Comparison of integrin αvβ3 expression with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT and glucose metabolism with 18F-FDG PET/CT in esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancers

BACKGROUND

The primary aims of this study were to compare in patients with esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancers the potential of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT with that of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT regarding tumoral uptake and distribution, as well as histopathologic examination.

METHODS

Ten ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD and ten ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT were performed in nine prospectively included participants (1 woman; aged 58 ± 8.4 y, range 40-69 y). Maximum SUV (SUV_max) and metabolic tumor volumes (MTV) were calculated. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation analysis (ρ) were used.

RESULTS

⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT detected positive uptake in 10 primary sites (8 for primary tumors and 2 for local relapse suspicion), 6 lymph nodes and 3 skeletal sites. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT detected positive uptake in the same sites but also in 16 additional lymph nodes and 1 adrenal gland. On a lesion-based analysis, SUV_max of ¹⁸F-FDG was significantly higher than those of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD (4.9 [3.7-11.3] vs. 3.2 [2.6-4.2] g/mL, p = 0.014). Only one participant showed a higher SUV_max in an osseous metastasis with ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD as compared to ¹⁸F-FDG (6.6 vs. 3.9 g/mL). Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between ¹⁸F-FDG and ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET parameters (ρ = 0.56, p = 0.012 for SUV_max, ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001 for lesion-to-background ratios and ρ = 0.58, p = 0.024 for MTV). We observed that ¹⁸F-FDG uptake was homogenous inside all the confirmed primary sites (n = 9). In contrast, ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET showed more heterogenous uptake in 6 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (67%), seen mostly in the periphery of the tumor in 5 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (56%), and showed slight extensions into perilesional structures in 5 out of the 9 confirmed primary sites (56%).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RGD has lower potential in the detection of esophageal or esophagogastric junction malignancies compared to ¹⁸F-FDG. However, the results suggest that PET imaging of integrin α_vβ₃ expression may provide complementary information and could aid in tumor diversity and delineation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration: NCT02666547. Registered January 28, 2016-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02666547 .

Long-term weight loss and metabolic benefit from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with superobesity

BACKGROUND

Although Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is widely performed worldwide, its efficacy in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 50 kg/m2 remains controversial. The aim of the present paper was to assess long-term (10 years or more) weight loss and metabolic results of RYGB in patients with superobesity (SO; BMI > 50 kg/m2), compared with patients with morbid obesity (MO; BMI 35-50 kg/m2).

METHODS

This study involved retrospective analysis of a prospectively followed cohort of adult patients operated on for a primary RYGB between 1999 and 2008. Long-term weight loss and metabolic parameters were compared between SO and MO patients, with a sex-specific subgroup analysis in SO patients. Multiple logistic regression assessed independent predictors of poor long-term weight loss.

RESULTS

Among the 957 included patients, 193 (20.2 per cent) were SO (mean BMI 55.3 kg/m2versus 43.3 kg/m2 in MO). Upon 10-year follow-up, which was complete in 86.3 per cent of patients, BMI remained higher in SO patients (mean 39.1 kg/m2versus 30.8 kg/m2, P < 0.001) although total bodyweight loss (per cent TBWL) was similar (28.3 per cent versus 28.8 per cent, P = 0.644). Male SO patients had a trend to higher 10-year per cent TBWL, while initial BMI greater than 50 kg/m2 and low 5-year per cent TBWL were independent predictors of long-term TBWL less than 20 per cent. Diabetes remission was observed in 39 per cent SO and 40.9 per cent MO patients (P = 0.335) at 10 years, and all patients had a significant lipid profile improvement.

CONCLUSION

Substantial improvement in co-morbidities was observed in all patients 10 years after RYGB. Total weight loss was similar in SO and MO patients, leaving SO patients with higher BMI. Suboptimal TBWL 5 years after surgery in SO, especially female patients, may warrant prompt reassessment to improve long-term outcomes.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy versus Chemotherapy for Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma; Which Is the Optimal Treatment Option?

Background: Locally advanced gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ) is treated with either perioperative chemotherapy (CT) or preoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) followed by surgery. The aim of this study was to compare pathologic response and long-term outcomes in junction adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant RCT versus CT. Methods: All patients with locally advanced GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) followed by surgery between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 94 patients were included, 67 (71.2%) RCT and 27 (28.8%) CT. Complete pathologic response was more frequent in RCT patients (13.4% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.009) with a trend to better lymph node control (ypN0) (55.2% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.057). RCT offered no benefit in R0 resection (66.7% vs. 72.1% CT, p = 0.628) and was related to higher postoperative cardiovascular complications (35.8% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.017). Long-term overall and disease-free survival were similar (5-year OS 61.1% RCT vs. 75.7% CT, p = 0.259; 5-year DFS 33.5% RCT vs. 22.8% CT; p = 0.763). NAT type was neither independently associated with pathologic response nor long-term survival. Discussion: Patients with locally advanced GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with RCT had more postoperative cardiovascular complications but higher rates of complete pathologic response and a trend to superior locoregional lymph node control. This did not translate in a survival or recurrence benefit.

Early postoperative outcomes of staging laparoscopy for peritoneal metastases with or without pressurized intra-peritoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC)

Background

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) has been introduced for palliative treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) and is currently tested also in the neoadjuvant and prophylactic setting. The aim was therefore to compare safety and tolerance of staging laparoscopy with or without PIPAC.

Methods

This retrospective analysis compared consecutive patients undergoing staging laparoscopy alone for oesogastric cancer with patients having PIPAC for suspected PSM of various origins from January 2015 until January 2020. Safety was assessed by use of the Clavien classification for complications and CTCAE for capturing of adverse events. Pain and nausea were documented by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS: 0–10: maximal intensity).

Results

Overall, 25 PIPAC procedures were compared to 24 staging laparoscopies. PIPAC procedures took a median of 35 min (IQR: 25–67) longer. Four patients experienced at least one complication in either group (p = 0.741). No differences were noted for postoperative nausea (p = 0.961) and pain levels (p = 0.156). Median hospital stay was 2 (IQR: 1–3) for PIPAC and 1 (IQR: 1–2) for the laparoscopy group (p = 0.104).

Conclusions

The addition of PIPAC did not jeopardize safety and postoperative outcomes of staging laparoscopy alone. Further studies need to clarify its oncological benefits.

[Bariatric surgery: role of sleeve gastrectomy in 2022]

Two main procedures currently dominate the panel of bariatric interventions. Sleeve gastrectomy is technically easier and the most widely performed in the world. It shows slightly inferior results and is also associated with a slightly lower morbidity compared to gastric bypass. This is counterbalanced by its irreversibility and a high prevalence of postoperative gastro-esophageal reflux. For this reason, gastric bypass remains the dominant procedure in Switzerland, thanks to its good long-term weight and metabolic results. Sleeve gastrectomy is also an important option in bariatric surgery, with some specific indications.

[Surgery Sustainability in surgical practice : the "green surgery" concept and its innovations]

Awareness of climate change grows in the population and people develop eco-responsible habits in their daily and professional life. The health care system is nowadays responsible for 4.6% of global greenhouse gases emissions, and most of them comes from hospital activity. The operating room is one of the greatest contributors of the overall energetic cost and generates a large amount of hospital waste. As an example, all laparoscopic procedures in the US has an energy cost similar to an 80'000 inhabitants city during one year. A better understanding of the environmental impact of surgery is necessary to identify what can be done to limit the ecological impact of surgery without compromising standards of care.

Defining Global Benchmarks in Elective Secondary Bariatric Surgery Comprising Conversional, Revisional, and Reversal Procedures

OBJECTIVE

To define "best possible" outcomes for secondary bariatric surgery (BS).

BACKGROUND

Management of poor response and of long-term complications after BS is complex and under-investigated. Indications and types of reoperations vary widely and postoperative complication rates are higher compared to primary BS.

METHODS

Out of 44,884 BS performed in 18 high-volume centers from 4 continents between 06/2013-05/2019, 5,349 (12%) secondary BS cases were identified. Twenty-one outcome benchmarks were established in low-risk patients, defined as the 75th percentile of the median outcome values of centers. Benchmark cases had no previous laparotomy, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiopathy, renal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, thromboembolic events, BMI> 50 kg/m2 or age> 65 years.

RESULTS

The benchmark cohort included 3143 cases, mainly females (85%), aged 43.8 ± 10 years, 8.4 ± 5.3 years after primary BS, with a BMI 35.2 ± 7 kg/m2. Main indications were insufficient weight loss (43%) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease/dysphagia (25%). 90-days postoperatively, 14.6% of benchmark patients presented ≥1 complication, mortality was 0.06% (n = 2). Significantly higher morbidity was observed in non-benchmark cases (OR 1.37) and after conversional/reversal or revisional procedures with gastrointestinal suture/stapling (OR 1.84). Benchmark cutoffs for conversional BS were ≤4.5% re-intervention, ≤8.3% re-operation 90-days postoperatively. At 2-years (IQR 1-3) 15.6% of benchmark patients required a reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Secondary BS is safe, although postoperative morbidity exceeds the established benchmarks for primary BS. The excess morbidity is due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal leakage and higher need for intensive care. The considerable rate of tertiary BS warrants expertise and future research to optimize the management of non-success after BS.

Preserving Surgical Professionalism in Social Media; Long Live the Media, But Let Live the Surgeon

The positive impact of social media in surgery is ever increasing, although they present some challenging aspects, as preservation of medical professionalism. Physicians should respect patient privacy and integrity through their online presence. However, their personal expression also deserves respect, not being labeled "unprofessional" just for conveying private attitudes and beliefs.

Multimodal management of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: Which type of neoadjuvant treatment?

Objective

The current treatment for locally advanced gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma consists of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) followed by surgery. Preoperative chemotherapy (CT) and radio-chemotherapy (RCT) are both valid options, but comparative data for their efficacy remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of RCT and CT to achieve a complete pathologic response (CPR) for locally advanced GEJ adenocarcinoma. Secondary endpoints were R0 resection rates, postoperative complications, long-term survival and recurrence.

Methods

All consecutive patients with locally advanced GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with CT or RCT and oncologic resection from 2009 to 2018 were included. A CPR was defined with the Mandard tumor regression score. Standard statistical tests were used as appropriate. Overall and disease-free survival were compared with the Kaplan Meier method and log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed to define independent predictors of CPR, and long-term survival.

Results

Among the 94 patients (84%male, median age 62 years [IQR 9.7]), 67 (71.3%) received preoperative RCT and 27 (28.7%) CT. Patient’s characteristics and pretreatment tumor stages were comparable. Surgical approach was thoracoabdominal Lewis resection in 95.5% RCT and 81.5% CT patients (P = 0.085). CPR was more frequent in the RCT than the CT group (13.4% vs 7.4%, P = 0.009), but R0 resection rates were similar (72.1% vs 66.7%, P = 0.628). There was a trend to higher ypN0 stage in the RCT group (55.2% vs 33.3%; P = 0.057). Postoperatively, RCT patients presented more cardiovascular complications (35.8% vs 11.1%; P = 0.017), although overall morbidity was similar (68.6% vs 62.9%, P = 0.988). 5-year overall survival was comparable (61.1% RCT vs 75.7% CT, P = 0.259), as was 5-year disease-free survival (33.5% RCT vs 22.8% CT, P = 0.763). Isolated loco-regional recurrence occurred in 2.9% RCT vs 3.7% CT patients (P = 0.976). NAT type was not an independent predictor for complete pathologic response nor long-term survival in the multivariate analysis. Median follow-up was 30 months [95%CI 21.3-38.8] for all patients.

Conclusion

Patients with locally advanced GEJ adenocarcinoma demonstrated higher rates of CPR after RCT than CT, and a trend to a better lymph node sterilization, although this did not translate in a significant survival benefit or decreased recurrence rate.

Defining global benchmarks in elective secondary bariatric surgery comprising conversional, revisional and reversal procedures

Objective

Management of poor response and of long-term complications after bariatric surgery (BS) is complex and under-investigated. Indications and types of reoperations vary widely and postoperative complication rates are higher compared to primary BS. Benchmarking uses best performance in a given field as reference point for improvement. Our aim was to define ‘‘best possible’’ outcomes for elective secondary BS.

Methods

The establishment of benchmarks in secondary BS followed a standardized methodology, based on recommendations of a Delphi consensus panel of experts. This multicenter study analyzed patients undergoing elective secondary BS in 18 high-volume centers on 4 continents from 06/2013 to 05/2019. Twenty-one outcome benchmarks were established in low-risk patients, defined as the 75th percentile of the median outcome values of the centers. Benchmark cases had no: previous laparotomy, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiopathy, renal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, history of thromboembolic events, BMI&gt;50kg/m2 or age&gt;65 years. Descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression and data visualization were performed using the R software.

Results

Out of 44’884 elective bariatric procedures performed in the participating centers, 5’328 secondary BS cases were identified. The benchmark cohort included 3143 cases, mainly females (85%), aged 43.8±10 years, 8.4±5.3 years after primary BS, with a body mass index 35.2±7kg/m2. Main indications were insufficient weight loss (43%) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease/dysphagia (25%). 90-days postoperatively, 14.57% of benchmark patients presented ≥1 complication, mortality was 0.06% (n = 2). Significantly higher morbidity was observed in non-benchmark cases (OR 1.36) and after conversional or revisional procedures with gastrointestinal suture/stapling (OR 1.7). Benchmark cutoffs at 90-days postoperatively were ≤5.8% re-intervention and ≤8.8% re-operation rate. At 2-years (IQR 1-3) 15.6% of benchmark patients required a reoperation.

Conclusion

Secondary BS is safe, although postoperative morbidity exceeds the established benchmarks for primary BS. The excess morbidity is due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal leakage and higher need for intensive care. The considerable rate of tertiary BS warrants expertise and future research to optimize the management of non-success after BS.

Preoperative hiatal hernia in oesophageal adenocarcinoma: An impact on patient outcomes?

Objective

Uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux and the often-associated hiatal hernia (HH) are frequently encountered in oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Previous data suggest unfavourable long-term oncologic outcomes in the presence of a HH, but the evidence remains scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of preoperative HH on histologic response after neoadjuvant treatment (NAT), as well as on overall and disease-free survival.

Methods

All patients operated for an adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) between 2012-2018 were assessed. Baseline endoscopy and CT-scan images were retrospectively reviewed to identify the presence of a clinically significant HH (≥3cm). Response to neoadjuvant treatment (Mandard TRG grade), postoperative outcomes and survival were compared between HH and non-HH patients. Categorical variables were compared with the x2 or Fisher’s test, whereas continuous ones with the Mann-Whitney-U test. Survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

Results

Overall, 101 patients were included (84.1% male, median age 63 years); among them, 33 (32.7%) had a HH ≥ 3cm at diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. There were no significant baseline differences in demographics and tumour stages between the two groups. NAT was used in 80.9% of non-HH versus 81.8% HH patients (P = 0.910), most often chemoradiation (57.3% in non-HH versus 63.6% in HH patients, P = 0.423). Surgical approach and postoperative complication rates were similar in all patients. Good response to NAT (TRG 1-2) was observed in 32.3% of non-HH, versus 33.3% of HH patients (P = 0.297), whereas R0 resection was achieved in 94.1% vs 90.9% of patients respectively (P = 0.551). Overall survival was comparable between HH (median 28 mo, 95%CI 22-NA) and non-HH patients (median 41mo, 95% CI 29-NA) (P = 0.605). Disease-free survival was also similar (median 18 mo, 95%CI 12-NA for HH, vs 34mo, 95%CI 14-NA for non-HH patients, P = 0.283), although HH patients experienced higher rates of distant (51.6% vs 29.2% for non-HH, P = 0.033), but not locoregional recurrence.

Conclusion

A clinically significant HH is encountered in almost a third of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. However, in our study, it was not associated with a worse response to NAT, nor did it lead to a worse overall and disease-free survival.

The "Real R0": A Resection Margin Smaller Than 0.1 cm is Associated with a Poor Prognosis After Oncologic Esophagectomy

Background

Although resection margin (R) status is a widely used prognostic factor after esophagectomy, the definition of positive margins (R1) is not universal. The Royal College of Pathologists considers R1 resection to be a distance less than 0.1 cm, whereas the College of American Pathologists considers it to be a distance of 0.0 cm. This study assessed the predictive value of R status after oncologic esophagectomy, comparing survival and recurrence among patients with R0 resection (> 0.1-cm clearance), R0+ resection (≤ 0.1-cm clearance), and R1 resection (0.0-cm clearance).

Methods

The study enrolled all eligible patients undergoing curative oncologic esophagectomy between 2012 and 2018. Clinicopathologic features, survival, and recurrence were compared for R0, R0+, and R1 patients. Categorical variables were compared with the chi-square or Fisher’s test, and continuous variables were compared with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, whereas the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used for survival analysis.

Results

Among the 160 patients included in this study, 113 resections (70.6%) were R0, 34 (21.3%) were R0+, and 13 (8.1%) were R1. The R0 patients had a better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than the R0+ and R1 patients. The R0+ resection offered a lower long-term recurrence risk than the R1 resection, and the R status was independently associated with DFS, but not OS, in the multivariate analysis. Both the R0+ and R1 patients had significantly more adverse histologic features (lymphovascular and perineural invasion) than the R0 patients and experienced more distant and locoregional recurrence.

Conclusions

Although R status is an independent predictor of DFS after oncologic esophagectomy, the < 0.1-cm definition for R1 resection seems more appropriate than the 0.0-cm definition as an indicator of poor tumor biology, long-term recurrence, and survival.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1245/s10434-021-10121-y.

Long-Term Weight Loss, Metabolic Outcomes, and Quality of Life at 10 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Are Independent of Patients' Age at Baseline

BACKGROUND

Conflicting data have been published for bariatric surgery in older patients, with no long-term large-scale studies available. Our aim was to provide long-term (> 10 years) results on weight loss, metabolic outcomes, and quality of life in a large homogenous series of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients, according to age at baseline.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent primary RYGB between 1999 and 2007, and therefore eligible for 10-year follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. According to their age at baseline, they were divided into three groups: A (< 40 years), B (40-54 years), and C (≥ 55 years). Categorical variables were compared with the χ² test and continuous variables with ANOVA.

RESULTS

Our series consisted of 820 patients, with a 10-year follow-up of 80.6%. Although group C (11% of all patients) had significantly more comorbidities at baseline, there was no difference in postoperative morbidity and mortality between groups. Weight loss was significantly less for group C patients up to the 7th postoperative year, but no difference remained thereafter. 10-year %total weight loss was 32.2, 32.9, and 32.3 respectively in groups A, B, and C. After 10 years, glycemic control and lipid profile improved similarly, rates of partial or complete remission of diabetes and hypertension were identical, and quality of life presented a significant improvement for all patients with no inter-group difference.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest similar short- and long-term outcomes after RYGB for patients ≥ 55 years compared to younger ones; the relative benefit might even be higher for older patients, given their increased comorbidity at baseline.

[Super obesity, an exponentially growing epidemic : surgical treatment options and expectations]

Obesity is a major health problem with a prevalence that has tripled since 1976, affecting a large portion of the population across all ages. Bariatric surgery is currently considered as the most efficient and durable treatment in terms of weight loss and remission of long-term co-morbidities. The objective of this article is to describe briefly the different surgical options for patients with severe obesity and to report their effectiveness, as well as to provide primary care physicians with simple instructions, regarding initial management and the appropriate guidance of their patients to a specialized service.

Venous thromboembolism after esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review of the literature to evaluate incidence, risk factors, and prophylaxis

PURPOSE

Although esophagectomy remains the preferred treatment for esophageal cancer, it is still associated with a number of complications, including post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to summarize the reported incidence of VTE after esophagectomy, its risk factors, and prevention strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected in the present review. Overall, we identified 9768 patients who underwent esophagectomy, with a post-operative VTE rate of 4% (440 patients). The reported risk factors for VTE included advanced age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III or IV, a history of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, and the implementation of preoperative chemo-radiotherapy. Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome was also associated with VTE. No universally applied prevention strategies for VTE after esophagectomy were identified in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advances in perioperative care, VTE after esophagectomy still represents a source of morbidity for about 4% of patients. Low molecular weight heparin is suggested as the routine standard prophylactic regimen after esophageal cancer surgery.

Defining Major Surgery: A Delphi Consensus Among European Surgical Association (ESA) Members

BACKGROUND

Major surgery is a term frequently used but poorly defined. The aim of the present study was to reach a consensus in the definition of major surgery within a panel of expert surgeons from the European Surgical Association (ESA).

METHODS

A 3-round Delphi process was performed. All ESA members were invited to participate in the expert panel. In round 1, experts were inquired by open- and closed-ended questions on potential criteria to define major surgery. Results were analyzed and presented back anonymously to the panel within next rounds. Closed-ended questions in round 2 and 3 were either binary or statements to be rated on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strong disagreement) to 5 (strong agreement). Participants were sent 3 reminders at 2-week intervals for each round. 70% of agreement was considered to indicate consensus.

RESULTS

Out of 305 ESA members, 67 (22%) answered all the 3 rounds. Significant comorbidities were the only preoperative factor retained to define major surgery (78%). Vascular clampage or organ ischemia (92%), high intraoperative blood loss (90%), high noradrenalin requirements (77%), long operative time (73%) and perioperative blood transfusion (70%) were procedure-related factors that reached consensus. Regarding postoperative factors, systemic inflammatory response (76%) and the need for intensive or intermediate care (88%) reached consensus. Consequences of major surgery were high morbidity (>30% overall) and mortality (>2%).

CONCLUSION

ESA experts defined major surgery according to extent and complexity of the procedure, its pathophysiological consequences and consecutive clinical outcomes.

Early postoperative decrease of albumin is an independent predictor of major complications after oncological esophagectomy: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Serum albumin perioperative decrease (∆Alb) may reflect the magnitude of the physiological stress induced by surgery. Studies highlighted its value to predict adverse postoperative outcomes, but data in esophageal surgery are scant. This study aimed to investigate the role of ∆Alb to predict major complications after esophagectomy for cancer.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective study conducted in five high-volume centers, including consecutive patients undergoing an esophagectomy for cancer between 2006 and 2017. Patients were randomly assigned to a training (n = 696) and a validation (n = 350) cohort. Albumin decrease was calculated on postoperative day 1 and defined as ΔAlb. The primary endpoint was major complications according to Clavien classification.

RESULTS

In the training cohort, esophagectomy induced a rapid drop of albumin. Cut-off of ΔAlb was established at 11 g/L and allowed to distinguish patients with adverse outcomes. On multivariable analysis, ΔAlb was identified as an independent predictor of major complications (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11; p = .014). Higher BMI and laparoscopy were associated with lower ΔAlb. Analysis of the validation cohort provided consistent findings.

CONCLUSIONS

ΔAlb appeared as a promising biomarker after oncological esophagectomy, allowing prediction of potential adverse outcomes.

Management of a Complicated Internal Herniation After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in a 28-Week Pregnant Woman

BACKGROUND

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) due to internal hernia (IH) is a well-known late complication after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), with an incidence between 0.5 and 10% as reported by Iannelli et al. (Obes Surg. 17(10):1283-6, 2007). It is reported most frequently 1-2 years after surgery because of the greater weight loss at that time, with rapid loss of the mesenteric fat consequently as discussed by Stenberg et al. (Lancet. 387(10026):1397-404, 2016). Currently, women constitute more than 50% of the patients undergoing bariatric surgery and most of them are of childbearing age as reported by the World Health Organization (2015). SBO, due to IH, is a rare complication during pregnancy, mostly occurring during the third trimester as discussed by Torres-Villalobos et al. (Obes Surg 19(7):944-50, 2009), and can result in fetal and maternal morbidity and even mortality as reported by Vannevel et al. (Obstet Gynecol. 127(6):1013-20, 2016). Moreover, the physiologic changes of pregnancy can mask the symptoms of SBO after LRYGB, leading to significant diagnostic and therapeutic delays as detailed by Wax et al. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 208(4):265-71, 2013). Therefore, an early surgical exploration is necessary in this particular and uncommon situation as discussed by Webster et al. (Ann R Coll Surg Engl 97(5):339-44, 2015).

METHODS

A 32-year-old female patient, with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and chronic pain, was in the 28th week of her first pregnancy after bariatric surgery. She had had an antecolic LRYGB 6 years ago in another institution, resulting in a 35-kg weight loss. She presented to the emergency department with severe and persistent epigastric pain associated with nausea and vomiting during 24 h. On physical examination, her abdomen was painful and tender at the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, and her vital signs were normal. The blood tests were in the normal range except the white blood cell count at 12'000 G/l. The obstetric and neonatal team was involved, and fetal heart monitoring was normal. Abdominal ultrasonography ruled out other causes of pain. An abdominal MRI was performed and displayed a distended proximal small bowel, free abdominal fluid, and bowel mesenteric edema in the left upper quadrant with compression of the superior mesenteric vein. Internal hernia with intestinal suffering was suspected, and the patient consented for emergency laparoscopy.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic exploration, reduction of the internal hernia, and closure of the mesenteric defects are demonstrated step-by-step in the presented intraoperative video. The postoperative course was uncomplicated for both patient and fetus. Oral feeding was resumed at day 1, with no residual symptom, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. At 1-month follow-up, she had no complaint and her pregnancy had resumed a normal course. She delivered a healthy baby at 36 weeks without any complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Internal herniation after LRYGB represents a rare, high-risk complication during pregnancy. A low threshold for imaging, preferably by abdominal MRI, is recommended. Multidisciplinary management, including obstetricians and bariatric surgeons, is necessary in order to avoid maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. During surgery, recognition of the anatomy is often difficult, and parts of the bowel are distended and fragile. Starting to run the bowel backwards from the ileocecal valve is a crucial surgical step for reducing internal hernias during LRYGB, and reduces both the risk to worsen the situation and of bowel injury, making its management less hazardous.

[Gastroesophageal reflux disease in obese patients ; current management]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a high prevalence in the obese population with a direct correlation between increased BMI and GERD. This correlation is multifactorial, with also more complicated forms (esophagitis and metaplasia) present in obese patients, even in the absence of frank reflux symptoms. Therapeutic success largely depends on weight loss, and bariatric surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for both diseases. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the intervention of choice for obese patients suffering from GERD, while sleeve gastrectomy can on the contrary induce increased reflux in the long term. Classic anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) can also be offered to these patients, while being aware of the high risk of recurrent symptoms for BMI > 30-35 kg/m2.