are feasible treatment options in preterm infants with spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). • Stomal complications or failure to thrive due to poor food utilization can pose significant problems. What is New: • Primary anastomosis in case of SIP is equal to enterostomy in terms of mortality and revision rate; however, length of stay and weight gain can be presumably positively influenced. • Primary anastomosis is a valid treatment option even for patients weighing less than 1000 g.

Tumour-infiltrating neutrophils counteract anti-VEGF therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Immune infiltration is implicated in the development of acquired resistance to anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. We therefore investigated the correlation between neutrophil infiltration in metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and survival after treatment with bevacizumab. Our study identifies CD177+ tumour neutrophil infiltration as an adverse prognostic factor for bevacizumab treatment. We further demonstrate that a novel anti-VEGF/anti-Ang2 compound (BI-880) can overcome resistance to VEGF inhibition in experimental tumour models. METHODS: A total of 85 metastatic CRC patients were stratified into cohorts that had either received chemotherapy alone (n = 39) or combined with bevacizumab (n = 46). Tumour CD177+ neutrophil infiltration was correlated to clinical outcome. The impact of neutrophil infiltration on anti-VEGF or anti-VEGF/anti-Ang2 therapy was studied in both xenograft and syngeneic tumour models by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The survival of bevacizumab-treated CRC patients in the presence of CD177+ infiltrates was significantly reduced compared to patients harbouring CD177- metastases. BI-880 treatment reduced the development of hypoxia associated with bevacizumab treatment and improved vascular normalisation in xenografts. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion or BI-880 treatment restored treatment sensitivity in a syngeneic tumour model of anti-VEGF resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings implicate CD177 as a biomarker for bevacizumab and suggest VEGF/Ang2 inhibition as a strategy to overcome neutrophil associated resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment.

Elevated X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) expression uncovers detrimental prognosis in subgroups of neoadjuvant treated and T-cell rich esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Molecular markers predicting survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are rare. Specifically, in favorable oncologic situations, e.g. nodal negativity or major neoadjuvant therapy response, there is a lack of additional risk factors that serve to predict patients' outcome more precisely. This study evaluated X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) as a potential marker improving outcome prediction. METHODS: Tissue microarrays from 362 patients that were diagnosed with resectable EAC were included in the study. XIAP was stained by immunohistochemistry and correlated to clinical outcome, molecular markers and markers of the cellular tumor microenvironment. RESULTS: XIAP did not impact on overall survival (OS) in the whole study collective. Subgroup analyses stratifying for common genetic markers (TP53, ERBB2, ARID1A/SWI/SNF) did not disclose any impact of XIAP expression on survival. Detailed subgroup analyses of [1] nodal negative patients, [2] highly T-cell infiltrated tumors and [3] therapy responders to neoadjuvant treatment revealed a significant inverse role of high XIAP expression in these specific oncologic situations; elevated XIAP expression detrimentally affected patients' outcome in these subgroups. [1]: OS XIAP low: 202 months (m) vs. XIAP high: 38 m; [2]: OS 116 m vs. 28.2 m; [3]: OS 31 m vs. 4 m). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest XIAP expression in EAC as a worthy tool to improve outcome prediction in specific oncologic settings that might directly impact on clinical diagnosis and treatment of EAC in the future.

Outcome of Self-Expanding Metal Stents in the Treatment of Anastomotic Leaks After Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal anastomotic leakages after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy are severe and life-threatening complications. We analyzed the outcome of using self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in the treatment of postoperative leakage after esophagogastrostomy. METHODS: Seventy patients with esophageal anastomotic leakage after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer who had received SEMS treatment between January 2006 and December 2015 at our clinic were identified in this retrospective study. The patients were analyzed according to demographic characteristics, risk factors, leakage characteristics, stent characteristics, stent-related complications, sealing success rate and mortality. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period, 70 patients received SEMS as treatment for postoperative anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. Technical success of esophageal stenting in anastomotic leakage was achieved in 50 out of 70 cases (71.4%). Sealing success rate was 70% (n = 49) with a median treatment of 28 days (range 7-87). In 20 patients (28.6%), stent-related complications, such as stenosis, dislocation, leakage persistence, perforation or esophagotracheal fistula occurred after the SEMS treatment. Sixty-one patients (87.1%) survived SEMS treatment of esophagogastric anastomotic leakage. Mean follow-up for all patients was 38 months (IQR 10-76), and no significant difference was found in a comparison of the long-term survival rate between patients with successful and unsuccessful SEMS treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The management of esophageal anastomotic leaks after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with SEMS is effective, safe and technically feasible. Aggressive non-surgical management should be considered when developing a treatment plan for stenting.

Results of endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure device for treatment of upper GI leaks.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal perforations and postoperative leakage of esophagogastrostomies are considered to be life-threatening conditions due to the potential development of mediastinitis and consecutive sepsis. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) techniques, a well-established treatment method for superficial infected wounds, are based on a negative pressure applied to the wound via a vacuum-sealed sponge. Endoluminal VAC (E-VAC) therapy as a treatment for GI leakages in the rectum was introduced in 2008. E-VAC therapy is a novel method, and experience regarding esophageal applications is limited. In this retrospective study, the experience of a high-volume center for upper GI surgery with E-VAC therapy in patients with leaks of the upper GI tract is summarized. To our knowledge, this series presents the largest patient cohort worldwide in a single-center study. METHODS: Between October 2010 and January 2017, 77 patients with defects in the upper gastrointestinal tract were treated using the E-VAC application. Six patients had a spontaneous perforation, 12 patients an iatrogenic injury, and 59 patients a postoperative leakage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. RESULTS: Complete restoration of the esophageal defect was achieved in 60 of 77 patients. The average duration of application was 11.0 days, and a median of 2.75 E-VAC systems were used. For 21 of the 77 patients, E-VAC therapy was combined with the placement of self-expanding metal stents. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that E-VAC therapy provides an additional treatment option for esophageal wall defects. Esophageal defects and mediastinal abscesses can be treated with E-VAC therapy where endoscopic stenting may not be possible. A prospective multi-center study has to be directed to bring evidence to the superiority of E-VAC therapy for patients suffering from upper GI defects.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Direct Puncture Technique: When, Why and How?

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placed in the pull through (PT) technique is a common procedure to restore enteral feeding in patients with swallowing disorders. Limitations of this technique are patients with obstruction of the pharynx or esophagus or with an esophageal stent. We report our experience with the direct puncture (DP) PEG device. METHODS: We included 154 patients (55 women). One hundred forty patients had cancer. After passing the endoscope into the stomach, 4 gastropexies were performed with a gastropexy device and the PEG was placed with the introducer method. After 1 month, the sutures were removed and a constant gastrocutaneous fistula had been created and the new catheter could be placed safely. RESULTS: The DP PEG was successfully placed in all patients. Overall complication rate was 11% (minor: 6%, major: 5%). The most common event was tube dislocation (40 cases). In 5 cases of dislocation, this resulted in a major complication with injuring the gastric wall and the necessity for surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The DP PEG system is safe, and can be used in cases in which a standard PT PEG is not feasible. To avoid dislocation, strict adherence to a post-interventional protocol is highly recommended.

Long-term quality of life after surgery for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: extended gastrectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy?

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction and extended transhiatal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction are alternative procedures in current therapeutic concepts for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). The impact of these operations on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) is incompletely understood. METHODS: Patients with cancer-free survival of at least 24 months after esophagectomy (ESO) or extended gastrectomy (GAST) for AEG were identified from a prospectively maintained database. EORTC questionnaires were sent out to assess health-related general (QLQ-C30) and cancer-specific (OG-25) quality of life. Numeric scores were calculated for each conceptual area and compared with those of healthy reference populations. RESULTS: 123 patients (ESO n = 71; GAST n = 52) completed the self-rated questionnaires. HRQL was consistently lower in surgical patients (GAST and ESO) compared with healthy reference populations. Also, there was a general trend for a better HRQL in GAST compared with ESO patients. This trend was statistically significant for physical function (p = 0.04), dyspnea (p = 0.02), and reflux (p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences between patients with or without prior neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: After mid- and long-term follow-up, HRQL after extended gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction is superior to that after esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction. Improved HRQL after gastrectomy is mainly due to less pulmonary and reflux-related symptoms. Our findings may influence the choice of the surgical strategy for patients with AEG.

Gastric Outlet Obstruction After Esophagectomy: Retrospective Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Postoperative Endoscopic Pyloric Dilatation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy with gastric replacement can pose a significant postoperative problem, often leading to aspiration and pneumonia. The present study analyzes retrospectively the effectiveness of endoscopic pyloric dilatation for post-surgical gastric outlet obstruction. METHODS: Between March 2006 and March 2010, 403 patients underwent a transthoracic en-bloc esophagectomy and reconstruction with a gastric tube and intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy. In patients with postoperative symptoms of an outlet dysfunction and the confirmation by endoscopy, pyloric dilatations were performed without preference with either 20- or 30-mm balloons. RESULTS: A total of 89 balloon dilatations of the pylorus after esophagectomy were performed in 60 (15.6 %) patients. In 21 (35 %) patients, a second dilatation of the pylorus was performed. 55 (61.8 %) dilatations were performed with a 30-mm balloon and 34 (38.2 %) with a 20-mm balloon. The total redilatation rate for the 30-mm balloon was 20 % (n = 11) and 52.9 % (n = 18) for the 20-mm balloon (p < 0.001). All dilatations were performed without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Pylorus spasm contributes to delayed gastric emptying leading to postoperative complications after esophagectomy. Endoscopic pyloric dilatation after esophagectomy is a safe procedure for treatment of gastric outlet obstruction. The use of a 30-mm balloon has the same safety profile but a 2.5 lower redilatation rate compared to the 20-mm balloon. Thus, the use of 20-mm balloons has been abandoned in our clinic.

Effect of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on esophageal motility.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effect of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on esophageal motility is incompletely understood, and any indication for this procedure in patients with motility disorder is disputed in literature. We evaluated the influence of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on impaired esophageal motility. METHODS: In this pathological manometric study, we divided the patients into two groups preoperatively: the hypomotility group (mean amplitude of esophageal contraction wave <40 mm Hg; HYPO group, n = 11) and the normal group (mean amplitude of esophageal contraction wave >40 mm Hg; NORM group, n = 43). The amplitudes of esophageal contraction waves 3 and 8 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter and the percentage of peristaltic contraction waves of the tubular esophagus were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 54 patients with GERD underwent esophageal manometry before and 6 months after Nissen fundoplication. The length and pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter were increased in both groups postoperatively (p < 0.01). Patients in the HYPO group (n = 11) showed a statistically significant increase of mean amplitude of esophageal contraction (32.8 vs. 57.3 mm Hg; p < 0.01), while no change was found in the NORM group (n = 43). A total of 72% of patients with preoperative motility disorder showed normal postoperative manometry. CONCLUSION: Nissen fundoplication normalizes esophageal motility, especially in patients with preoperative hypomotility. Patients with impaired esophageal motility should not per se be excluded from antireflux surgery.

Health-related quality of life after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

PURPOSE: Transthoracic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is a surgical standard therapy for esophageal carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) in mid- and long-term survivors. METHODS: Patients with cancer-free survival of at least 12 months after esophageal resection for cancer were identified from a prospectively maintained database. EORTC questionnaires were sent out to assess health-related general (QLQ-C30) and esophageal cancer-specific (QLQ-OES18) quality of life (QOL). A numeric score was calculated in each conceptual area and compared with reference data. RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven patients completed the self-rated questionnaires. They were 121 men and 26 women with a mean age of 63.4 (21-83) years; median FU was 39 (12-139) months. Global health status, functional scales, and symptom scores were significantly reduced compared with healthy reference populations. Also, there was no significant impact of tumor histology, neoadjuvant treatment, minimally invasive approach, or duration of follow-up on HRQL. However, more than half of the patients reported a HRQL similar to that of the healthy reference population. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the major psychosocial and physiological impacts of the disease, more than 50 % of mid- and long-term survivors of the Ivor Lewis procedure for esophageal cancer have a HRQL similar to that of the healthy reference population.

Short-term outcome of Ivor Lewis esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiation versus perioperative chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma benefit from multimodal therapy concepts including neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT), respectively, perioperative chemotherapy (pCT). However, it remains unclear which treatment is superior concerning postoperative morbidity. METHODS: In this study, we compared the postsurgical survival (30-day/90-day/1-year mortality) (primary endpoint), treatment response, and surgical complications (secondary endpoints) of patients who either received nCRT (CROSS protocol) or pCT (FLOT protocol) due to esophageal/gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Between January 2013 and December 2017, 873 patients underwent Ivor Lewis esophagectomy in our high-volume center. 339 patients received nCRT and 97 underwent pCT. After 1:1 propensity score matching (matching criteria: sex, age, BMI, ASA score, and Charlson score), 97 patients per subgroup were included for analysis. RESULTS: After matching, tumor response (ypT/ypN) did not differ significantly between nCRT and pCT (p = 0.118, respectively, p = 0.174). Residual nodal metastasis occurred more often after pCT (p = 0.001). Postsurgical mortality was comparable within both groups. No patient died within 30 or 90 days after surgery while the 1-year survival rate was 72.2% for nCRT and 68.0% for pCT (p = 0.47). Only grade 3a complications according to Clavien-Dindo were increased after pCT (p = 0.04). There was a trend towards a higher rate of pylorospasm within the pCT group (nCRT: 23.7% versus pCT: 37.1%) (p = 0.061). Multivariate analysis identified pCT, younger age, and Charlson score as independent variables for pylorospasm. CONCLUSION: Both nCRT and pCT are safe and efficient within the multimodal treatment of esophageal/gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. We did not observe differences in postoperative morbidity. However, functional aspects such as gastric emptying might be more frequent after pCT.

Comparison of outcomes between neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) followed by surgery are two standard strategies in treating locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC). We aim to compare NCRT and NCT in the management of locally advanced EC patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and conferences were systematically searched for clinical trials published up to September 2021. Pairwise comparisons and Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) by reporting the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). The study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020170619). FINDINGS: 25 trials with 4563 EC patients met inclusion criteria. NCRT improved OS (HR: 0·72, 95%CrI: 0·63-0·82) and DFS (HR: 0·72, 95%CrI: 0·63-0·81) compared to surgery alone. NCRT improved OS (HR: 0·83, 95%CrI: 0·69-0·99) and DFS (HR: 0·83, 95%CI: 0·69-0·99) compared to NCT. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that both NCRT (HR: 0·77, 95%CrI: 0·65-0·90) and NCT (HR: 0·81, 95%CrI: 0·67-0·99) improved OS than surgery in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. No significant differences were observed between NCRT and NCT regarding OS (HR: 0·95, 95%CrI: 0·75-1·19) and DFS (HR: 0·90, 95%CrI: 0·50-1·62) in ESCC. The short-term outcomes were similar between NCRT and NCT. The three treatment strategies were comparable in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) subpopulations. INTERPRETATION: The study corroborated current guidelines in addressing the importance of analysing EC according to histopathological types. The analysis suggested that in locally advanced ESCC patients, both NCRT and NCT improved OS as compared to surgery alone, whereas no clear evidence supported the optimal strategies between NCRT and NCT. More RCTs comparing different therapeutic strategies in EAC patients are warranted. FUNDING: Köln Fortune Program, University of Cologne.

Palliation of malignant dysphagia with a segmented self-expanding metal stent: A STROBE-compliant article.

ABSTRACT: Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) in different geometric shapes are an established palliative treatment for malignant tumors of the esophagus. Mechanical properties and stent design have an impact on patient comfort, migration rate, and removability. SEMS with a segmented design (segSEMS) have recently become available on the market, promising new biomechanical properties for stent placement in benign and malignant esophageal diseases. In this study, we evaluated recurrent dysphagia, quality of life as well as technical success and complications for segmented SEMS-implantation in a retrospective study in palliative patients with dysphagia caused by malignant tumors of the esophagus.Between May 2017 and December 2018, patients presented to the interdisciplinary department of endoscopy of the University Hospital Cologne underwent segmented SEMS placement for malignant dysphagia. Patient follow-up was evaluated, and complications were monitored. Quality of life and functional improvement were monitored using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OE18.A total of 20 consecutive patients (16 men, 4 women; mean age: 65.5, range: 46-82) participated in the study and were treated with 20 segSEMS in total. The success rate of stent placement was 100%. Stent migration occurred in 3 patients (15.0%). Insertion of segSEMS immediately lead to a 48.0% reduction of dysphagia in the first 2 months (P < .001). Pain while eating (odynophagia) could also be significantly reduced by 39.6% over the first 2 months (P < .001).Implantation of segSEMS is a feasible and effective treatment for dysphagia in palliative patients with malignant tumors of the esophagus, offering immediate relief of symptoms and gain of physical functions.

Characteristics of Early-Onset vs Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Review.

Importance: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (younger than 50 years) is rising globally, the reasons for which are unclear. It appears to represent a unique disease process with different clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics compared with late-onset colorectal cancer. Data on oncological outcomes are limited, and sensitivity to conventional neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy regimens appear to be unknown. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature on early-onset colorectal cancer. Observations: Within the next decade, it is estimated that 1 in 10 colon cancers and 1 in 4 rectal cancers will be diagnosed in adults younger than 50 years. Potential risk factors include a Westernized diet, obesity, antibiotic usage, and alterations in the gut microbiome. Although genetic predisposition plays a role, most cases are sporadic. The full spectrum of germline and somatic sequence variations implicated remains unknown. Younger patients typically present with descending colonic or rectal cancer, advanced disease stage, and unfavorable histopathological features. Despite being more likely to receive neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, patients with early-onset disease demonstrate comparable oncological outcomes with their older counterparts. Conclusions and Relevance: The clinicopathological features, underlying molecular profiles, and drivers of early-onset colorectal cancer differ from those of late-onset disease. Standardized, age-specific preventive, screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies are required to optimize outcomes.

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.

Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with and without laparoscopic conditioning of the gastric conduit.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is still the major surgical complication following transthoracic esophagectomy with intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy (Ivor-Lewis procedure). Modifications of this standard procedure aim to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of a 12-year period, 419 patients who had an Ivor-Lewis (IL) procedure for esophageal carcinoma were included. Due to modifications of the standard procedure, two different groups were compared with respect to their mortality and anastomotic leakage rate. In 181 patients (43.1%), esophagectomy and gastric reconstruction was performed as a one-stage procedure (classical IL group). Two hundred thirty-eight patients (56.9%) underwent a modified IL procedure that included minimally invasive gastric mobilization and a two-stage operation following ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit. RESULTS: The hospital mortality rate was lower in the modified IL group without statistical significance (2.9 vs. 6.1%). Thirty-five anastomotic leaks were diagnosed postoperatively, 17 in the classical IL group (9.4%) and 18 in the modified IL group (7.6%). The rate of late leakages (after the 10th postoperative day) was higher in the modified IL group. Septic complications and mortality following anastomotic leakage were less frequent in the modified IL group. Leaks in the classical IL group predominantly required rethoracotomy, whereas leaks of the modified IL group were sufficiently treated with endoscopic stenting. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical modifications of the classical IL procedure, including a minimally invasive approach and ischemic conditioning of the gastric conduit, seem to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, due to the retrospective design of this study, the impact of other factors influencing the outcome cannot be ruled out.

Interferon-Induced Protein With Multiple Tetratricopeptide Repeats 3 Is Associated With Response to Chemotherapy and Recurrence but Not With Survival.

OBJECTIVES: The interferon-induced protein with multiple tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3) seems to be associated with the prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Here we clarify whether the heterogeneity of IFIT3 expression affects previous IFIT3 analysis. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzes pancreatic cancer tissue samples retrieved by surgery from 2 independent patient cohorts. Patients underwent either primary surgery (n = 72) or received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 12). Immunohistochemistry assessed IFIT3 expression and its heterogeneity. Complementarily, we analyzed publicly available transcriptomic data (n = 903). RESULTS: Of the primarily resected tumors, 16.4% were heterogeneous. Patients with IFIT3-negative tumors did not survive longer compared with patients with IFIT3-positive tumors. An analysis of publicly available data confirmed this result. Patients developing lung metastases had the best prognosis (4.8 years) with significantly lower IFIT3 expression compared with liver metastasis (P = 0.0117). Patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy who are IFIT3 negative had a longer disease-free survival (1.2 vs 0.3 years, P = 0.0081). CONCLUSIONS: Low IFIT3 expression is not associated with longer survival. Divergent results from tissue microarray analyses could be explained with tumor heterogeneity. As a single biomarker, IFIT3 is not suitable for predicting disease prognosis. Recurrence of lung metastases and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are associated with low IFIT3 expression.

Structured Reporting of Solid and Cystic Pancreatic Lesions in CT and MRI: Consensus-Based Structured Report Templates of the German Society of Radiology (DRG). / Strukturierte Befundung von soliden und zystischen Pankreasläsionen im CT und MRT: Konsensus-basierte Befundvorlagen der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft (DRG).

BACKGROUND: Radiological reports of pancreatic lesions are currently widely formulated as free texts. However, for optimal characterization, staging and operation planning, a wide range of information is required but is sometimes not captured comprehensively. Structured reporting offers the potential for improvement in terms of completeness, reproducibility and clarity of interdisciplinary communication. METHOD: Interdisciplinary consensus finding of structured report templates for solid and cystic pancreatic tumors in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with representatives of the German Society of Radiology (DRG), German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV), working group Oncological Imaging (ABO) of the German Cancer Society (DKG) and other radiologists, oncologists and surgeons. RESULTS: Among experts in the field of pancreatic imaging, oncology and pancreatic surgery, as well as in a public online survey, structured report templates were developed by consensus. These templates are available on the DRG homepage under www.befundung.drg.de and will be regularly revised to the current state of scientific knowledge by the participating specialist societies and responsible working groups. CONCLUSION: This article presents structured report templates for solid and cystic pancreatic tumors to improve clinical staging (cTNM, ycTNM) in everyday radiology. KEY POINTS: · Structured report templates offer the potential of optimized radiological reporting with regard to completeness, reproducibility and differential diagnosis.. · This article presents consensus-based, structured reports for solid and cystic pancreatic lesions in CT and MRI.. · These structured reports are available open source on the homepage of the German Society of Radiology (DRG) under www.befundung.drg.de.. CITATION FORMAT: · Persigehl T, Baumhauer M, Baeßler B et al. Structured Reporting of Solid and Cystic Pancreatic Lesions in CT and MRI: Consensus-Based Structured Report Templates of the German Society of Radiology (DRG). Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 641 - 655.

Endoscopic therapy for esophageal perforation or anastomotic leak with a self-expandable metallic stent.

BACKGROUND: Leaks of the esophagus are associated with a high mortality rate and need to be treated as soon as possible. Therapeutic options are surgical repair or resection or conservative management with cessation of oral intake and antibiotic therapy. We evaluated an alternative approach that uses self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS). METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, 31 consecutive patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (n = 9), intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy (n = 16), spontaneous tumor perforation (n = 5), and esophageal ischemia (n = 1) were treated at our institution. All were treated with endoscopic placement of a covered SEMS. Stent removal was performed 4 to 6 weeks after implantation. To exclude continuous esophageal leak after SEMS placement, radiologic examination was performed after stent implantation and removal. RESULTS: SEMS placement was successful in all patients and a postinterventional esophagogram demonstrated full coverage of the leak in 29 patients (92%). In two patients, complete sealing could not be achieved and they were referred to surgical repair. Stent migration was seen in only one patient (3%). After removal, a second stent with larger diameter was placed and no further complication occurred. Two patients died: one due to myocardial infarction and one due to progressive ischemia of the esophagus and small bowl as a consequence of vascular occlusion. Stent removal was performed within 6 weeks, and all patients had radiologic and endoscopic evidence of esophageal healing. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of covered SEMS in patients with esophageal leak or perforation is a safe and feasible alternative to operative treatment and can lower the interventional morbidity rate.