What Proportion of Children With Complex Oesophageal Atresia Require Oesophageal Lengthening Procedures?

INTRODUCTION: Babies with oesophageal atresia (OA) who cannot achieve a primary anastomosis (complex OA) may be treated by attempted oesophageal lengthening. We contrast reported outcomes of lengthening with our experience of managing complex OA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series treated in an English regional centre was completed. Outcomes of interest were the rate of retention of the native oesophagus, complications requiring thoracotomy, rates of anastomotic leak, stricture, fundoplication, and mortality. Possible explanatory variables were the surgical techniques applied. RESULTS: 29/215 (13%) OA were complex, and 25/207 survived to repair. 14/25 (56%) had no distal fistula, pure OA, while 11/25 (44%) had a long gap with distal fistula. 18/25 (72%) had delayed primary anastomosis, while 7/25 (28%) required oesophageal replacement. However, 2 of the replacements were salvage procedures following failed traction. Only 4/207 (2%) of OA were potentially treatable by traction. Salvage surgery was required in 2/23 (9%) complex OA not subjected to lengthening. The native oesophagus was retained without utilising lengthening in 200/207 (97%). Amongst complex OA where traction techniques had not been attempted, the native oesophagus was retained in 18/23 (78%) of cases, with median time to oesophageal continuity of 77 days. There was no in hospital mortality following treatment of complex OA, and overall survival was identical to non-complex OA among cases surviving to anastomosis. DISCUSSION: Management of complex OA without lengthening procedures leads a similar rate of retention of the native oesophagus as reports describing lengthening, but with significantly less morbidity. We see little need for oesophageal lengthening in the management of complex OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Gastric Mucosal Viability Assessment Using 99mTcO4 in a Case of Pure Esophageal Atresia After Isoperistaltic Gastric Tube Replacement.

ABSTRACT: Gastric surface mucosal cells are responsible for the uptake and secretion of 99mTcO4, a feature that has been used in imaging heterotopic gastric mucosa. We used the same principle to look for gastric mucosal viability in this case of pure esophageal atresia admitted for cervical stomal closure after a previous isoperistaltic gastric tube (IGT) replacement procedure. 99mTcO4 scintigraphy was done after encountering a failure to maneuver the esophagoscope through the IGT. The study was helpful in assessing the loss of gastric mucosal viability in an intervening segment of the IGT.

Reconstruction of a partial esophageal defect using tunica vaginalis and buccal mucosa autograft: an experimental study in mongrel dogs.

In veterinary clinics, esophageal reconstruction is essential in many clinical situations. In this study, two autografts, the tunica vaginalis (TV) and the buccal mucosa (BM), were proposed to reconstruct a semi-circumferential cervical esophageal defect in dogs. This study aimed to verify whether these two grafts could successfully patch esophageal defects. Twelve male mongrel dogs were divided into two groups. Following cervical esophagoplasty, the defective area was patched with either a TV or a BM graft. Comprehensive clinical, serum biochemical, and histological analyses were performed to evaluate the two grafts. Throughout the study (120 days), the dogs survived the procedure well with minor complications. The lumen of the patched areas was covered with mucosa, with slight scar retraction. Compared with that of the natural esophagus, the average relative luminal diameter was not significantly decreased. Importantly, the measured cortisol and inflammatory marker levels returned to the preoperative levels after 14 days. Although histological examination revealed that both grafts repaired the esophageal defect with complete re-epithelialization, the BM graft showed a histological structure similar to that of the natural esophagus. Both grafts effectively repaired the esophageal defect with minor complications; therefore, both are recommended as promising low-cost clinical alternatives for cervical esophagoplasty in dogs.

The novel application of an emerging device for salvage of primary repair in high-risk complex esophageal atresia.

INTRODUCTION: Preservation of native esophagus is a tenet of esophageal atresia (EA) repair. However, techniques for delayed primary anastomosis are severely limited for surgically and medically complex patients at high-risk for operative repair. We report our initial experience with the novel application of the Connect-EA, an esophageal magnetic compression anastomosis device, for salvage of primary repair in 2 high-risk complex EA patients. Compassionate use was approved by the FDA and treating institutions. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE: Two approaches using the Connect-EA are described - a totally endoscopic approach and a novel hybrid operative approach. To our knowledge, this is the first successful use of a hybrid operative approach with an esophageal magnetic compression device. OUTCOMES: Salvage of delayed primary anastomosis was successful in both patients. The totally endoscopic approach significantly reduced operative time and avoided repeat high-risk operation. The hybrid operative approach salvaged delayed primary anastomosis and avoided cervical esophagostomy. CONCLUSION: The Connect-EA is a novel intervention to achieve delayed primary esophageal repair in complex EA patients with high-risk tissue characteristics and multi-system comorbidities that limit operative repair. We propose a clinical algorithm for use of the totally endoscopic approach and hybrid operative approach for use of the Connect-EA in high-risk complex EA patients.

Resultados de la cirugía de sustitución esofágica con tubo gástrico invertido vía ascenso retroesternal en dos hospitales pediátricos / Results of esophageal substitution surgery with inverted gastric tube via retrosternal lift

Resumen Objetivo: Describir resultados de la cirugía de sustitución esofágica con tubo gástrico invertido, vía ascenso retroesternal en dos hospitales pediátricos durante el período marzo 2015 a marzo 2018. Materiales y Método: Un estudio observacional, transversal, con recolección de datos retrospectivo, donde se incluyeron todos los expedientes de pacientes que presentaban patología del esófago por causa adquirida o congénita que fueron operados de sustitución esofágica con tubo gástrico invertido en dos hospitales pediátricos durante 3 años. Resultados: Encontramos 29 niños sometidos a sustitución esofágica, de los cuales 27 cumplieron criterios de inclusión. La edad comprendida entre 2 y 17 años. El 63% corresponde al sexo femenino. La causa más frecuente de sustitución esofágica es por estenosis esofágica por ingesta caustica (92,59%). El 70% presentó algún tipo de complicación luego de la cirugía. La fístula esofagocutánea es la complicación principal con 33,33%. La permanencia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos es menor de 24 horas en un 74% de los niños. Se inicia la vía oral en casi la mitad de casos entre los 10-12 días de posquirúrgico, la estancia hospitalaria es en promedio 18,5 días. La mortalidad es 3,7%. Conclusión: La sustitución esofágica por tubo gástrico invertido vía ascenso retroesternal, es una técnica comparable en resultados a la interposición de colón. Para los autores, el estómago es un órgano ideal para realizar la reconstrucción esofágica, y sus complicaciones son manejables.

Aim: To describe the results of esophageal replacement surgery with an inverted gastric tube via retrosternal ascent in two pediatric hospitals during the period March 2015 to March 2018. Materials and Method: an observational, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection that included all the records of patients with esophageal discontinuity due to acquired or congenital causes who underwent esophageal replacement surgery with an inverted gastric tube in two pediatric hospitals for 3 years. Results: We found 29 children undergoing esophageal replacement, of which 27 met inclusion criteria. The age between 2 to 17 years. 63% corresponds to the female sex. The most frequent cause of esophageal replacement is esophageal stricture due to caustic ingestion (92.59%). 70% presented some type of complication after surgery. The esophagocutaneous fistula is the main complication with 33.33%. The stay in the intensive care unit is less than 24 hours in 74% of children. The oral route is started in almost half of cases between 10-12 days after surgery; the hospital stay is on average 18.5 days. Mortality is 3.70%. Conclusión: The esophageal substitution by inverted gastric tube via retrosternal ascent is a technique comparable in results to the interposition of the colon. For the authors, the stomach is an ideal organ to perform esophageal reconstruction, and its complications are manageable.

Intraoperative Right Colic Graft Ischemia, Followed by Delayed Oesophagoplasty Including an Ileo-Transverse Anastomosis and the Cervical Revascularisation of the Ileum: Case Report.

The ischemic complications during the isolation of the substituting oesophageal graft placement and after its placement may lead to graft necrosis and to the need to find a different reconstructive procedure. The most frequent reports of graft necroses occur in the days following the reconstruction. We are presenting the case of a 27-y.o. with full dysphagia as a result of caustic stenosis, in whose case the oesophageal reconstruction was abandoned following the irreversible ischemia of the right colic graft during the vascular isolation, followed by right-side hemicolectomy and ileo-transverse anastomosis. 4 years post the ingestion of a caustic substance and 2 years post the right colic graft ischemic necrosis, we performed an oesophageal reconstruction using a pediculated, cervically revascularized, ileo-colic graft on the left colic vessels. The graft's particularity is that is formed from left and transverse colon and ileum portions, including the ileo-transverse anastomosis performed 2 years prior to the oesophageal reconstruction.

Comparación de vía mediastinal posterior versus vía retroesternal para el reemplazo de esófago con ascenso gástrico parcial. Motivo de un cambio de estrategia / Comparison of posterior mediastinal versus retrosternal route for esophageal replacement with partial gastric pull-up. Rationale for a change in strategy

Introducción: existen dos rutas para realizar el reemplazo de esófago (RE), la retroesternal (RRE) y la mediastinal posterior (RMP). El objetivo del estudio es comparar los pacientes que recibieron un ascenso gástrico parcial empleando estas dos rutas. Material y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 51 pacientes con ascenso gástrico parcial, en 27 años en el Hospital Garrahan. Se utilizó la vía RRE en 25 casos y la RMP en 26. Fueron comparados los datos epidemiológicos de los grupos y las variables para valorar la dificultad del acto quirúrgico, evolución inmediata y alejada. El estudio es comparativo, retro-prospectivo y longitudinal. Resultados: las características generales de los pacientes fueron similares. Los que recibieron el ascenso gástrico por vía RMP presentaron una menor incidencia de dehiscencia (p=0,017), de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) (p=0,001) y de dumping (p=0,0001). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos grupos al comparar la duración del procedimiento, días de internación total y en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), días de permanencia en asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM), inicio de alimentación oral y estenosis de la anastomosis. Se observó una tendencia clínicamente relevante, que no alcanzó significancia estadística en las complicaciones intraquirúrgicas y número de dilataciones postoperatorias. No hubo necrosis del ascenso. Fallecieron 2 pacientes. Conclusiones: considerando la menor incidencia de dehiscencia, ERGE y dumping reemplazados por RMP, elegimos a ésta como nuestra primera opción para el reemplazo esofágico en la infancia (AU)

Introduction: The two routes for esophageal replacement (ER) are retrosternal (RRE) and posterior mediastinal (PMR). The aim of the study was to compare patients who received a partial gastric pull-up using either of these two routes. Material and methods: The clinical records of 51 patients who underwent partial gastric pull-up over 27 years at the Garrahan Hospital were reviewed. The RRE route was used in 25 and the RMP in 26 cases. The epidemiological data of the groups and the variables to evaluate the complexity of the surgical procedure, and shortand long-term outcome were compared. A comparative, retroprospective, and longitudinal study was conducted. Results: the general characteristics of the patients were similar. Those who underwent gastric pull-up via PMR had a lower incidence of dehiscence (p=0.017), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (p=0.001), and dumping (p=0.0001). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups when comparing the duration of the procedure, days of total hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, days on mechanical ventilation (MV), initiation of oral feeding and stenosis of the anastomosis. A clinically relevant trend, which did not reach statistical significance, was observed in intraoperative complications and number of postoperative dilatations. There was no necrosis of the pull-up. Two patients died. Conclusions: considering the lower incidence of dehiscence, GERD, and dumping associated with PMR, this was our first choice for esophageal replacement in infancy (AU)

Innominate Arterial Barrier Blocked a 25-Year Substernal Neoesophagus.

A 67-year-old woman underwent esophagogastroduodenectomy, partial jejunectomy, pancreaticojejunostomy, cervical esophagostomy, and feeding jejunostomy at the age of 42 for corrosive necrosis. She underwent esophageal reconstruction using the ileocolon through the substernal route 4 months later. Twenty-five years after esophageal reconstruction, the proximal part of the neoesophagus was obstructed by the innominate artery barrier. She could eat regular diets after revision surgery.

Minimally Invasive "3-Stitch" Modification of the Dor Fundoplication: Simple and Effective.

BACKGROUND: A 180-degree anterior (Dor) fundoplication is usually paired with an esophagogastric myotomy in the surgical treatment of achalasia. The traditional technique, however, is not easily reversible and the execution is variable. This study examined a simplified ''3-stitch'' Dor fundoplication that addressed these challenges and presented the results. METHODS: A prospectively collected, longitudinal surgical achalasia database was queried for patients undergoing a Heller myotomy with '3-stitch 180-degree fundoplication from 2008 to 2019. Preoperative and postoperative Eckardt score, postoperative DeMeester score (24- or 48-hour pH studies), and endoscopic evidence of esophagitis were collected and analyzed to determine the effectiveness and safety of the fundoplication. Length of stay and complications were also considered. RESULTS: The pH testing was performed in 296 patients, with 17% (50 of 296) demonstrating abnormal esophageal acid exposure. Of this group, only 8% (16 of 201) manifested clinical esophagitis on upper endoscopy. A total of 14% (7 of 50) of patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure were symptomatic. Total postoperative Eckhardt scores for this cohort were 3 or lower in 92% of patients, with a dysphagia-specific score of 0 in 92%. The technical details of a modified 180-degree anterior fundoplication are described. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-stitch Dor fundoplication is an effective addition to a minimally invasive Heller myotomy, with good palliation of symptoms and an acceptable rate of acid reflux. The simplified construction anticipates the potential progression of esophageal dysmotility in patients with achalasia, and the modified technique is reproducible and readily teachable.

Reversión del bypass gástrico: indicaciones y resultados quirúrgicos / Gastric bypass reversal: surgical indications and results

Resumen Introducción: Debido a su eficacia en el tratamiento de la obesidad mórbida, el bypass gástrico (BPG) sigue siendo una intervención realizada frecuentemente. Sin embargo, un grupo reducido de pacientes puede desarrollar complicaciones nutricionales y metabólicas que no logran controlarse con un tratamiento médico óptimo. En estos casos, puede ser necesario reestablecer la continuidad del tracto gastrointestinal por medio de la reversión del BPG (R-BPG). Objetivo: Presentar las indicaciones y resultados obtenidos en una serie de pacientes sometidos a una R-BPG. Materiales y Método: Identificación y evaluación retrospectiva de todos los pacientes sometidos a una R-BPG en nuestra institución de manera consecutiva. Se registraron las características demográficas y antropométricas de la cirugía original y al momento de la reversión. Las complicaciones se registraron de acuerdo con la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Se identificaron 7 pacientes en los cuales se realizó una R-BPG. En 2 casos la reversión fue por síndrome de intestino corto, en 3 casos por hipoglicemias severas refractarias a manejo médico y en 2 casos por diarrea crónica. La mediana de edad al momento de la reversión fue de 55 años. La mediana de tiempo desde la cirugía original hasta el momento de la reversión fue de 77 meses. La mediana de estadía hospitalaria fue de 6 días. No hubo complicaciones Clavien-Dindo ≥ III. La R-BPG logró revertir en todos los casos las complicaciones nutricionales y metabólicas. Conclusión: La restauración de la continuidad del tracto gastrointestinal permite el control de las complicaciones nutricionales y metabólicas.

Introduction: Due to its efficacy in the treatment of morbid obesity, roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) continues to be a frequently performed intervention. However, a small group of patients may develop nutritional and metabolic complications that cannot be controlled with optimal medical treatment. In these cases, it may be necessary to reestablish the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract by reversing the RYGB (R-RYGB). Aim: To present the indications and results obtained in a series of patients who underwent to R-RYGB. Materials and Method: Identification and retrospective evaluation of all patients who underwent consecutive R-RYGB in our institution. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the original surgery and at the time of the reversal were recorded. Complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: Seven patients were identified in whom an R-RYGB was performed. In 2 cases the reversal was due to short bowel syndrome, in 3 cases due to severe hypoglycemia refractory to medical treatment and in 2 cases due to chronic diarrhea. The median age at the time of the reversal was 55 years. The median time from primary surgery to reversal was 77 months. The median hospital stay was 6 days. There were no Clavien-Dindo complications ≥ III. The R-RYGB was able to reverse nutritional and metabolic complications in all cases. Conclusion: Restoring the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract allows control of nutritional and metabolic complications.

The Effect of an Interval Training on Skill Retention of High-Complex Low-Volume Minimal Invasive Pediatric Surgery Skills: A Pilot Study.

Background: Current training programs for complex pediatric minimal invasive surgery (MIS) are usually bulk training, consisting of 1- or 2-day courses. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of bulk training versus interval training on the preservation of high-complex, low-volume MIS skills. Materials and Methods: Medical students, without prior surgical experience, were randomly assigned to either a bulk or interval training program for complex MIS (congenital diaphragmatic hernia [CDH] and esophageal atresia [EA] repair). Both groups trained for 5 hours; the bulk group twice within 3 days and the interval groups five times in 3 weeks. Skills retention was assessed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months posttraining, using a composite score (0%-100%) based on the objective parameters tracked by SurgTrac. Results: Seventeen students completed the training sessions (bulk n = 9, interval n = 8) and were assessed accordingly. Retention of the skills for EA repair was significantly better for the interval training group than for the bulk group at 6 weeks (P = .004). However, at 6 months, both groups scored significantly worse than after the training sessions for EA repair (bulk 60 versus 67, P = .176; interval 63 versus 74, P = .028) and CDH repair (bulk 32 versus 67, P = .018; interval 47 versus 62, P = .176). Conclusion: This pilot study suggests superior retention of complex pediatric MIS skills after interval training, during a longer period of time, than bulk training. However, after 6 months, both groups scored significantly worse than after their training, indicating the need for continuous training.

Radiation burden in patients with esophageal atresia: a systematic review.

Esophageal atresia (EA) is the most common congenital esophageal disorder. Radiological imaging facilitates diagnosis, surgical interventions, and follow-up. Despite this, standardized monitoring guidelines are lacking. We aimed to: (1) review the literature regarding radiation burden in children with EA; (2) establish the presence of guidelines for diagnosis and follow-up in children with EA. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA protocol. Two investigators conducted independent searches (PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Review) and data extraction. Analysis focused on pre- and post-operative imaging type and frequency to determine the radiation burden. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria (337 patients). All authors agreed upon the need to minimize radiation burden, recommending symptoms-guided management, use of dosimeters, and non-radiating imaging. One study identified a median 130-fold increase in cumulative lifetime cancer risk in children with EA compared with other babies in the special care unit. The most common investigations were X-ray and CT (pre-operatively), and X-ray and contrast swallow (post-operatively). Standardized guidelines focused upon the frequency and type of radiological imaging for children with EA are lacking. Children with EA are subjected to more radiation exposure than the general population. Implementation of non-radiating imaging (ultrasonography, manometry) is recommended.

Long-term outcome and efficiency of symptom-selective approach to assess gastroesophageal reflux prior to gastrostomy in neurologically impaired children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the necessity of preoperative screening for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) prior to gastrostomy in neurologically impaired children. METHODS: Medical records of neurologically impaired children, who have undergone laparoscopic gastrostomy between January, 2004 and June, 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Before the year of 2014, all patients who required gastrostomy had been routinely screened for GER pre-operatively, but after the year of 2014, only the ones with GER-related symptoms were tested. The characteristics and outcomes of Routine Screening (RS) and Selective Screening (SS) periods were compared. RESULTS: There were 55 and 54 patients in the RS and SS periods, respectively. Demographics, primary pathologies, and mean follow-up durations (> 2 years) were similar. The rate of GER screening was significantly lower in the SS period (29.6% vs. 63.6%). The rate of Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) combined with gastrostomy was significantly lower in the SS period (14.8% vs. 38.2%). During follow-up, the rates of new-onset GER symptoms (13% vs. 11.7%) and LNF requirement later on (6.5% vs. 8.8%) were statistically similar between the two periods. CONCLUSION: Routine screening for GER is not necessary prior to gastrostomy in neurologically impaired children. Symptom-selective screening algorithm is safe and efficient in the long term.

Repair, Reconstruct, or Divert: Fate of the Perforated Esophagus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine differences in esophageal perforation populations undergoing different advanced interventions for perforated esophagus and identify predictors of treatment outcomes. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Contained esophageal perforation can often be managed expectantly, but uncontained perforation is uniformly fatal without invasive intervention. Treatment options for the latter range from simple endoscopic control through advanced intervention. Clinical presentation varies greatly and directs which intervention is most appropriate. METHODS: From 1996 to 2017, 335 patients were treated for esophageal perforation, and 166 for advanced interventions: 74 primary repair with tissue flap (repair), 26 esophagectomy and gastric pull-up (resection), and 66 esophagectomy and immediate diversion with planned delayed reconstruction (resection-diversion). Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, operative outcomes, and survival were abstracted. Pittsburgh Severity Scores (PSS) were retrospectively calculated. Random survival forest analysis was performed for 90-day mortality and competing risks for reconstruction after resection-diversion. RESULTS: Repair and resection patients had lower PSS than resection-diversion patients (3 vs 3 vs 6, respectively). Ninety-day mortality for repair, resection, and resection-diversion was 11% vs 7.7% vs 23%, and 5-year survival was 71% vs 63% vs 47%. Risk of death after resection-diversion was highest within 1 year, but 52% of patients had reconstruction of the upper alimentary tract within 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Several advanced interventions exist for critically ill patients with uncontained esophageal perforation. Repair and organ preservation are always preferred; however, patients at extremes of illness might best be treated with resection-diversion, with the understanding that the competing risk of death may preclude eventual reconstruction.

Role of Wrap-Crural Fixation and Minimal Dissection in Prevention of Transmigration After Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication in Children.

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the gold standard antireflux procedure in pediatric age group. Intrathoracic migration of the fundic wrap is a common cause failure, leading to recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Objectives: To investigate the impact of wrap-crural fixation and minimal esophageal dissection in prevention of wrap transmigration after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in children. Methods: Prospective randomized study of 46 pediatric patients with refractory GERD who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication divided into two equal groups. In Group A, wrap crural fixation was done, whereas in group B no fixation was done. Minimal esophageal dissection with preservation of the phrenoesophageal ligament was done in both groups. Approval of the Ethics Committee of our Faculty was obtained. Results: There was no difference between both groups regarding operative time, intraoperative complications, or length of hospital stay. Two patients in group B without wrap fixation suffered recurrence of GERD symptoms. On contrast study, they both showed intrathoracic wrap migration. One of them was reoperated. Whereas in group A, no recurrence of symptoms and no wrap transmigration were noticed in follow-up. Conclusion: In laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, with minimal esophageal dissection and preservation of the phrenoesophageal ligament, there is no additional benefit from wrap-crural fixation in prevention of wrap transmigration.

Overlap method versus functional method for esophagojejunal reconstruction using totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJ) is a useful method in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) for treating upper-third gastric cancer. The two methods of laparoscopic intracorporeal EJ-functional and overlap-have not been compared side-by-side in terms of safety and feasibility. METHODS: Retrospective review and analysis of the data of 490 consecutive patients who underwent TLTG by either functional method (n = 365) or overlap (n = 125) method for upper- or middle-third gastric cancer was conducted between January, 2011 and May, 2018 at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, the presence of comorbidity, number of comorbidities, clinical T stage, clinical nodal stage, clinical TNM stage, history of previous abdominal surgery, and combined surgery. After PSM, 244 patients were divided into functional method group and overlap method group (n = 122, each). The surgical outcomes and EJ-related complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of early surgical outcomes such as operative time, time to first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, transfusion during surgery, transfusion after surgery, and administration of analgesics. However, the pain score was significantly lower in overlap method group (6.21 ± 1.83) than functional method group (6.97 ± 2.09, p < 0.05). The overlap method was also associated with significantly fewer late complications (3.28% vs. 12.30%; p < 0.05), lower Clavien-Dindo classification grade (p < 0.05), and fewer EJ-related complications (0.82% vs. 6.56%; p < 0.05), as compared with the functional method. CONCLUSION: The overlap method was safer and more feasible than the functional method for TLTG in gastric cancer patients, based on the finding of significantly lower incidence of EJ-related complications.

ERNICA Consensus Conference on the Management of Patients with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia: Perioperative, Surgical, and Long-Term Management.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence supporting best practice for long-gap esophageal atresia is limited. The European Reference Network for Rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) organized a consensus conference on the management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia based on expert opinion referring to the latest literature aiming to provide clear and uniform statements in this respect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four ERNICA representatives from nine European countries participated. The conference was prepared by item generation, item prioritization by online survey, formulation of a final list containing items on perioperative, surgical, and long-term management, and literature review. The 2-day conference was held in Berlin in November 2019. Anonymous voting was conducted via an internet-based system using a 1 to 9 scale. Consensus was defined as ≥75% of those voting scoring 6 to 9. RESULTS: Ninety-seven items were generated. Complete consensus (100%) was achieved on 56 items (58%), e.g., avoidance of a cervical esophagostomy, promotion of sham feeding, details of delayed anastomosis, thoracoscopic pouch mobilization and placement of traction sutures as novel technique, replacement techniques, and follow-up. Consensus ≥75% was achieved on 90 items (93%), e.g., definition of long gap, routine pyloroplasty in gastric transposition, and avoidance of preoperative bougienage to enable delayed anastomosis. Nineteen items (20%), e.g., methods of gap measurement were discussed controversially (range 1-9). CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus conference on the perioperative, surgical, and long-term management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia. Substantial statements regarding esophageal reconstruction or replacement and follow-up were formulated which may contribute to improve patient care.

Outcome of Very Low and Low Birth Weight Infants with Esophageal Atresia: Results of the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry.

INTRODUCTION: The data of the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry (TEAR) was evaluated to define the outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) and low BW (LWB) infants with esophageal atresia (EA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data registered by 24 centers between 2014 and 2018 were evaluated for demographic features, prenatal findings, associated anomalies, surgical treatment, and outcome. Patients were enrolled in three groups according to their BWs (VLBW <1,500 g), LWB = 1,500-2,500 g), and normal BW (NBW; >2,500 g). RESULTS: Among the 389 cases, there were 37 patients (9.5%) in the VLBW group, 165 patients (42.4%) in the LBW group, and 187 patients (48.1%) in the NBW group. Prenatal diagnosis rates were similar among the three groups (29.7, 34.5, and 24.6%, respectively). The standard primary anastomosis was achieved at a significantly higher rate in NWB cases than in the other groups (p < 0.05). In patients with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), patients of the NBW group had significantly higher rates of full oral feedings, when compared with VLBW and LBW cases (p < 0.05). At the end of the first year, when we evaluate all patients, the number of cases with fistula recanalization and esophageal anastomotic strictures (AS) requiring esophageal dilatation was similar among the groups. The weight and height measurements at 6 months and 1 year of age of the survivors were similar in all the groups. The overall mortality rate was significantly higher in the VLBW and LBW groups, when compared with the NBW patients, even in patients with tension-free anastomosis (p < 0.05). The incidence of the associated anomalies was 90.6% in cases with mortality, which was significantly higher than in survivors (59.6%; p < 0.05). According to Spitz's classification, the survival rate was 87.1% in class I, 55.3% in class II, and 16.7% in class III. The most common causes of mortality were associated with cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, and sepsis. CONCLUSION: The national data of TEAR demonstrates that the developmental and feeding parameters are better in NBW patients. Although VLBW patients have higher risk of developing fistula canalization than the LBW and NBW groups, long-term complications, such as anastomotic strictures, weight, and height values, after 1 year are similar in both groups. According to our results, associated anomalies and LBWs are still significant risk factors for mortality in cases with EA.

How to ensure immediate and long-term good blood supply by the careful dissection of the marginal artery and supercharge with neck vessels in esophageal reconstruction with the colon segment interposition: 35 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: Colon interposition for total esophageal replacement cases represents one of the most challenging procedures in surgery. A retrospective study has been conducted and suggestions are proposed according to the analysis of 268 patients who underwent colon interposition for esophageal replacement. Complication rates and the duration of hospital stay were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS: A total of 268 patients were operated between 1984 and 2018. In group 1, 164 patients underwent colon interposition without supercharging with neck vessels and in group 2, 104 patients underwent colon interposition with supercharging. Data regarding flap loss, anastomotic leakage, the duration of hospital stay, and stricture formation in the long-term were statistically analyzed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: The success rate of reconstruction was 98,1% (161 of 164 patients) and 99% (103 of 104 patients) for group 1 and 2, respectively. Early complication (anastomotic leakage) rate was 4,9% in group 1 and 1% in group 2. The differences between two groups regarding flap loss and anastomotic leakage rates were not statistically significant (p = 0,495 and p = 0,077, respectively). The hospital stay was 26,3 days for patients without supercharging (group1) and 20,5 days for patients with supercharging (group 2). In group 1, 6,7% (11/164) of patients had narrowing at the junction of the pharynx and colon; however, in group 2, proximal anastomotic stricture formation was observed in only 1% (1/104) of the patients. The stricture rate was significantly lower in group 2 when compared to group 1 (p = 0,021). CONCLUSION: The careful dissection of the marginal artery and supercharging with neck vessels provide lower complication rates in colon interposition for esophageal reconstruction.

Are Posterior Crural Stitches Necessary in Pediatric Laparoscopic Fundoplication?

Introduction: Minimal esophageal mobilization during laparoscopic fundoplication decreases the rate of wrap transmigration, and previous study has shown that placement of esophageal-crural sutures does not offer any advantages in preventing wrap migration. Our aim was to determine the need for posterior crural sutures during laparoscopic fundoplication. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients >1 month old who underwent a primary laparoscopic fundoplication from 2010 to 2019. Demographic, surgical, and outcome data were recorded. Primary outcome was transmigration of the fundoplication wrap. Analysis was performed using STATA® (StataCorp, College Station, TX); P value <.05 was significant. Results: There were 181 patients included. The median age was 7.2 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.7, 17.0) with 59% being male patients. Sixty-one (34%) patients received posterior crural stitches and 120 (66%) did not receive stitches according to staff preference. The stitch group had a median of 1 (IQR 1, 1) posterior crural stitches placed. There was no difference in the incidence of wrap migration, the number of patients requiring a workup for recurrent symptoms, or reoperation between the two groups (Table 1). A significantly higher percentage of patients in the no-stitch group underwent concurrent procedures; when controlled for this, there was no difference in the median operative time between the groups (P = .18). Conclusion: The placement of crural sutures, including the posterior crural suture, does not prevent wrap migration and may not be necessary for prevention of wrap herniation in pediatric fundoplication.