Surgical anatomy of the supracarinal esophagus based on a minimally invasive approach: vascular and nervous anatomy and technical steps to resection and lymphadenectomy.

BACKGROUND: During esophageal dissection and lymphadenectomy of the upper mediastinum by thoracoscopy in prone position, we observed a complex anatomy in which we had to resect the esophagus, dissect vessels and nerves, and take down some of these in order to perform a complete lymphadenectomy. In order to improve the quality of the dissection and standardization of the procedure, we describe the surgical anatomy and steps involved in this procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated twenty consecutive and unedited videos of thoracoscopic esophageal resections. We recorded the vascular anatomy of the supracarinal esophagus, lymph node stations and the steps taken in this procedure. The resulting concept was validated in a prospective study including five patients. RESULTS: Seventy percent of patients in the retrospective study had one right bronchial artery (RBA) and two left bronchial arteries (LBA). The RBA was divided at both sides of the esophagus in 18 patients, with preservation of one LBA or at least one esophageal branch in all cases. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified in 18 patients. All patients in the prospective study had one RBA and two LBA, and in four patients the RBA was divided at both sides of the esophagus and preserved one of the LBA. Lymphadenectomy was performed of stations 4R, 4L, 2R and 2L, with a median of 11 resected lymph nodes. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified in four patients. In three patients, only the left recurrent nerve could be identified. Two patients showed palsy of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and one showed neuropraxia of the left vocal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the upper mediastinum and its anatomical variations is important for standardization of an adequate esophageal resection and paratracheal lymphadenectomy with preservation of any vascularization of the trachea, bronchi and the recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Nasogastric decompression following esophagectomy: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Routine use of nasogastric tubes for gastric decompression has been abolished in nearly all types of gastro-intestinal surgery after introduction of enhanced recovery after surgery programs. However, in esophagectomy the routine use of nasogastric decompression is still a matter of debate. To determine the effects of routine nasogastric decompression following esophagectomy compared with early or peroperative removal of the nasogastric tube on pulmonary complications, anastomotic leakage, mortality, and postoperative recovery. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies comparing early or peroperative versus late removal of nasogastric tubes. A total of seven comparative studies were included (n = 608). In two randomized trials, and one retrospective cohort study, peroperative removal of the nasogastric tube was compared with routine nasogastric decompression. In one randomized trial early removal of the nasogastric tube (on postoperative day 2) was compared with removal of the nasogastric tube on the 6th-10th postoperative day. In the remaining three trials a fast-track protocol without a nasogastric tube was compared with conventional care with a nasogastric tube during the first postoperative days. Peroperative or early removal of the nasogastric tube did not result in a significantly different rate of anastomotic leakage, pulmonary complications or mortality in individual studies, nor in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, hospital stay was significantly shorter with peroperative or early removal of the nasogastric tube when all studies were included, but not when the meta-analysis was limited to randomized trials. This systematic review did not find a difference in adverse outcomes between nasogastric decompression or no nasogastric decompression following esophagectomy.

Preserving the pulmonary vagus nerve branches during thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vagus branches are transected as part of a transthoracic esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy for cancer. This may contribute to the development of postoperative pulmonary complications. Studies in which sparing of the pulmonary vagus nerve branches during thoracoscopic esophagectomy is investigated are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the feasibility and pitfalls of sparing pulmonary vagus nerve branches during thoracoscopic esophagectomy. METHODS: In 10 human cadavers, a thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed while sparing the pulmonary vagus nerve branches. The number of intact nerve branches, their distribution over the lung lobes and the number and location of the remaining lymph nodes in the relevant esophageal lymph node stations (7, 10R and 10L) were recorded during microscopic dissection. RESULTS: A median of 9 (range 5-16) right pulmonary vagus nerve branches were spared, of which 4 (0-12) coursed to the right middle/inferior lung lobe. On the left side, 10 (3-12) vagus nerve branches were spared, of which 4 (2-10) coursed to the inferior lobe. In 8 cases, lymph nodes were left behind, at stations 10R and 10L while sparing the vagus nerve branches. Lymph nodes at station 7 were always removed. CONCLUSIONS: Sparing of pulmonary vagus nerve branches during thoracoscopic esophagectomy is feasible. Extra care should be given to the dissection of peribronchial lymph nodes, station 10R and 10L.

Topography and extent of pulmonary vagus nerve supply with respect to transthoracic oesophagectomy.

Pulmonary complications are frequently observed after transthoracic oesophagectomy. These complications may be reduced by sparing the vagus nerve branches to the lung. However, current descriptions of the regional anatomy are insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to provide a highly detailed description of the course of the pulmonary vagus nerve branches. In six fixed adult human cadavers, bilateral microscopic dissection of the vagus nerve branches to the lungs was performed. The level of branching and the number, calibre and distribution of nerve branches were described. Nerve fibres were identified using neurofilament immunohistochemistry, and the nerve calibre was measured using computerized image analysis. Both lungs were supplied by a predominant posterior and a smaller anterior nerve plexus. The right lung was supplied by 13 (10-18) posterior and 3 (2-3) anterior branches containing 77% (62-100%) and 23% (0-38%) of the lung nerve supply, respectively. The left lung was supplied by a median of 12 (8-13) posterior and 3 (2-4) anterior branches containing 74% (60-84%) and 26% (16-40%) of the left lung nerve supply, respectively. During transthoracic oesophagectomy with en bloc lymphadenectomy and transection of the vagus nerves at the level of the azygos vein, 68-100% of the right lung nerve supply and 86-100% of the inferior left lung lobe nerve supply were severed. When vagotomy was performed distally to the last large pulmonary branch, 0-8% and 0-13% of the nerve branches to the right middle/inferior lobes and left inferior lobe, respectively, were lost. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed description of the extensive pulmonary nerve supply provided by the vagus nerves. During oesophagectomy, extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy denervates the lung to a great extent; however, this can be prevented by performing the vagotomy distal to the caudalmost large pulmonary branch. Further research is required to determine the feasibility of sparing the pulmonary vagus nerve branches without compromising the completeness of lymphadenectomy.

A new concept of the anatomy of the thoracic oesophagus: the meso-oesophagus. Observational study during thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: During thoracoscopic oesophageal surgery, we observed not previously described fascia-like structures. Description of similar structures in rectal cancer surgery was of paramount importance in improving the quality of resection. Therefore, we aimed to describe a new comprehensive concept of the surgical anatomy of the thoracic oesophagus with definition of the meso-oesophagus. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 35 consecutive unedited videos of thoracoscopic oesophageal resections for cancer, to determine the surgical anatomy of the oesophageal fascia's vessels and lymphatic drainage. The resulting concept was validated in a prospective study, including 20 patients at three different centres. Additional confirmation was sought by a histologic study of a cadaver's thorax. RESULTS: A thin layer of connective tissue around the infracarinal oesophagus, involving the lymph nodes at the level of the carina, was observed during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in 32 of the 35 patients included in the retrospective study and in 19 of the 20 patients included in the prospective study. A thick fascia-like structure from the upper thoracic aperture to the lower thoracic aperture was visualized in all patients. This fascia is encountered between the descending aorta and left aspect of the infracarinal oesophagus. Above the carina it expands on both sides of the oesophagus to lateral mediastinal structures. This fascia contains oesophageal vessels, lymph vessels and nodes and nerves. The histologic study confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Here we described the concept of the "meso-oesophagus". Applying the description of the meso-oesophagus will create a better understanding of the oesophageal anatomy, leading to more adequate and reproducible surgery.

The effect of perioperative administration of glucocorticoids on pulmonary complications after transthoracic oesophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Severe pulmonary complications occur frequently following transthoracic oesophagectomy. An exaggerated immunological response is probably a main driving factor, and this might be prevented by perioperative administration of a glucocorticoid. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical benefits and harms of perioperative glucocorticoid during transthoracic oesophagectomy, using pulmonary complications as the primary outcome. Mortality, anastomotic leakage rate and infection were secondary outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of interventional trials with a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: The search retrieved seven RCTs and four interventional nonrandomised studies. In total, 367 patients received perioperative glucocorticoid and 415 patients did not. A meta-analysis of the RCTs showed no significant effect of glucocorticoid. For pulmonary complications, the pooled risk ratio was 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26 to 1.79], for anastomotic leakage 0.61 (95% CI 0.23 to 1.61) and for infections 1.09 (95% CI 0.41 to 2.93). A subgroup analysis of RCTs that used weight-dependent dosing within 30 min preoperatively showed a pooled risk ratio of 0.28 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.77) for pulmonary complications compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, perioperative administration of glucocorticoid did not affect the risk of pulmonary complications after transthoracic oesophagectomy, nor did it cause adverse effects. A subgroup analysis showed that a weight-dependent dose of methylprednisolone 10 to 30 mg kg within 30 min preoperatively might be the most promising dosing regimen for further research.

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy versus open total gastrectomy for cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The possible advantages of laparoscopic (assisted) total gastrectomy (LTG) versus open total gastrectomy (OTG) have not been reviewed systematically. The aim of this study was to systematically review the short-term outcomes of LTG versus OTG in the treatment of gastric cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted. All original studies comparing LTG with OTG were included for critical appraisal. Data describing short-term outcomes were pooled and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of eight original studies that compared LTG (n = 314) with OTG (n = 384) in patients with gastric cancer fulfilled quality criteria and were selected for review and meta-analysis. LTG compared with OTG was associated with a significant reduction of intraoperative blood loss (weighted mean difference = 227.6 ml; 95 % CI 144.3-310.9; p < 0.001), a reduced risk of postoperative complications (risk ratio = 0.51; 95 % CI 0.33-0.77), and shorter hospital stay (weighted mean difference 4.0 = days; 95 % CI 1.4-6.5; p < 0.001). These benefits were at the cost of longer operative time (weighted mean difference = 55.5 min; 95 % CI 24.8-86.2; p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality rates were comparable for LTG (0.9 %) and OTG (1.8 %) (risk ratio = 0.68; 95 % CI 0.20-2.36). CONCLUSION: LTG shows better short term outcomes compared with OTG in eligible patients with gastric cancer. Future studies should evaluate 30- and 60-day mortality, radicality of resection, and long-term follow-up in LTG versus OTG, preferably in randomized trials.

Use of ileostomy versus colostomy as a bridge to surgery in left-sided obstructive colon cancer: retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer causes the majority of large bowel obstructions and surgical resection remains the gold standard for curative treatment. There is evidence that a deviating stoma as a bridge to surgery can reduce postoperative mortality rate; however, the optimal stoma type is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between ileostomy and colostomy as a bridge to surgery in left-sided obstructive colon cancer. METHODS: This was a national, retrospective population-based cohort study with 75 contributing hospitals. Patients with radiological left-sided obstructive colon cancer between 2009 and 2016, where a deviating stoma was used as a bridge to surgery, were included. Exclusion criteria were palliative treatment intent, perforation at presentation, emergency resection, and multivisceral resection. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients underwent a deviating stoma; 41 (12.7 per cent) ileostomies and 280 (87.2 per cent) colostomies. The ileostomy group had longer length of stay (median 13 (interquartile range (i.q.r.) 10-16) versus 9 (i.q.r. 6-14) days, P = 0.003) and more nutritional support during the bridging interval. Both groups showed similar complication rates in the bridging interval and after primary resection, including anastomotic leakage. Stoma reversal during resection was more common in the colostomy group (9 (22.0 per cent) versus 129 (46.1 per cent) for ileostomy and colostomy respectively, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that patients having a colostomy as a bridge to surgery in left-sided obstructive colon cancer had a shorter length of stay and lower need for nutritional support. No difference in postoperative complications were found.

Exploring the Modulatory Effect of High-Fat Nutrition on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Vagotomized Rats and the Role of the Vagus Nerve.

During esophagectomy, the vagus nerve is transected, which may add to the development of postoperative complications. The vagus nerve has been shown to attenuate inflammation and can be activated by a high-fat nutrition via the release of acetylcholine. This binds to α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) and inhibits α7nAChR-expressing inflammatory cells. This study investigates the role of the vagus nerve and the effect of high-fat nutrition on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in rats. Firstly, 48 rats were randomized in 4 groups as follows: sham (sparing vagus nerve), abdominal (selective) vagotomy, cervical vagotomy and cervical vagotomy with an α7nAChR-agonist. Secondly, 24 rats were randomized in 3 groups as follows: sham, sham with an α7nAChR-antagonist and cervical vagotomy with an α7nAChR-antagonist. Finally, 24 rats were randomized in 3 groups as follows: fasting, high-fat nutrition before sham and high-fat nutrition before selective vagotomy. Abdominal (selective) vagotomy did not impact histopathological lung injury (LIS) compared with the control (sham) group (p > 0.999). There was a trend in aggravation of LIS after cervical vagotomy (p = 0.051), even after an α7nAChR-agonist (p = 0.090). Cervical vagotomy with an α7nAChR-antagonist aggravated lung injury (p = 0.004). Furthermore, cervical vagotomy increased macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and negatively impacted pulmonary function. Other inflammatory cells, TNF-α and IL-6, in the BALF and serum were unaffected. High-fat nutrition reduced LIS after sham (p = 0.012) and selective vagotomy (p = 0.002) compared to fasting. vagotomy. This study underlines the role of the vagus nerve in lung injury and shows that vagus nerve stimulation using high-fat nutrition is effective in reducing lung injury, even after selective vagotomy.

Long-Term Survival Associated with Direct Oral Feeding Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial (NUTRIENT II).

Advancements in perioperative care have improved postoperative morbidity and recovery after esophagectomy. The direct start of oral intake can also enhance short-term outcomes following minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-IL). Subsequently, short-term outcomes may affect long-term survival. This planned sub-study of the NUTRIENT II trial, a multicenter randomized controlled trial, investigated the long-term survival of direct versus delayed oral feeding following MIE-IL. The outcomes included 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and the influence of complications and caloric intake on OS. After excluding cases of 90-day mortality, 145 participants were analyzed. Of these, 63 patients (43.4%) received direct oral feeding. At 3 years, OS was significantly better in the direct oral feeding group (p = 0.027), but not at 5 years (p = 0.115). Moreover, 5-year DFS was significantly better in the direct oral feeding group (p = 0.047) and a trend towards improved DFS was shown at 3 years (p = 0.079). Postoperative complications and caloric intake on day 5 did not impact OS. The results of this study show a tendency of improved 3-year OS and 5-year DFS, suggesting a potential long-term survival benefit in patients receiving direct oral feeding after esophagectomy. However, the findings should be further explored in larger future trials.

Reducing pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for cancer.

The cornerstone of curative care for esophageal cancer is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy with a radical lymphadenectomy. An esophagectomy is a major and complex surgical procedure and is often followed by postoperative morbidity, especially pulmonary complications. These complications may lead to an increase in hospital stay, intensive care unit admission rate and mortality. Therefore, perioperative strategies to reduce these complications have been investigated and implemented in clinical practice. In this review we highlight the influence of minimally invasive surgery, postoperative pain management, early identification of complications and the usage of uniform definitions on (pulmonary) complications after esophagectomy. Finally, we will discuss some future perspectives.

The anatomy of the thoracic duct at the level of the diaphragm: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Injury and subsequent leakage of unrecognized thoracic duct tributaries during transthoracic esophagectomy may lead to chylothorax. Therefore, we hypothesized that thoracic duct anatomy at the diaphragm is more complex than currently recognized and aimed to provide a detailed description of the anatomy of the thoracic duct at the diaphragm. BASIC PROCEDURES: The thoracic duct and its tributaries were dissected in 7 (2 male and 5 female) embalmed human cadavers. The level of origin of the thoracic duct and the points where tributaries entered the thoracic duct were measured using landmarks easily identified during surgery: the aortic and esophageal hiatus and the arch of the azygos vein. MAIN FINDINGS: The thoracic duct was formed in the thoracic cavity by the union of multiple abdominal tributaries in 6 cadavers. In 3 cadavers partially duplicated systems were present that communicated with interductal branches. The thoracic duct was formed by a median of 3 (IQR: 3-5) abdominal tributaries merging 8.3cm (IQR: 7.3-9.3cm) above the aortic hiatus, 1.8cm (IQR: -0.4 to 2.4cm) above the esophageal hiatus, and 12.3cm (IQR: 14.0 to -11.0cm) below the arch of the azygos vein. CONCLUSION: This study challenges the paradigm that abdominal lymphatics join in the abdomen to pass the diaphragm as a single thoracic duct. In this study, this occurred in 1/7 cadavers. Although small, the results of this series suggest that the formation of the thoracic duct above the diaphragm is more common than previously thought. This knowledge may be vital to prevent and treat post-operative chyle leakage.

Effect of Early vs Late Start of Oral Intake on Anastomotic Leakage Following Elective Lower Intestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of early enteral nutrition (EN) on anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery. Early oral intake is a common form of early EN with various clinical benefits, but the effect on anastomotic leakage is unclear. This systematic review investigates the effect of early vs late start of oral intake on anastomotic leakage following lower intestinal surgery. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases. Randomized controlled trials were included that compared early (within 24 hours) vs late start of oral intake following elective surgery of the small bowel, colon, or rectum. Meta-analysis was performed for anastomotic leakage, overall complications, length of stay, and mortality. Sensitivity analysis was performed in which studies of inferior methodological quality were excluded. RESULTS: Nine studies including 879 patients met eligibility criteria. Early start of oral intake significantly reduced overall complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.93; P = .02), length of stay (mean difference, -0.89; 95% CI, -1.22 to -0.57; P < .001), and anastomotic leakage (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17-0.95; P = .04) compared with late start of oral intake. However, in the sensitivity analysis only the overall reduction of length of stay remained significant. CONCLUSION: The effect of early oral intake on anastomotic leakage is unclear as existing studies are heterogeneous and at risk of bias. High-quality studies are needed to study the potential benefit of EN on anastomotic healing.

Twenty-four hours stay after colorectal surgery: a systematic review

Introduction: The introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery led to increasing twenty-four hours discharge pathways, for example in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bariatric surgery. However, implementation in colorectal surgery still must set off. This systematic review assesses safety and feasibility of twenty-four hours discharge in colorectal surgery in terms of readmission and complications in current literature. Secondary outcome was identification of factors associated with success of twenty-four hours discharge. Methods: Pubmed and EMBASE databases were searched to identify studies investigating twenty-four hours discharge in colorectal surgery, without restriction of study type. Search strategy included keywords relating to ambulatory management and colorectal surgery. Studies were scored according to MINORS score. Results: Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review, consisting of six prospective and seven retrospective studies. Number of participants of the included prospective studies ranged from 5 to 157. Median success of discharge was 96% in the twenty-four hours discharge group. All prospective studies showed similar readmission and complication rates between twenty-four hours discharge and conventional postoperative management. Factors associated with success of twenty-four hours discharge were low ASA classification, younger age, minimally invasive approach, and relatively shorter operation time. Conclusions: Twenty-four hours discharge in colorectal surgery seems feasible and safe, based on retro- and prospective studies. Careful selection of patients and establishment of a clear and adequate protocol are key items to assure safety and feasibility. Results should be interpreted with caution, due to heterogeneity. To confirm results, an adequately powered prospective randomized study is needed. (AU)

Routine jejunostomy tube feeding following esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is an important problem following esophagectomy. A surgically placed jejunostomy secures an enteral feeding route, facilitating discharge with home-tube feeding and long-term nutritional support. However, specific complications occur, and data are lacking that support its use over other enteral feeding routes. Therefore routine jejunostomy tube feeding and discharge with home-tube feeding was evaluated, with emphasis on weight loss, length of stay and re-admissions. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer, with gastric tube reconstruction and jejunostomy creation, were analyzed. Two different regimens were compared. Before January 07, 2011 patients were discharged when oral intake was sufficient, without tube feeding. After that discharge with home-tube feeding was routinely performed. Logistic regression analysis corrected for confounders. RESULTS: Some 236 patients were included. The median duration of tube feeding was 35 days. Reoperation for a jejunostomy-related complication was needed in 2%. The median body mass index (BMI) remained stable during tube feeding. The BMI decreased significantly after stopping tube feeding: from 25.6 (1st-3rd quartile 23.0-28.6) kg/m2 to 24.4 (22.0-27.1) kg/m2 at 30 days later [median weight loss: 3.0 (1.0-5.3) kg; 3.9% (1.5-6.3%)]. Weight loss was not affected by the duration of tube feeding duration. Routine home-tube feeding did not affect weight loss, admission time or the readmission rate. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss following esophagectomy occurs once that tube feeding is stopped, independently from the time interval after esophagectomy. Moreover routine discharge with home-tube feeding does not reduce length of stay or readmissions. These findings question the value of routine jejunostomy placement and emphasize the need for further research.

The feeding route after esophagectomy: a review of literature.

Enhanced recovery programs effectively optimize perioperative care and reduce postoperative morbidity. In esophagectomy, several components of the ERAS program are successfully introduced. However, timing and type of postoperative feeding remain a matter of debate. Adequate nutritional support is essential in patients undergoing an esophagectomy. These patients often present with weight loss and their eating pattern is strongly altered by the procedure and reconstruction. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is associated with severe septic complications and enteral nutrition (EN) does not increase major complications. Therefore, early EN after esophagectomy is favored over TPN. However, with enteral feeding tubes minor complications occur frequently (13-38%) and in some cases this can hamper recovery. Based on experience in other types of upper gastro-intestinal surgery, early start of oral feeding could improve time to functional recovery after surgery. The total length of stay was significantly shorter in four prospective studies (6-12 vs. 8-13 days). However, large randomized controlled trials are lacking and the potential benefit of early oral feeding after esophageal surgery remains elusive. EN is nowadays the optimal feeding route after esophagectomy. TPN should only be used in specific cases in which EN is contraindicated. Early initiation of oral intake is promising and could improve postoperative recovery. However, further research is needed to substantiate these results.

Current treatment options for esophageal diseases.

Exciting new developments-pharmacologic, endoscopic, and surgical-have arisen for the treatment of many esophageal diseases. Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease presents a therapeutic challenge, and several new options have been proposed to overcome an insufficient effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors. In patients with distal esophageal spasm, drugs and endoscopic treatments are the current mainstays of the therapeutic approach. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors (or antireflux surgery) should be considered in patients with Barrett's esophagus, since a recent meta-analysis demonstrated a 71% reduction in risk of neoplastic progression. Endoscopic resection combined with radiofrequency ablation is the standard of care in patients with early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Mucosal squamous cancer may also be treated endoscopically, preferably with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Patients with upper esophageal cancer often refrain from surgery. Robot-assisted, thoracolaparoscopic, minimally invasive esophagectomy may be an appropriate option for these patients, as the robot facilitates a good overview of the upper mediastinum. Induction chemoradiotherapy is currently considered as standard treatment for patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma, while the role of neoadjuvant therapy for adenocarcinoma remains controversial. A system for defining and recording perioperative complications associated with esophagectomy has been recently developed and may help to find predictors of mortality and morbidity.

Nutritional route in oesophageal resection trial II (NUTRIENT II): study protocol for a multicentre open-label randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Early start of an oral diet is safe and beneficial in most types of gastrointestinal surgery and is a crucial part of fast track or enhanced recovery protocols. However, the feasibility and safety of oral intake directly following oesophagectomy remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of early versus delayed start of oral intake on postoperative recovery following oesophagectomy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is an open-label multicentre randomised controlled trial. Patients undergoing elective minimally invasive or hybrid oesophagectomy for cancer are eligible. Further inclusion criteria are intrathoracic anastomosis, written informed consent and age 18 years or older. Inability for oral intake, inability to place a feeding jejunostomy, inability to provide written consent, swallowing disorder, achalasia, Karnofsky Performance Status <80 and malnutrition are exclusion criteria. Patients will be randomised using online randomisation software. The intervention group (direct oral feeding) will receive a liquid oral diet for 2 weeks with gradually expanding daily maximums. The control group (delayed oral feeding) will receive enteral feeding via a jejunostomy during 5 days and then start the same liquid oral diet. The primary outcome measure is functional recovery. Secondary outcome measures are 30-day surgical complications; nutritional status; need for artificial nutrition; need for additional interventions; health-related quality of life. We aim to recruit 148 patients. Statistical analysis will be performed according to an intention to treat principle. Results are presented as risk ratios with corresponding 95% CIs. A two-tailed p<0.05 is considered statistically significant. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Our study protocol has received ethical approval from the Medical research Ethics Committees United (MEC-U). This study is conducted according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice. Verbal and written informed consent is required before randomisation. All data will be collected using an online database with adequate security measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT02378948 and Dutch trial registry: NTR4972; Pre-results.

Internal and External Validation of a multivariable Model to Define Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia After Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is an important complication following esophagectomy; however, a wide range of pneumonia incidence is reported. The lack of one generally accepted definition prevents valid inter-study comparisons. We aimed to simplify and validate an existing scoring model to define pneumonia following esophagectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Utrecht Pneumonia Score, comprising of pulmonary radiography findings, leucocyte count, and temperature, was simplified and internally validated using bootstrapping in the dataset (n = 185) in which it was developed. Subsequently, the intercept and (shrunk) coefficients of the developed multivariable logistic regression model were applied to an external dataset (n = 201) RESULTS: In the revised Uniform Pneumonia Score, points are assigned based on the temperature, the leucocyte, and the findings of pulmonary radiography. The model discrimination was excellent in the internal validation set and in the external validation set (C-statistics 0.93 and 0.91, respectively); furthermore, the model calibrated well in both cohorts. CONCLUSION: The revised Uniform Pneumonia Score (rUPS) can serve as a means to define post-esophagectomy pneumonia. Utilization of a uniform definition for pneumonia will improve inter-study comparability and improve the evaluations of new therapeutic strategies to reduce the pneumonia incidence.