Robotic surgery for the treatment of achalasia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of the robotic approach for achalasia surgery in a tertiary center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with achalasia who underwent robotic surgery between May 2010 and April 2019 were analyzed. The study variables were collected in a prospective database and a descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: 45 patients (55.6% male) with a mean age of 44 years were included. The main symptom at diagnosis was dysphagia. 19 patients (42.2%) received endoscopic treatment prior to surgery, mostly pneumatic dilation (84.2%). Heller's myotomy associated with Toupet fundoplication was the surgical technique of choice, with a mean operative time of 211 min. The average stay was 5 days. There were 2 postoperative perforations (4.4%). Perioperative mortality was 0%. The mean follow-up was 64 months. At 3 and 5 years, a significant decrease in the Eckardt score was observed and the manometric study showed a decrease in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure at rest of 58% and 70%, respectively, with persistence of hypomotility of the esophageal body. Pathological gastroesophageal reflux was diagnosed in two patients (5.4%) and 4 (10.8%) presented recurrence of symptoms, requiring endoscopic pneumatic dilations. In 2 cases, the dilations were not effective, so an endoscopic myotomy was considered. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, robotic surgery is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of achalasia.

Robotic surgery for the treatment of achalasia. / Cirugía robótica en el tratamiento de la acalasia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of the robotic approach for achalasia surgery in a tertiary center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with achalasia who underwent robotic surgery between May 2010 and April 2019 were analyzed. The study variables were collected in a prospective database and a descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: 45 patients (55.6% male) with a mean age of 44 years were included. The main symptom at diagnosis was dysphagia. 19 patients (42.2%) received endoscopic treatment prior to surgery, mostly pneumatic dilation (84.2%). Heller's myotomy associated with Toupet fundoplication was the surgical technique of choice, with a mean operative time of 211minutes. The average stay was 5 days. There were 2 postoperative perforations (4.4%). Perioperative mortality was 0%. The mean follow-up was 64 months. At 3 and 5 years, a significant decrease in the Eckardt score was observed and the manometric study showed a decrease in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure at rest of 58% and 70%, respectively, with persistence of hypomotility of the esophageal body. Pathological gastroesophageal reflux was diagnosed in two patients (5.4%) and 4 (10.8%) presented recurrence of symptoms, requiring endoscopic pneumatic dilations. In 2 cases, the dilations were not effective, so an endoscopic myotomy was considered. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, robotic surgery is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of achalasia.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva y robótica en el tratamiento quirúrgico de las neoplasias de la unión esofagogástrica / Minimally invasive and robotic surgery in the surgical treatment of esophagogastric junction cancer

La cirugía mínimamente invasiva permite el tratamiento de los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica en condiciones de seguridad, reduciendo las complicaciones respiratorias y parietales y mejorando la recuperación postoperatoria, manteniendo además los principios de la cirugía oncológica que permitan obtener unos resultados óptimos de efectividad a largo plazo. Para ello, es necesario un volumen de actividad suficiente y avanzar en la curva de aprendizaje de forma tutelada, para poder garantizar una resección R0 y una linfadenectomía adecuada. La mínima invasión no puede ser un objetivo en sí misma. En caso de gastrectomía total, el riesgo de afectación del margen proximal obliga a verificarlo mediante biopsia intraoperatoria, sin descartar la cirugía abierta de entrada. Por su parte, la esofagectomía mínimamente invasiva se ha ido imponiendo progresivamente. Su principal dificultad, la anastomosis intratorácica, puede realizarse mediante una sutura laterolateral mecánica o manualmente asistida por robot, gracias a la visión tridimensional y a la versatilidad del instrumental

Minimally invasive surgery provides for the treatment of esophagogastric junction tumors under safe conditions, reducing respiratory and abdominal wall complications. Recovery is improved, while maintaining the oncological principles of surgery to obtain an optimal long-term outcome. It is important to have a sufficient volume of activity to progress along the learning curve with close expert supervision in order to guarantee R0 resection and adequate lymphadenectomy. Minimal invasiveness ought not become an objective in itself. Should total gastrectomy be performed, the risk of a positive proximal margin makes intraoperative biopsy compulsory, without ruling out a primary open approach. Meanwhile, minimally invasive esophagectomy has been gaining ground. Its main difficulty, the intrathoracic anastomosis, can be safely carried out either with a mechanical side-to-side suture or a robot-assisted manual suture, thanks to the 3-D vision and versatility of the instruments

Minimally invasive and robotic surgery in the surgical treatment of esophagogastric junction cancer. / Cirugía mínimamente invasiva y robótica en el tratamiento quirúrgico de las neoplasias de la unión esofagogástrica.

Minimally invasive surgery provides for the treatment of esophagogastric junction tumors under safe conditions, reducing respiratory and abdominal wall complications. Recovery is improved, while maintaining the oncological principles of surgery to obtain an optimal long-term outcome. It is important to have a sufficient volume of activity to progress along the learning curve with close expert supervision in order to guarantee R0 resection and adequate lymphadenectomy. Minimal invasiveness ought not become an objective in itself. Should total gastrectomy be performed, the risk of a positive proximal margin makes intraoperative biopsy compulsory, without ruling out a primary open approach. Meanwhile, minimally invasive esophagectomy has been gaining ground. Its main difficulty, the intrathoracic anastomosis, can be safely carried out either with a mechanical side-to-side suture or a robot-assisted manual suture, thanks to the 3-D vision and versatility of the instruments.

Artificial nutritional support in cancer patients after esophagectomy: 11 years of experience.

Esophageal cancer represents a high-risk group of patients. This study determines the association of artificial nutrition with morbidity, mortality, and survival and studies clinical situations that determine the choice between enteral (EN) and parenteral support (PN). This retrospective single-center study compared 2 periods: 1) treatment centered in surgical process with discretionary demand of support, and 2) elective therapeutic and nutritional interventions were systematized. Risks factors that determined use of PN and survival were included in 4 multivariate regression models: 2 logistic, 1 multinomial, and a survival Cox analysis. Significance determined with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 95%; inclusion criteria was P < 0.1. During an 11-yr period, 175 patients were studied. Artificial nutrition consisted of 45 jejunostomy EN, 28 PN, and 102 both. Risk factors that conditioned PN were first period (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.13-5.14), stay in intensive care unit (ICU) >3 days (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 0.93-3.71), and surgical reintervention (OR: 3.83; 95% CI: 0.94-16.95). Risk factors associated with mortality were first period (OR: 22.7; 95% CI: 2.31-172.05), respiratory infection (OR: 11.23; 95% CI: 2.33-55.5) and coloplasty surgery (OR: 13.16; 95% CI: 2.11-83.33). Longer survival was associated with second period (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.38-4.05) and lower neoplasm staging (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.21-1.69). A multidisciplinary management that includes nutritional support of esophagectomized patients is 1 of the factors that improves survival. Protocol implies greater use of EN; PN remains an important nutritional therapy.

Resultados de la esofagectomía por cáncer tras la creación de un Comité de Tumores Esofagogástricos / Surgical outcomes of esophageal cancer resection since the development of an oesophagogastric tumour board

Introducción El tratamiento del cáncer de esófago con pretensión curativa requiere un planteamiento multidisciplinar. La terapia neoadyuvante, la radicalidad de la resección y la extensión de la linfadenectomía pueden incrementar la morbimortalidad postoperatoria. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de esófago desde la creación del Comité de Tumores Esofagogástricos. Método sEstudio retrospectivo (de enero de 2005 a marzo de 2012) de todos los pacientes con cáncer de esófago o de la unión esofagogástrica a los que se les realizó una esofagectomía. Se analizaron el tipo de resección, las complicaciones postoperatorias, la mortalidad y la supervivencia. Resultados: A 100 pacientes de un total de 392 diagnosticados se les realizó una esofagectomía. En 74 casos se administró tratamiento neoadyuvante. Se realizaron 82 esofagectomías transtorácicas en 2 o 3 campos, 10 esofagectomías transhiatales y 8 coloplastias. En 98 pacientes la resección fue R0. Se diagnosticaron 9 dehiscencias anastomóticas intratorácicas y 6 cervicales. La morbilidad global fue del 42% y la mortalidad hospitalaria y a los 90 días fue del 2%. La mediana de la estancia hospitalaria fue de 16 días. La supervivencia actuarial al año es del 82% y a los 5 años, del 56%.ConclusionesEl tratamiento quirúrgico con intención curativa de la neoplasia de esófago solo es posible en una cuarta parte de los pacientes diagnosticados. La elevada morbilidad se debe, sobre todo, a complicaciones torácicas (AU)

Introduction Treatment of oesophageal cancer with curative intent requires a multidisciplinary approach. Neoadjuvant therapy, the radicality of resection and extension of lymphadenectomy have been associated with increased operative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the results of surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer since the presence of an interdisciplinary esophagogastric tumour board. Methods Patients with cancer of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction who underwent oesophagectomy between January 2005 and March 2012 were included in this retrospective study. Data concerning type of resection, postoperative complications, mortality and survival were analysed. Results Of the 392 patients with a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer over the study period, 100 underwent oesophagectomy. Seventy-four patients received neoadjuvant treatment. Eighty-two patients underwent transthoracic resection while a transhiatal was used in 10 patients. Colon interposition was required in 8 cases. An R0 resection was achieved in 98 patients. Anastomotic leaks developed in 15 patients, 9 were intrathoracic and 6 were cervical. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 42% of patients, and intra-hospital and 90-day mortality was 2%. Median length of hospital stay was 16 days. The respective actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years were 82% and 56%.ConclusionsSurgical treatment with curative intention for oesophageal cancer is only possible in a quarter of patients diagnosed. The high morbidity rate was mainly due to intrathoracic complications (AU)

[Surgical outcomes of esophageal cancer resection since the development of an Oesophagogastric Tumour Board]. / Resultados de la esofagectomía por cáncer tras la creación de un Comité de Tumores Esofagogástricos.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of oesophageal cancer with curative intent requires a multidisciplinary approach. Neoadjuvant therapy, the radicality of resection and extension of lymphadenectomy have been associated with increased operative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the results of surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer since the presence of an interdisciplinary esophagogastric tumour board. METHODS: Patients with cancer of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction who underwent oesophagectomy between January 2005 and March 2012 were included in this retrospective study. Data concerning type of resection, postoperative complications, mortality and survival were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 392 patients with a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer over the study period, 100 underwent oesophagectomy. Seventy-four patients received neoadjuvant treatment. Eighty-two patients underwent transthoracic resection while a transhiatal was used in 10 patients. Colon interposition was required in 8 cases. An R0 resection was achieved in 98 patients. Anastomotic leaks developed in 15 patients, 9 were intrathoracic and 6 were cervical. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 42% of patients, and intra-hospital and 90-day mortality was 2%. Median length of hospital stay was 16 days. The respective actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years were 82% and 56%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment with curative intention for oesophageal cancer is only possible in a quarter of patients diagnosed. The high morbidity rate was mainly due to intrathoracic complications.

[Supercharged ileocoloplasty: an option for complex oesophageal reconstructions]. / Ileocoloplastia supercharged: una opción para reconstrucciones esofágicas complejas.

INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal reconstruction in a second time is a complex surgical operation which, in some cases, requires combining microvascular techniques to increase vascular flow to the conduit. "Supercharged" ileocoloplasty allows creation of a longer conduit that makes it possible to replace the entire oesophagus. We describe our initial experience with this technique for the total reconstruction of the oesophagus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the period from October 2007 to December 2009 identified 4 patients on whom a deferred oesophageal reconstruction was performed with a "supercharged" ileocoloplasty. The indications of this technique, morbidity and mortality, as well as functional results during follow up were evaluated. RESULTS: The indications of this technique were: previous failure of a left colon interposition (1), oesophageal disconnection due to a gastro-pleural fistula (1), total oesophagogastrectomy (1) and partial oesophagogastrectomy (1) due to the ingestion of caustic substances, respectively. Gastrointestinal complications were the most frequent. Two cervical fistulas were diagnosed which were resolved with an absolute diet, antibiotic therapy and enteral nutrition. There was no mortality. After a median follow up of 14.7 months, two patients were nourished exclusively by mouth, one by a mixed route (oral-enteral) and another exclusively by the enteral route due to an oesophageal stenosis 11 centimetres from the dental arch; this patient required dilations and is awaiting a jejunal graft. CONCLUSIONS: "Supercharged" ileocoloplasty is a complex treatment option for the total reconstruction of the oesophagus when no other alternatives are available. Postoperative morbidity is significant but the functional results are good.

Ileocoloplastia supercharged: una opción para reconstrucciones esofágicas complejas / Supercharged ileocoloplasty: an option for complex oesophageal reconstructions

Introducción La reconstrucción esofágica en un segundo tiempo es una intervención quirúrgica compleja que, en algunos casos, requiere asociar técnicas microvasculares para aumentar el flujo vascular a la plastia (supercharged). La ileocoloplastia supercharged permite crear una plastia larga que hace posible sustituir la totalidad del esófago. Describimos nuestra experiencia inicial con esta técnica para la reconstrucción de todo el esófago. Material y métodos La revisión retrospectiva del periodo octubre de 2007 a diciembre de 2009 identificó a 4 pacientes a los que se les realizó una reconstrucción esofágica diferida con una ileocoloplastia supercharged. Se evaluaron las indicaciones de esta técnica, la morbilidad y mortalidad, así como, los resultados funcionales durante el seguimiento. Resultados Las indicaciones de esta técnica fueron: fracaso previo de una interposición de colon izquierdo (1), desconexión esofágica por fístula gastropleural (1), esofagogastrectomía total (1) y esofagogastrectomía parcial (1) por ingesta de cáusticos, respectivamente. Las complicaciones digestivas fueron las más frecuentes. Se diagnosticaron dos fístulas cervicales que se resolvieron con dieta absoluta, antibioticoterapia y nutrición enteral. No hubo mortalidad. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 14,7 meses, dos pacientes se nutrían exclusivamente por vía oral, uno por vía mixta (oral-enteral) y otro exclusivamente por vía enteral debido a una estenosis esofágica a 11 centímetros de arcada dentaria; este paciente ha precisado dilataciones y está pendiente de un injerto de yeyuno. Conclusiones La ileocoloplastia supercharged es una opción técnica compleja para reconstruir todo el esófago cuando no se dispone de otras alternativas. La morbilidad postoperatoria es significativa pero los resultados funcionales son buenos (AU)

Introduction Oesophageal reconstruction in a second time is a complex surgical operation which, in some cases, requires combining microvascular techniques to increase vascular flow to the conduit. «Supercharged» ileocoloplasty allows creation of a longer conduit that makes it possible to replace the entire oesophagus. We describe our initial experience with this technique for the total reconstruction of the oesophagus. Material and methods A retrospective review of the period from October 2007 to December 2009 identified 4 patients on whom a deferred oesophageal reconstruction was performed with a «supercharged» ileocoloplasty. The indications of this technique, morbidity and mortality, as well as functional results during follow up were evaluated. Results The indications of this technique were: previous failure of a left colon interposition (1), oesophageal disconnection due to a gastro-pleural fistula (1), total oesophagogastrectomy (1) and partial oesophagogastrectomy (1) due to the ingestion of caustic substances, respectively. Gastrointestinal complications were the most frequent. Two cervical fistulas were diagnosed which were resolved with an absolute diet, antibiotic therapy and enteral nutrition. There was no mortality. After a median follow up of 14.7 months, two patients were nourished exclusively by mouth, one by a mixed route (oral-enteral) and another exclusively by the enteral route due to an oesophageal stenosis 11 centimetres from the dental arch; this patient required dilations and is awaiting a jejunal graft. Conclusions«Supercharged» ileocoloplasty is a complex treatment option for the total reconstruction of the oesophagus when no other alternatives are available. Postoperative morbidity is significant but the functional results are good (AU)

Dehiscencias en las gastroplastias cervicales: ¿es posible disminuir su incidencia? / Dehiscence in cervical gastroplasty: is it possible to reduce its incidence?

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[Second time esophageal reconstruction surgery: coloplasty and gastroplasty]. / Reconstrucción esofágica en un segundo tiempo: coloplastia y gastroplastia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the morbidity and mortality of second time esophageal reconstruction in an Esophagogastric Unit. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Second time esophageal reconstruction surgery with coloplasty and gastroplasty was performed on 20 patients, from January 2001 to October 2006. The morbidity and mortality of each technique has been analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the 16 males and 4 women operated on was 54.3 +/- 17.5 years. The diagnoses at the first surgery were: 7 caustic ingestions, 7 Boerhaave syndrome, 3 iatrogenic perforations, 1 tracheal-esophageal fistula, 1 esophageal-jejunal dehiscence and 1 necrosis of the gastroplasty after transhiatal oesophagectomy. There were 14 (70%) right coloplasties, 4 (20%) left coloplasties and 2 (10%) gastroplasties with gastric conditioning. In 11 of the 20 patients gastroplasty was ruled out due to gastrectomy (8 cases) or previous gastric surgery (3 cases). It was noted on analyzing the morbidity: pleural effusion (65%), respiratory failure (45%), atelectasis (35%) and cervical anastomosis dehiscence (35%). Five patients were re-intervened: 3 due to intra-abdominal sepsis and 2 due to hemoperitoneum. Mortality was 10% (2 cases). In subsequent follow up there was 5% (1 case) of stenosis of the anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal reconstruction technique which in specialist units has an acceptable mortality rate (10%) and an insignificant morbidity. Coloplasty was the technique most used on these patients.

Reconstrucción esofágica en un segundo tiempo: coloplastia y gastroplastia / Second time esophageal reconstruction surgery: coloplasty and gastroplasty

Objetivo. Analizar la morbimortalidad de la reconstrucción esofágica en un segundo tiempo en una unidad de cirugía esofagogástrica. Pacientes y método. Desde enero de 2001 a octubre de 2006 se intervino a 20 pacientes a los que se realizó reconstrucción esofágica en un segundo tiempo con coloplastia o gastroplastia. Se ha analizado retrospectivamente la morbimortalidad de cada técnica. Resultados. Se intervino a 16 varones y 4 mujeres con una media de edad de 54,3 ± 17,5 años. Los diagnósticos de la primera cirugía fueron: 7 por ingesta de cáusticos, 7 por síndrome de Boerhaave, 3 por perforación iatrogénica, 1 por fístula traqueoesofágica, 1 por dehiscencia esofagoyeyunal y 1 por necrosis de la gastroplastia tras esofagectomía transhiatal. Se realizaron 14 (70%) coloplastias derechas, 4 (20%) coloplastias izquierdas y 2 (10%) gastroplastias con acondicionamiento gástrico. En 11 de los 20 pacientes se desestimó la gastroplastia por gastrectomía (8 casos) o cirugía gástrica previa (3 casos). Analizando la morbilidad destacan: derrame pleural (65%), insuficiencia respiratoria (45%), atelectasia (35%) y dehiscencia de anastomosis cervical (35%). Se reintervino a 5 pacientes: 3 por sepsis intraabdominal y 2 por hemoperitoneo. La mortalidad fue del 10% (2 casos). En el seguimiento posterior destaca 1 (5%) caso de estenosis de la anastomosis. Conclusiones. La reconstrucción esofágica es una técnica que en unidades especializadas presenta una mortalidad aceptable (10%) y una morbilidad no despreciable. La coloplastia es la técnica más utilizada en estos pacientes (AU)

Objective. To analyze the morbidity and mortality of second time esophageal reconstruction in an Esophagogastric Unit. Patients and method. Second time esophageal reconstruction surgery with coloplasty and gastroplasty was performed on 20 patients, from January 2001 to October 2006. The morbidity and mortality of each technique has been analyzed retrospectively. Results. The mean age of the 16 males and 4 women operated on was 54.3 ± 17.5 years. The diagnoses at the first surgery were: 7 caustic ingestions, 7 Boerhaave syndrome, 3 iatrogenic perforations, 1 tracheal-esophageal fistula, 1 esophageal-jejunal dehiscence and 1 necrosis of the gastroplasty after transhiatal oesophagectomy. There were 14 (70%) right coloplasties, 4 (20%) left coloplasties and 2 (10%) gastroplasties with gastric conditioning. In 11 of the 20 patients gastroplasty was ruled out due to gastrectomy (8 cases) or previous gastric surgery (3 cases). It was noted on analyzing the morbidity: pleural effusion (65%), respiratory failure (45%), atelectasis (35%) and cervical anastomosis dehiscence (35%). Five patients were re-intervened: 3 due to intra-abdominal sepsis and 2 due to hemoperitoneum. Mortality was 10% (2 cases). In subsequent follow up there was 5% (1 case) of stenosis of the anastomosis. Conclusions. Esophageal reconstruction technique which in specialist units has an acceptable mortality rate (10%) and an insignificant morbidity. Coloplasty was the technique most used on these patients (AU)