Comparison of robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy versus minimally invasive esophagectomy: A propensity-matched study from a single high-volume institution.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy accounts for a growing proportion of esophagectomies, potentially due to improved technical capabilities simplifying the challenging aspects of standard minimally invasive esophagectomy. However, there is limited evidence directly comparing both operations. The objective is to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy in comparison with the minimally invasive esophagectomy approach for patients with esophageal cancer over a 7-year period at a high-volume center. The primary end points of this study were overall survival and disease-free survival. Secondary end points included operation-specific morbidity, lymph node yield, readmission status, and in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality. METHODS: Patients who underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy or standard minimally invasive esophagectomy over a 7-year period were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Inclusion criteria were patients with stage I to III disease, operations performed past the learning curve, and no evidence of scleroderma or cirrhosis. A 1:3 propensity match (robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy:minimally invasive esophagectomy) for multiple clinical covariates was performed to identify the final study cohort. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the 2 operations. RESULTS: A total of 734 patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy (n = 630) or robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (n = 104) for esophageal cancer were identified. After exclusions and matching, a total cohort of 246 patients undergoing robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (n = 65) or minimally invasive esophagectomy (n = 181) were identified. There was no difference in overall survival (P = .69) or disease-free survival (P = .70). There were no significant differences in rates of major morbidity: pneumonia (17% vs 17%, P = .34), chylothorax (8% vs 9%, P = .95), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (0% vs 1.5%, P = 1), anastomotic leak (5% vs 4%, P = .49), intraoperative complications (9% vs 8%, P = .73), or complete resection rates (99% vs 96%, P = .68). There was no difference in in-hospital (P = .89), 30-day (P = .66) or 90-day mortality (P = .73) between both cohorts. The robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy cohort yielded a higher median lymph node harvest in comparison with the minimally invasive esophagectomy cohort (32 vs 29, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy may improve lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer. Minimally invasive esophagectomy and robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy are otherwise associated with similar mortality, morbidity, and perioperative outcomes. Further prospective study is required to investigate whether improved lymph node resection may translate to improved oncologic outcomes.

Evaluation of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic biopsy of lung lesions performed by a thoracic surgical service.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing use of computed tomography scans for lung cancer screening and surveillance of other cancers, thoracic surgeons are being referred patients with lung lesions for biopsies. Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy-guided lung biopsy is a relatively new technique for bronchoscopic biopsy. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic yields and safety of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy-guided lung biopsy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent an electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy biopsy, performed by a thoracic surgical service, and evaluated its safety and diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: In total, 110 patients (men 46, women 64) underwent electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy sampling of pulmonary lesions (n = 121; median size 27 mm; interquartile range 17-37 mm). There was no procedure-related mortality. Pneumothorax requiring pigtail drainage occurred in 4 patients (3.5%). Ninety-three (76.9%) of the lesions were malignant. Eighty-seven (71.9%) of the 121 lesions had an accurate diagnosis. Accuracy increased with increased lesion size (P = .0578) with a yield of 50% for lesions <2 cm, increasing to 81% for lesions ≥2 cm. The lesions that demonstrated a positive "bronchus sign" had a yield of 87% (45/52) compared with 61% (42/69) in lesions with a negative "bronchus sign" (P = .0359). CONCLUSION: Thoracic surgeons can perform electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy safely, with minimal morbidity and with good diagnostic yields. Accuracy increases with the presence of a bronchus sign and increasing lesion size. Patients with larger tumors and the bronchus sign may be candidates for this approach to biopsy. Further work is required to define the role of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.

State of the Art in Lung Nodule Localization.

Lung nodule and ground-glass opacity localization for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes is often a challenge for thoracic surgeons. While there are several adjuncts and techniques in the surgeon's armamentarium that can be helpful, accurate localization persists as a problem without a perfect solution. The last several decades have seen tremendous improvement in our ability to perform major operations with minimally invasive procedures and resulting lower morbidity. However, technological advances have not been as widely realized for lung nodule localization to complement minimally invasive surgery. This review describes the latest advances in lung nodule localization technology while also demonstrating that more efforts in this area are needed.

Anastomotic complications after esophagectomy: Influence of omentoplasty in propensity-weighted cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: A recent meta-analysis of 3 randomized controlled trials reported reduced incidence and severity of postesophagectomy anastomotic dehiscence with anastomotic omentoplasty. Unfortunately, these trials excluded neoadjuvant patients who received chemoradiation. We aimed to determine whether anastomotic omentoplasty was associated with differential postesophagectomy anastomotic complications after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Data for patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were abstracted (n = 245; 2001-2016; omentoplasty = 147 [60%]). Propensity for omentoplasty was estimated on 21 pretreatment variables, using augmented inverse probability of treatment weights, and used to determine the adjusted proportion of adverse anastomotic outcomes, major morbidity, and 30-day/in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Overall, anastomotic leak rate was 15%; leak-associated mortality was 13% (n = 5 out of 37). Leak rates (omentoplasty n = 24 [16%] vs no omentoplasty n = 13 [13%]; P = .512) and incidence of any major complications (48% vs 48%; P = .958) were similar. Leaks requiring surgical intervention occurred in 12 patients (5% vs 5%; P = .904). Propensity weighting achieved excellent balance across all 21 pretreatment variables (before weighting, standardized differences ranged from -0.23 to 0.35; postweighting standardized differences ranged from -0.09 to 0.07). In propensity-weighted data, omentoplasty was not associated with differential adjusted risk of anastomotic leak (13.2% vs 14.3%; P = .83), major morbidity (27.9% vs 32.6%; P = .44), or mortality (6.7% vs 4.8%; P = .61). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of our sample size and statistical approach, our study failed to find evidence that anastomotic omentoplasty during esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation reduced anastomotic leak rate or need for leak-related reoperation.

Management of Recurrent Paraesophageal Hernia.

Recurrent symptomatic paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) can lead to significant morbidity if untreated. Surgical treatment of recurrent PEH can pose a great challenge. Several different surgical options are available and need to be considered on an individual basis. Before embarking on the repair of a recurrent hernia, a thorough work-up needs to be completed. Although recurrent PEHs have traditionally been repaired through an open approach, a minimally invasive approach can be performed by surgeons with extensive experience in minimally invasive esophageal surgery. Repair of recurrent PEH provides excellent patient satisfaction and symptoms resolution. Routine follow-up with surveillance imaging can assist in treating recurrent symptoms.

Pleural dye marking of lung nodules by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided pleural dye marking is useful to localize small peripheral pulmonary nodules for sublobar resection. OBJECTIVE: To report findings on the use of ENB-guided dye marking among participants in the NAVIGATE study. METHODS: NAVIGATE is a prospective, multicentre, global and observational cohort study of ENB use in patients with lung lesions. The current subgroup report is a prespecified 1-month interim analysis of ENB-guided pleural dye marking in the NAVIGATE United States cohort. RESULTS: The full United States cohort includes 1215 subjects from 29 sites (April 2015 to August 2016). Among those, 23 subjects (24 lesions) from seven sites underwent dye marking in preparation for surgical resection. ENB was conducted for dye marking alone in nine subjects while 14 underwent dye marking concurrent with lung lesion biopsy, lymph node biopsy and/or fiducial marker placement. The median nodule size was 10 mm (range 4-22) and 83.3% were <20 mm in diameter. Most lesions (95.5%) were located in the peripheral third of the lung, at a median of 3.0 mm from the pleura. The median ENB-specific procedure time was 11.5 minutes (range 4-38). The median time from dye marking to resection was 0.5 hours (range 0.3-24). Dye marking was adequate for surgical resection in 91.3%. Surgical biopsies were malignant in 75% (18/24). CONCLUSION: In this study, ENB-guided dye marking to localize lung lesions for surgery was safe, accurate and versatile. More information is needed about surgical practice patterns and the utility of localization procedures.

Factors influencing recurrence following anatomic lung resection for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Anatomic lung resection provides the best opportunity for long-term survival in the setting of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, 20-30% of patients develop recurrent disease following complete (R0) resection for Stage I disease. In the current study, we analyze the impact of patient, surgical and pathologic variables upon recurrence patterns following anatomic lung resection for clinical stage I NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1132 patients (384 segmentectomies, 748 lobectomies) with clinical stage I NSCLC were evaluated. Predictors of recurrence were identified by proportional hazards regression. Differences in recurrence patterns between groups are illustrated by log rank tests applied to Kaplan-Maier estimates. RESULTS: A total of 227 recurrences (20.0%) were recorded at a median follow-up of 36.8 months (65 locoregional, 155 distant). There was no significant difference in recurrence patterns when comparing segmentectomy and lobectomy. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that angiolymphatic invasion, tumor size, tumor grade and the presence of only mild-moderate tumor inflammation were independent predictors of recurrence risk. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence following anatomic lung resection is influenced predominantly by pathological variables (tumor size, tumor grade, angiolymphatic invasion, tumor inflammation). Optimization of surgical margin in relation to tumor size may improve outcomes. Extent of resection (segmentectomy vs. lobectomy) does not appear to have an impact on recurrence-free survival when adequate margins are obtained.

Percutaneous computed tomography-guided biopsy performed by thoracic surgeons in 955 patients: A paradigm shift in image-guided thoracic procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration (CT-FNA) biopsy is a well-established diagnostic technique in the evaluation of lung nodules that is performed by radiologists in most centers. In this series, we analyzed the diagnostic and perioperative outcomes following CT-FNA performed by a dedicated group of thoracic surgeons. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 955 patients undergoing CT-FNA by the thoracic surgery service. Primary outcome variables included diagnostic yield and accuracy, number of needle passes, complication rates, and adequacy of specimen for molecular testing. RESULTS: A satisfactory diagnostic specimen was obtained in 94.1% of cases. The average number of needle passes was 3.2 ± 1.5 (range, 1-10 passes). Diagnostic yield was significantly improved by increasing the number of passes from 1 to 2 to 3 passes (P = .0003). CT-FNA diagnostic accuracy was 88.8%. Diagnostic accuracy did not significantly improve with ≥4 passes (P = .20). Molecular testing was successful in 43.1%, and did not improve with ≥4 passes (P = .5). Molecular testing success did improve with the addition of core needle biopsy (P = .005). The pneumothorax rate for CT-FNA alone was 26.4%, and increased with ≥4 passes (P = .009). The median length of stay for CT-FNA alone was 0 days (range, 0-74 days), with same-day discharge in 67.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic surgeons can perform CT-FNA with excellent diagnostic yield and accuracy. Diagnostic yield, accuracy, and success in molecular testing do not improve with ≥4 CT-FNA passes. Pneumothorax rates do increase with ≥4 passes. The addition of core needle biopsy enhances success with molecular testing.

Mesh cruroplasty in laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias is not associated with better long-term outcomes compared to primary repair.

BACKGROUND: Equipoise still exists regarding routine mesh cruroplasty during laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia (PEH). We aimed to determine whether selective mesh cruroplasty is associated with differences in recurrence and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: We compared symptom outcomes (n = 688) and radiographic recurrences (n = 101; at least 10% [or 2 cm] of stomach above hiatus) for 795 non-emergent PEH repair with fundoplication (n = 106 with mesh). RESULTS: Heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain, and anti-reflux medication use decreased significantly in both groups while postoperative dysphagia (mesh; p = 0.14), and bloating (non-mesh; p = 0.32), were unchanged. Radiographic recurrence rates were similar (15 mesh [22%] versus 86 non-mesh [17%]; p = 0.32; median 27 [IQR 14, 53] months), but was associated with surgical dissatisfaction (13% vs 4%; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Selective mesh cruroplasty was not associated with differences in symptom outcomes or radiographic recurrence rates during laparoscopic PEH repair. Radiographic recurrence was associated with dissatisfaction, emphasizing the need for continued focus on reducing recurrences.

Minimally invasive staging of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world today and the sixth-leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Accurate preoperative staging of esophageal cancer is imperative to the selection of appropriate treatments. Patients with esophageal carcinomas typically undergo a multimodality staging process including noninvasive imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET), as well as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which is slightly more invasive. Minimally invasive surgical staging, with laparoscopy, occasionally in combination with video-assisted thoracoscopy, is used in the staging process at select institutions and has been shown to be more accurate than noninvasive staging modalities. Two major advantages of minimally invasive surgical staging over conventional techniques are the improved assessment of locoregional disease and enhanced identification of distant metastases. These advantages decrease the likelihood that the patient will undergo a nontherapeutic laparotomy. Currently, no clear consensus exists regarding which patients with esophageal cancer would benefit most from the addition of minimally invasive surgical staging. We have, however, found that minimally invasive surgical staging with laparoscopy is particularly valuable in detection of occult distant metastases. In this article, we summarize the staging modalities for esophageal cancer including minimally invasive surgical staging.

Non-Elective Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Portends Worse Outcomes in Comparable Patients: a Propensity-Adjusted Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing non-elective paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) have worse perioperative outcomes. Because they are usually older and sicker, however, these patients may be more prone to adverse events, independent of surgical urgency. Our study aimed to determine whether non-elective PEHR is associated with differential postoperative outcome compared to elective repair, using propensity-score weighting. METHODS: We abstracted data for patients undergoing PEHR (n = 924; non-elective n = 171 (19 %); 1997-2010). Using boosted regression, we generated a propensity-weighted dataset. Odds of 30-day/in-hospital mortality and major complications after non-elective surgery were determined. RESULTS: Patients undergoing non-elective repair were significantly older, had more adverse prognostic factors, and significantly more major complications (38 versus 18 %; p < 0.001) and death (8 versus 1 %; p < 0.001). After propensity weighting, median absolute percentage bias across 28 propensity-score variables improved from 19 % (significant imbalance) to 5.6 % (well-balanced). After adjusting propensity-weighted data for age and comorbidity score, odds of major complications were still nearly two times greater (OR 1.67, CI 1.07-2.61) and mortality nearly three times greater (OR 2.74, CI 0.93-8.1) than for elective repair. CONCLUSIONS: Even after balancing significant differences in baseline characteristics, non-elective PEHR was associated with worse outcomes than elective repair. Symptomatic patients should be referred for elective repair by experienced surgeons.

Cancer Recurrence After Esophagectomy: Impact of Postoperative Infection in Propensity-Matched Cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infection increases cancer recurrence and worsens survival in colorectal cancer, but the relationship for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma after esophagectomy is not well defined. We aimed to determine whether recurrence and survival after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma were influenced by postoperative infection using propensity-matched analysis. METHODS: We abstracted data for 810 patients (1997-2010) and defined exposure as at least 1 in-hospital or 30-day infectious complication (n = 206 [25%]). Using 29 pretreatment/intraoperative variables, patients were propensity-score matched (caliper = 0.05). Time to cancer recurrence and survival (Kaplan-Meier curves and the Breslow test), and associated factors (Cox regression with shared frailty) were assessed. RESULTS: After propensity matching (n = 167 pairs), median bias across propensity-score variables was reduced from 12.9% (p < 0.001) to 4.4% (p = 1.000). Postoperative infection was not associated with rate (n = 60 versus 63; McNemar p = 0.736) or time to recurrence in those in whom disease recurred (median, 10.7 versus 11.1 months; Wilcoxon signed-rank p = 0.455) but was associated with shorter overall survival (n = 124 versus 102 deaths; median, 26 versus 41 months; Breslow p = 0.002). After adjusting for age, body mass index, neoadjuvant therapy, sex, comorbidity score, positive resection margins, pathologic stage, R0 resection, and recurrence, postoperative infection was associated with a 44% greater hazard for death (hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.89). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma, infections after esophagectomy were not associated with an increased rate or earlier time to recurrence when baseline characteristics associated with infection risk were balanced using propensity-score matching. Despite this, overall survival was shorter in patients with infectious complications. After adjusting for other important survival predictors, infections after esophagectomy continued to be independently associated with worse survival.

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy-Guided Dye Marking for Thoracoscopic Resection of Pulmonary Nodules.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography scans are increasingly used not only for lung cancer screening but also for staging and evaluation of other cancers. As a result, more patients with pulmonary nodules, many with subcentimeter lesions, are being referred to thoracic surgeons, some with concern for primary lung neoplasm and others with possible metastatic lung lesions. Obtaining a definitive diagnosis of these lesions is difficult. Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided pleural dye marking followed by thoracoscopic resection is a novel alternative technique for definitive diagnosis. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and our initial experience with ENB-guided dye localization and minimally invasive resection for diagnosis of lung lesions. METHODS: Selected patients with lung lesions underwent ENB-guided dye marking and minimally invasive resection. The primary end points were the rate of nodule localization and definitive diagnosis of the nodule. RESULTS: We performed ENB-guided localization and minimally invasive resection in 29 patients. The median lesion size was 10 mm, with a median distance from pleural surface of 13 mm. The operative mortality was 0%. The median hospital stay was 3 days. The nodule was localized and resected, and a definitive diagnosis was obtained in all patients (29 of 29; 100%). The nodule was neoplastic in 19 patients. All malignant lesions were completely resected with negative microscopic margins. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with ENB-guided dye localization and minimally invasive resection found that the technique was feasible, safe, and successful in the diagnosis of small lung lesions. Thoracic surgeons should further investigate this method and incorporate it into their armamentarium.

Thoracic Esophageal Diverticula: A 15-Year Experience of Minimally Invasive Surgical Management.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic esophageal diverticula are uncommon, and controversies exist regarding their management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a relatively large cohort of patients with thoracic esophageal diverticula treated with minimally invasive surgical techniques. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent minimally invasive surgical treatment for symptomatic esophageal diverticula during a 15-year period. The primary end point was 30-day mortality. In addition, we evaluated the morbidity, improvement in dysphagia (score: 1, best to 5, worst), and quality of life (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life score: 0, best to 50, most symptoms). RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients underwent minimally invasive surgical treatment of symptomatic thoracic esophageal diverticula. The most common symptom was dysphagia (45 of 57; 79%). A motility disorder or distal mechanical obstruction was identified in 49 patients (86%). Approaches used included video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (n = 33), laparoscopy (n = 18), and combined video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and laparoscopy (n = 6). The most common procedure performed was diverticulectomy and myotomy (47 of 57 patients; 82.5%). The 30-day mortality was 0%. There were 4 patients (7%) with postoperative leaks requiring reoperation. During follow-up, the median dysphagia score improved from 3 to 1 (p < 0.001). The median Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life score after surgery was 5 (excellent). CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive surgical approach for the management of thoracic esophageal diverticula is safe and effective during intermediate-term follow-up when performed by surgeons experienced in esophageal surgery and minimally invasive techniques. Further follow-up is required to assess the durability of these results. The optimal approach and procedures performed should be determined on an individualized basis after a thorough investigation.

A propensity-matched analysis comparing survival after primary minimally invasive esophagectomy followed by adjuvant therapy to neoadjuvant therapy for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Prognosis for patients with locally advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EAC) is poor with surgery alone, and adjuvant therapy after open esophagectomy is frequently not tolerated. After minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE); however, earlier return to normal function may render patients better able to receive adjuvant therapy. We examined whether primary MIE followed by adjuvant chemotherapy influenced survival compared with propensity-matched patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: Patients with stage II or higher EAC treated with MIE (N = 375) were identified. Using 30 pretreatment covariates, propensity for assignment to either neoadjuvant followed by MIE (n = 183; 54%) or MIE as primary therapy (n = 156; 46%) was calculated, generating 97 closely matched pairs. Hazard ratios were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, comorbidity, and final pathologic stage. RESULTS: In propensity-matched pairs, adjusted hazard ratio for death did not differ significantly for primary MIE compared with neoadjuvant (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-1.16). Recurrence patterns were similar between groups and 65% of patients with IIb or greater pathologic stage received adjuvant therapy. Clinical staging was inaccurate in 37 out of 105 patients (35%) who underwent primary MIE (n = 18 upstaged and n = 19 downstaged). CONCLUSIONS: Primary MIE followed by adjuvant chemotherapy guided by pathologic findings did not negatively influence survival and allowed for accurate staging compared with clinical staging. Our data suggest that primary MIE in patients with resectable EAC may be a reasonable approach, improving stage-based prognostication and potentially minimizing overtreatment in patients with early stage disease through accurate stage assignments. A randomized controlled trial testing this hypothesis is needed.

Roux-en-Y near esophagojejunostomy for failed antireflux operations: outcomes in more than 100 patients.

BACKGROUND: Intractable gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after antireflux operations presents a challenge-particularly in obese patients and patients with esophageal dysmotility-and increases the complexity of the redo operation. This study evaluated the results of Roux-en-Y near esophagojejunostomy (RNYNEJ) in the management of recurrent GERD after antireflux operations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of overweight patients with intractable GERD who underwent RNYNEJ for failed antireflux operations. We evaluated perioperative outcomes, dysphagia (ranging from 1 = no dysphagia to 5 = unable to swallow saliva), and quality of life (QOL) (assessed using the GERD health-related quality-of-life instrument (HRQOL). RESULTS: Over a 12-year period, 105 patients with body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 underwent RNYNEJ for failed antireflux operations. Most were obese (BMI > 30; 82 patients [78%]); esophageal dysmotility was demonstrated in more than one-third of patients. Forty-eight (46%) patients had multiple antireflux operations before RNYNEJ, and 27 patients had undergone a previous Collis gastroplasty. There was no perioperative mortality. Major complications, including anastomotic leak requiring surgical intervention (n = 3 [2.9%]), were noted in 25 patients (24%).The median length of stay was 6 days. During follow-up (mean, 23.39 months), median BMI decreased from 35 to 27.6 (p < 0.0001), and the mean dysphagia score decreased from 2.9 to 1.5 (p < 0.0001). The median GERD HRQOL score, assessed in a subset of patients, was 9 (classified as excellent). CONCLUSIONS: RNYNEJ for persistent GERD after antireflux operations in appropriately selected patients can be performed safely with good results in experienced centers. RNYNEJ should be considered an important option for the treatment of intractable recurrent symptoms after antireflux operations, particularly in obese patients.

Recurrence and survival outcomes after anatomic segmentectomy versus lobectomy for clinical stage I non-small-cell lung cancer: a propensity-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Although anatomic segmentectomy has been considered a compromised procedure by many surgeons, recent retrospective, single-institution series have demonstrated tumor recurrence and patient survival rates that approximate those achieved by lobectomy. The primary objective of this study was to use propensity score matching to compare outcomes after these anatomic resection approaches for stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective data set including 392 segmentectomy patients and 800 lobectomy patients was used to identify matched segmentectomy and lobectomy cohorts (n = 312 patients per group) using a propensity score matching algorithm that accounted for confounding effects of preoperative patient variables. Primary outcome variables included freedom from recurrence and overall survival. Factors affecting survival were assessed by Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS: Perioperative mortality was 1.2% in the segmentectomy group and 2.5% in the lobectomy group (P = .38). At a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, comparing segmentectomy with lobectomy, no differences were noted in locoregional (5.5% v 5.1%, respectively; P = 1.00), distant (14.8% v 11.6%, respectively; P = .29), or overall recurrence rates (20.2% v 16.7%, respectively; P = .30). Furthermore, when comparing segmentectomy with lobectomy, no significant differences were noted in 5-year freedom from recurrence (70% v 71%, respectively; P = .467) or 5-year survival (54% v 60%, respectively; P = .258). Segmentectomy was not found to be an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.40) or overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.52). CONCLUSION: In this large propensity-matched comparison, lobectomy was associated with modestly increased freedom from recurrence and overall survival, but the differences were not statistically significant. These results will need further validation by prospective, randomized trials (eg, Cancer and Leukemia Group B 140503 trial).

Anatomic segmentectomy and brachytherapy mesh implantation for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

BACKGROUND: Sublobar wedge resection is associated with an increased risk of locoregional recurrence (15-20%) compared with lobectomy for early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have previously shown that the addition of brachytherapy mesh at the time of sublobar resection might decrease the risk of local recurrence in this setting, equivalent to that of lobectomy [Santos et al. Surgery 2003;134:691-7]. In the current study, we evaluated the impact of brachytherapy mesh implantation after formal anatomic segmentectomy on local recurrence rates in the management of clinical stage I NSCLC. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective review of 369 patients undergoing anatomic segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC from 2002 to 2010 with (n = 155) or without (n = 214) the use of I(131) brachytherapy mesh applied over the staple line. The primary end point was local recurrence. Secondary end points included morbidity, mortality, and recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Patients undergoing brachytherapy mesh implantation were older (71.0 vs 69.0 years, P = .03) and had larger tumors (2.3 cm vs 2.0 cm, P = .001) compared with those treated without mesh. There were no differences noted in sex, histology, or tumor stage. Overall mortality was 1.1% (mesh, 0.6%; no mesh 1.4%). Perioperative morbidity was similar in patients receiving mesh (45.8% vs 37.4%, P = .11). At a mean follow-up of 32.9 months, the overall local recurrence rate was 5.4% (mesh: 6.4% vs no mesh: 4.6%, P = .49). Five-year actuarial freedom from local recurrence was 92% in the mesh group, and 90% in patients undergoing segmentectomy without mesh (P = .24). CONCLUSION: It appears that the local recurrence noted with non-anatomic wedge resection is not an equivalent concern when anatomic segmentectomy with adequate margins are obtained. This implies that adjuvant brachytherapy after anatomic segmentectomy is not required for local control, thus avoiding the costs of radiation therapy and its associated potential toxicity. These data also suggest that proper anatomic segmentectomy alone may be associated with local recurrence rates similar to those of anatomic lobectomy in the setting of clinical stage I NSCLC.

A clinical prediction rule for perioperative mortality and major morbidity after laparoscopic giant paraesophageal hernia repair.

OBJECTIVE: In the current era, giant paraesophageal hernia repair by experienced minimally invasive surgeons has excellent perioperative outcomes when performed electively. However, nonelective repair is associated with significantly greater morbidity and mortality, even when performed laparoscopically. We hypothesized that clinical prediction tools using pretreatment variables could be developed that would predict patient-specific risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We assessed 980 patients who underwent giant paraesophageal hernia repair (1997-2010; 80% elective and 97% laparoscopic). We assessed the association between clinical predictor covariates, including demographics, comorbidity, and urgency of operation, and risk for in-hospital or 30-day mortality and major morbidity. By using forward stepwise logistic regression, clinical prediction models for mortality and major morbidity were developed. RESULTS: Urgency of operation was a significant predictor of mortality (elective 1.1% [9/778] vs nonelective 8% [16/199]; P < .001) and major morbidity (elective 18% [143/781] vs nonelective 41% [81/199]; P < .001). The most common adverse outcomes were pulmonary complications (n = 199; 20%). A 4-covariate prediction model consisting of age 80 years or more, urgency of operation, and 2 Charlson comorbidity index variables (congestive heart failure and pulmonary disease) provided discriminatory accuracy for postoperative mortality of 88%. A 5-covariate model (sex, age by decade, urgency of operation, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary disease) for major postoperative morbidity was 68% predictive. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive models using pretreatment patient characteristics can accurately predict mortality and major morbidity after giant paraesophageal hernia repair. After prospective validation, these models could provide patient-specific risk prediction, tailored for individual patient characteristics, and contribute to decision-making regarding surgical intervention.

Outcomes after minimally invasive esophagectomy: review of over 1000 patients.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is a complex operation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to lower morbidity, we have adopted a minimally invasive approach to esophagectomy. OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in a large group of patients. Our secondary objective was to compare the modified McKeown minimally invasive approach (videothoracoscopic surgery, laparoscopy, neck anastomosis [MIE-neck]) with our current approach, a modified Ivor Lewis approach (laparoscopy, videothoracoscopic surgery, chest anastomosis [MIE-chest]). METHODS: We reviewed 1033 consecutive patients undergoing MIE. Elective operation was performed on 1011 patients; 22 patients with nonelective operations were excluded. Patients were stratified by surgical approach and perioperative outcomes analyzed. The primary endpoint studied was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: The MIE-neck was performed in 481 (48%) and MIE-Ivor Lewis in 530 (52%). Patients undergoing MIE-Ivor Lewis were operated in the current era. The median number of lymph nodes resected was 21. The operative mortality was 1.68%. Median length of stay (8 days) and ICU stay (2 days) were similar between the 2 approaches. Mortality rate was 0.9%, and recurrent nerve injury was less frequent in the Ivor Lewis MIE group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MIE in our center resulted in acceptable lymph node resection, postoperative outcomes, and low mortality using either an MIE-neck or an MIE-chest approach. The MIE Ivor Lewis approach was associated with reduced recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and mortality of 0.9% and is now our preferred approach. Minimally invasive esophagectomy can be performed safely, with good results in an experienced center.