Mortality and morbidity rates, postoperative course, quality of life, and prognosis after extended radical lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer. Comparison of three-field lymphadenectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy

Two-field lymph-node dissection may be enough to treat patients with submucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus

Significance of extended radical surgical treatment including three-field lymph node dissection for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus remains debatable. The aim of the current study was to reconsider the merits and demerits obtained by three-field lymph node dissection for esophageal carcinoma and also to attempt to elucidate an appropriate surgical strategy for submucosal SCC of the thoracic esophagus. Thirty-one patients with SCC of the thoracic esophagus who had been treated with esophagectomy and two-field (thoracic and abdominal) lymph node dissection without preoperative therapies were enrolled. Five-year survival rate was 75.0% and the incidence proportion of postoperative complication was 9.7%. These data regarding postoperative outcome of patients were by no means inferior to those in the previous reports referring the prognosis of patients with esophageal carcinoma who had been treated with three-field lymph node dissection. Authors would like to mention that two-field lymph node dissection associated with reduced incidence of postoperative complications might be enough to treat the submucosal SCC of the thoracic esophagus.

Comparison of extended esophagectomy through mini-thoracotomy/laparotomy with conventional thoracotomy/laparotomy for esophageal cancer

OBJECTIVE

In order to assess the usefulness of esophagectomy through mini-thoracotomy/laparotomy as a minimally invasive surgical procedure for esophageal cancer, we compared the results to those of conventional right thoracotomy/laparotomy.

METHODS

From 1998 to 2002, 40 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer were prospectively assigned to two groups. Twenty patients underwent esophagectomy through mini-thoracotomy/laparotomy (M-group), while the other 20 had conventional thoracotomy/laparotomy (C-group). Surgical complications, the duration of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), postoperative pain, cytokine responses, and respiratory function were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no difference of morbidity between the M- and C-groups after surgery. There were also no differences between the two groups with respect to the operating time, bleeding, and number of dissected lymph nodes. The duration of SIRS was shorter in the M-group than in the C-group (p = 0.055). Use of morphine was lower in the M-group than in the C-group with patient-controlled anesthesia (p = 0.002). The interleukin-6 level of the M-group was lower than that of the C-group at 3, 6 hours, and 3 days after the operation. Recovery of vital capacity by the M-group was better than by the C-group after the operation. Postoperative hospital stay of the M-group was significantly shorter than that of the C-group (p = 0.014). Long-term survival was not different in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Mini-thoracotomy/laparotomy reduces invasiveness and pain compared with conventional thoracotomy/laparotomy for esophagectomy without causing any differences of morbidity or long-term survival.

Morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma: a risk analysis

BACKGROUND

The study was aimed to identify pre- and intraoperative risk factors that potentially influence morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma with particular emphasis on the predominant tumor types.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between September 1985 and March 2004, 424 patients underwent esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma. Of these, 186 (43.9%) patients had a transhiatal, and 231 (54.5%) patients underwent a transthoracic procedure with two-field lymphadenectomy. Pre-, intraoperative risk factors and tumor characteristics were included in the risk analysis to assess their influence on postoperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis (logistic regression model) identified the surgical procedure as the most important risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality with the transthoracic technique associated with a significant higher risk. The comparison of the risk profile between the different histological tumor types, a significantly higher nutritional risk, poorer preoperative lung function and a higher prevalence of hepatopathy was observed in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (n = 229) compared to adenocarcinoma (n = 150) (p < 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in surgical complications between the two groups, the rate of general complications, length of postoperative intensive care unit-stay and mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present risk analysis shows that the selection and the type of the surgical procedure are crucial factors for both the incidence of postoperative complications and the mortality rate. The higher risk of the transthoracic procedure is justified with a view to a better long term prognosis.

Relationship between secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is associated with pulmonary complications after esophagectomy.

METHODS

We measured serial changes in the SLPI concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 34 patients who underwent and examined the relationship between SLPI and postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

Fifteen (44%) of 34 patients (high group) had a BALF SLPI concentration >90,000 pg/mL at the end of the surgery (postoperative day [POD] 0). There was no significant difference between the high group and other 19 patients (low group) with respect to age, sex, preoperative comorbid conditions, tumor stage, surgical technique, operating time, or blood loss volume. Days of intubation and pulmonary complication rate were significantly increased in the high group compared with the low group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the BALF SLPI level on POD 0 was significant for pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that assaying SLPI levels in BALF can be useful for the prediction of pulmonary complications after esophagectomy.

Multiple primary carcinomas with esophageal squamous cell cancer: clinicopathologic outcome

The incidence of multiple primary carcinomas (MPCs) associated with esophageal cancer has increased. The purpose of this study was to analyze clinicopathologic findings for MPC and for only esophageal cancer (OEC). Of 157 patients with MPCs, 60 had synchronous cancer and 97 metachronous cancer. Another 42 patients had antecedent esophageal cancer (AEC), and 55 patients had subsequent esophageal cancer (SEC). We retrospectively analyzed the clincopathologic findings for patients in these categories. The incidence of early-stage carcinoma was higher in patients with MPCs than in those with an OEC. Of patients with MPCs, those with metachronous cancer had a higher rate of early-stage carcinoma than those with synchronous cancer. The 5-year survival rates were not significantly different for MPC and OEC patients. Patients with metachronous cancer had a significantly better prognosis than those with synchronous cancer (p = 0.017); and in the metachronous cancer group the prognosis was significantly better for patients with AEC than for those with SEC (p = 0.0005). Meticulous follow-up after treatment of a first cancer should be required to detect other early-stage carcinomas.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) following esophagectomy for carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to report the frequency of post-operative recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) following resection for esophageal carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four hundred and four patients were studied. Diagnosis of post-operative RLNP was performed by indirect laryngoscopy. Tumour characteristics, surgical approach and perioperative morbidity and mortality following esophageal resection were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were diagnosed with post-operative RLNP, of whom 47 had a unilateral and 16 a bilateral lesion. RLNP was more frequently diagnosed after transhiatal resection with cervical esophagogastrostomy as compared to abdomino-thoracic resection (p=0.06). A higher rate of post-operative pneumonia was evident in patients with RLNP (33 of 63 as opposed to 90 of 341; p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

RLNP is associated with a significant morbidity, especially pulmonary complications after resection of esophageal cancer.

Clinical outcomes of extended esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Opinions are conflicting about 3-field lymph node dissection (3FLND) during esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. In the current study, we sought to determine the prevalence of cervical and upper thoracic lymph node metastasis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus and to determine the impact of 3FLND on mortality, morbidity, survival, and recurrence rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 287 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus seen between November 1985 and December 2001, 141 (49%) underwent extended esophagectomy with 3FLND (cervical, mediastinal, and abdominal lymph node dissection). Patients were observed and clinicopathologic information collected prospectively on all patients until death or August 2002. The median follow-up was 41 months, ranging from 10 to 173 months.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality and morbidity rates were 6.4% and 80%, respectively. Thirty-four of 70 node-positive patients had cervicothoracic nodal involvement. Sixteen patients (11%) had nodal involvement confined only to the cervicothoracic nodes, and no patients with lower thoracic esophageal carcinoma showed cervicothoracic involvement alone. The frequency of cervical nodal disease was correlated with nodal status within the mediastinum (P <0.01). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates for all 141 patients were 76%, 58%, and 48%, respectively. Among significant variables verified by univariate analysis, independent prognostic factors for overall survival determined by multivariate analysis were number of lymph node metastasis (P <0.01), amount of blood transfusion (P <0.05), length of operation (P <0.05), and presence of pulmonary complications (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Extended esophagectomy with 3FLND can be performed with an acceptable mortality. Metastases frequently involved the upper thoracic and cervical lesions, and cervical nodal disease was correlated with thoracic nodal status. 3FLND proved to be an important staging system in 11% of patients. An excellent overall survival suggests a superiority of 3FLND when performed at experienced centers.

Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy With a Voice-controlled Robot

The authors attempted to clarify the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic esophagectomy with a voice-controlled robot, the AESOP system (3000 HR), and further determine whether innovative surgical equipment could allow the performance of complex thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Thoracoscopic surgery with a voice-controlled robot system has already been used in single-surgeon lung resection. Intra-operative and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients receiving hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with the AESOP system (n = 15) and patients receiving open surgery (n = 30). In the AESOP group, the volume of blood loss was significantly less, but the total operation time was longer than in the open group. There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes or the incidences of morbidity and mortality between the two groups. The surgeon using the AESOP system could obtain a stable, close-up, and long-lasting operative view. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery with the AESOP system has the potential to enable a single surgeon to perform a complex surgical procedure like esophagectomy.

Three-field lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction in 174 R0 resections: impact on staging, disease-free survival, and outcome: a plea for adaptation of TNM classification in upper-half esophageal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy on staging, disease-free survival, and 5-year survival in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ).

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy is mainly performed in Japan. Data from Western experience with 3-field lymphadenectomy are scarce and dealing with relatively small numbers. As a result, its role in the surgical practice of cancer of the esophagus and GEJ remains controversial.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 1999, primary surgery with 3-field lymphadenectomy was performed in 192 patients, of whom a cohort of 174 R0 resections was used for further analysis.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality of the whole series was 1.2%. Overall morbidity was 58%. Pulmonary complications occurred in 32.8%, cardiac dysrhythmias in 10.9%, and persistent recurrent nerve problems in 2.6%. pTNM staging was as follows: stage 0, 0.6%; stage I, 9.2%; stage II, 27.6%; stage III, 28.7%; and stage IV, 33.9%. Overall 3- and 5-year survival was 51% and 41.9%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival was 51.4% and 46.3%, respectively. Locoregional lymph node recurrence was 5.2%; no patient developed an isolated cervical lymph node recurrence. Five-year survival for node-negative patients was 80.2% versus 24.5% for node-positive patients. Five-year survival by stage was 100% in stages 0 and I, 59.1% in stage II, 36.8% in stage III, and 13.3% in stage IV. Twenty-three percent of the patients with adenocarcinoma (25.8% distal third and 17.6% GEJ) and 25% of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma (26.2% middle third) had positive cervical nodes resulting in a change of pTNM staging specifically related to the unforeseen cervical lymph node involvement in 12%. Cervical lymph node involvement was unforeseen in 75.6% of patients with cervical nodes at pathologic examinations. Five-year survival for patients with positive cervical nodes was 27.7% for middle third squamous cell carcinoma. For distal third adenocarcinomas, 4-year survival was 35.7% and 5-year survival 11.9%. No GEJ adenocarcinoma with positive cervical nodes survived for 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection can be performed with low mortality and acceptable morbidity. The prevalence of involved cervical nodes is high, regardless of the type and location of tumor resulting in a change of final staging specifically related to the cervical field in 12% of this series. Overall 5-year and disease-free survival after R0 resection of 41.9% and 46.3%, respectively, may indicate a real survival benefit. A 5-year survival of 27.2% in patients with positive cervical nodes in middle third carcinomas indicates that these nodes should be considered as regional (N1) rather than distant metastasis (M1b) in middle third carcinomas. These patients seem to benefit from a 3-field lymphadenectomy. The role of 3-field lymphadenectomy in distal third adenocarcinoma remains investigational.

Postoperative pulmonary complications are associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes after extended esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Risk analysis of pulmonary complications after extended esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection (3FLND) has been little reported in the literature.

METHODS

Risk factors of developing postoperative pneumonia after extended esophagectomy and its effects on in-hospital death and overall long-term survival were compared between 38 patients who developed pneumonia and 80 patients who did not.

RESULTS

Eight patients died of postoperative complications during the hospital stay after esophagectomy. Seven of those 8 patients developed pneumonia, whereas 31 patients of 110 patients who were discharged from the hospital developed pneumonia (P < 0.01). Pneumonia occurred more frequently in elderly patients (P < 0.01), in heavy smokers (P < 0.05), in patients with preoperative pulmonary obstructive dysfunction (P < 0.05), and in patients who received 3 U or more perioperative blood transfusion (P < 0.05). Five-year overall survival rate (26.7%) of 38 patients who developed pneumonia was significantly worse than 53.4% who did not develop pneumonia (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for overall survival showed that pathological tumor stage (hazard ratio 5.380, P < 0.01) and pneumonia (hazard ratio 2.369, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors. Postoperative pneumonia is correlated with in-hospital death and poorer long-term survival after extended esophagectomy with 3FLND.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with a history of heavy smoking and poor pulmonary function should be regarded as a high-risk group of patients for developing pneumonia and very careful selection is required before subjecting such patients to extended esophagectomy.

Superior mediastinal and neck lymphatic mapping in mid- and lower-thoracic esophageal cancer as defined by ferumoxides-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to detect lymphatic drainage into the superior mediastinum and neck in thoracic esophageal cancer patients using ferumoxides-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to have this information assist in determining the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

Nine male patients with T2-T3 mid- and lower-thoracic esophageal cancer with lymph node metastasis were examined. The day before surgery, ferumoxides was endoscopically injected into the submucosal layer of the peritumoral lesion. Thereafter, lymph nodes in the superior mediastinum and neck, which were shown to be ferumoxides-enhanced on MRI, were harvested and evaluated; magnetic force from all harvested lymph nodes was measured ex vivo.

RESULTS

MRI of the superior mediastinum and neck revealed 1(median) ferumoxides-enhanced lymph nodes in eight (89%) patients, and there was laterality in the lymphatic mapping in both areas. Of the 15 lymph nodes into which drainage was detected by enhanced MRI, 12 (80%) were magnetite-positive. In six patients (67%), magnetic resonance enhanced lymph nodes corresponded completely with the ex vivo magnetite examination, and in 3 patients (33%) there was partial agreement. In 3 (60%) of the 5 patients that showed paratracheal and/or supraclavicular lymph node metastases, all of the affected nodes were detected by MRI; in one patient some of the affected nodes were detected.

CONCLUSION

Ferumoxides-enhanced MRI is useful for visualizing lymphatic drainage to the superior mediastinum and neck in thoracic esophageal cancer. It is an adequate procedure to form an estimate on the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy.

Interferon-gamma and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after oesophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Activated polymorphonuclear leucocytes play a pivotal role in pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy. A lot of inflammatory mediators including interferon-gamma and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor are reported to modify the life span of polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

AIMS

In this study we investigated whether interferon-gamma and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor are associated with pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We measured interferon-gamma and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 37 patients who had undergone oesophagectomy and examined the relationship between these mediators and pulmonary complications.

RESULTS

Pulmonary complications occurred in nine patients (24%, Pneum(+)). There was no significant difference in age, gender, preoperative comorbid conditions, tumour stage, operation method, operating time or blood loss between the Pneum(+) group and another 28 patients(Pneum(-)). Days until extubation were significantly increased in the Pneum(+) group than in the Pneum(-) group. Interferon-gamma (on postoperative day 2) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (on postoperative days 1-3) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased in the Pneum(+) group than in the Pneum(-) group and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was significantly correlated with days until extubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that bronchoalveolar lavage fluid granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is associated with respiratory conditions after oesophagectomy and assaying it can be useful for predicting pulmonary complications.

Endoscopic ultrasound after preoperative chemoradiation can help identify patients who benefit maximally after surgical esophageal resection

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether differences in postoperative survival exist based on the presence and site of residual tumor (esophagus vs regional lymph nodes) after preoperative chemoXRT in patients with esophageal cancer. Based on these data, we reevaluated the role of EUS in identifying patients who maximally benefit from surgical esophageal resection after preoperative chemoXRT.

METHODS

We studied 97 consecutive esophageal cancer patients treated with preoperative chemoXRT and a potentially curative surgical procedure between 1998 to 2001. All patients had EUS examination prior to chemoXRT and 53 had a repeat EUS examination after chemoXRT but prior to surgery. Surgical resection specimens were analyzed for absence or presence of residual tumor and its location.

RESULTS

Patients with residual tumor in the esophagus (pathT1-3N0) and patients without residual tumor (pathT0N0) had similar cumulative survival (p= 0.92). Patients with residual cancer in lymph nodes showed a trend toward shorter cumulative survival compared to patients without residual tumor in lymph nodes (p= 0.086). The actuarial survival in pathN1 group was lower than pathN0 group at 1, 2, and 3 yr. Patients with significant residual lymphadenopathy detected by EUS after therapy had significantly worse postoperative survival compared to patients with no residual lymphadenopathy (p= 0.028). In eight patients, we found that reliable cytologic identification of residual malignancy was technically feasible by EUS-FNA after chemoradiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Following preoperative chemoXRT and surgery, patients with residual tumor in the regional lymph nodes have lower actuarial survival at 1, 2, and 3 yr after surgery, compared to patients with path CR or with residual tumor only in the esophagus. EUS and EUS-guided FNA can be helpful in identifying residual tumor in the lymph nodes after preoperative chemoXRT to select patients who benefit maximally from surgery.

Two-step three-field lymph node dissection is beneficial for thoracic esophageal carcinoma

Aggressive surgery including extensive lymph node dissection is considered necessary to improve the long-term survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma. While three-field lymph node dissection is widely performed for patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma, cervical lymph node metastasis is uncommon. In order to reduce surgical stress, we have developed a two-step three-field lymph node dissection procedure for thoracic esophageal carcinoma. In the first-step operation, total thoracic esophagectomy through a right thoracotomy is performed. Mediastinal and abdominal lymph node dissection is performed synchronously. When recurrent nerve lymph node metastasis is pathologically positive, cervical lymph node dissection is performed about 3 weeks after the first operation (second step). Of 343 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus surgically treated in our department between 1990 and 2001, 146 underwent the operation described above. Three-field dissection was performed in 68 patients (group A), while two-field dissection was performed in 78 patients (group B). In the 68 group A patients, cervical lymph node metastasis was positive in 15 patients (22%). There was no marked difference in the onset of major complications between the two groups. The 5-year survival rate was 58% for group A and 61% for group B, not a statistically significant difference. In 78 of the 146 patients, it was possible to avoid cervical lymph node dissection without negatively affecting therapeutic outcomes. Two-step three-field lymph node dissection can reduce surgical stress of patients with good clinical outcome.

Development of less invasive surgical procedures for thoracic esophageal cancer

In order to minimize the invasiveness of the operative procedure for thoracic esophageal cancer, several procedures have been introduced since January 1997. They included: (i) perioperative use of steroids; (ii) muscle-sparing thoracotomy without costectomy; (iii) preparation of the gastric tube with preservation of sufficient blood supply; (iv) reconstruction of the alimentary tract via posterior-mediastinal route; and (v) formation of anastomosis between the remaining esophagus and the gastric tube at a location between the gastroepiploic arteries of the gastric greater curvature. Twenty-one patients who did not receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy underwent the newly developed procedure, and were compared with those receiving the original procedure. Hospital mortality was zero, and postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome was suppressed. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 21.5 days, and the actuarial 3-year survival rate was 76.2%. From the comparison with those receiving the original procedure, it can be concluded that the newly developed procedures were effective in minimizing surgical invasiveness and were sufficiently curative in terms of cancer treatment.

Metachronous gastric carcinoma from a gastric tube after radical surgery for esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cases of metachronous gastric carcinoma arising from a gastric tube used for reconstruction have been increasing in long-term survivors of esophageal cancer in recent years. We investigated the characteristics of gastric tube carcinoma to determine the most appropriate approach to managing it.

METHODS

Between 1980 and 1997, 508 patients underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma at Keio University Hospital. Reconstruction was performed with a gastric tube in 414 (81.5%) of them, and 8 of them developed a metachronous carcinoma in the gastric tube. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of the gastric tube carcinomas were evaluated in this study.

RESULTS

Gastric cancer was detected during follow-up endoscopic examinations or in an upper gastrointestinal series in seven patients. All of the cancers were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma histopathologically. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed in two patients, partial resection of the residual stomach was performed in three patients. One patient was treated by endoscopic mucosal resection as palliative therapy, since he had severe pulmonary emphysema. Total resection of the gastric tube was attempted in 2 advanced cases but was unsuccessful because of direct invasion of other organ by the cancer. The 5 patients who underwent curative resection are alive with no subsequent recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Since early diagnosis permits less invasive treatment and curative treatment is difficult in advanced cases, strict postoperative examinations are important after radical esophagectomy to ensure early detection of metachronous gastric carcinoma arising from gastric tubes used for reconstruction.

Improved survival for patients with upper and/or middle mediastinal lymph node metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus treated with 3-field dissection

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes with 2 and 3 lymph node dissection for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus at a single institution.

BACKGROUND

Extensive lymph node dissection, including the upper mediastinum, for carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus is advocated as a standard surgical procedure with curative intent in Japan. However, its efficacy remains controversial.

METHODS

From January 1988 to December 1997, 532 patients with carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus underwent transthoracic esophagectomy and extensive lymph node dissection with curative intent at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo. Of these, 495 (93%) had squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 156 (29%) with tumors of the lower thoracic esophagus were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 156 patients, 55 (35%) underwent 2-field and 101 (65%) underwent 3-field lymph node dissection. The operative morbidity and 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 68.0%, 1.3%, and 2.6%, respectively. The overall 5-year survival rate for the entire series was 49.3%. One hundred and seven (69%) had lymph node metastases. Upper and/or middle mediastinal lymph node metastases occurred in 42% of the series. The 5-year survival rate for patients with lymph node metastases in the upper and/or middle mediastinum was 23.3%. Among them, the values after 2- and 3-field lymph node dissection were 5.6% and 30.0%, respectively (P = 0.005). Thirteen (27%) of 48 patients with upper and/or middle mediastinal lymph node metastases treated with 3-field dissection had simultaneous cervical lymph node metastases and their 5-year survival rate was 23.1%.

CONCLUSION

The 3-field approach for extensive lymph node dissection provides better survival benefit for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus compared to 2-field lymph node dissection when lymph node metastases are present in the upper and/or middle mediastinum.

Recurrence pattern of squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus after extended radical esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy

BACKGROUND

Extended radical esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy for patients with thoracic esophageal cancer has been shown to be effective. But even if this operation is performed, some patients still experience relapse of the disease. The purpose of this study was to clarify the pattern and timing of recurrence after extended radical esophagectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was examined in 171 of 174 patients who underwent extended radical esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy. Recurrence patterns were classified as locoregional (at the site of the primary tumor, the anastomotic site, or the lymph nodes), hematogenous, and other (pleura or site of gastrostomy). Factors associated with recurrence were identified using univariate and multivariate statistical methods for survival analysis.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate was 55.6%. Recurrence was recognized in 74 patients (43.3%). The median disease-free interval until recurrence was 11 months. Thirty patients (17.5%) developed a locoregional recurrence, and 24 (14.0%) developed a hematogenous recurrence. Five patients (2.9%) developed both recurrences simultaneously and were classified as hematogenous recurrences. Of 30 patients with cervical lymph node metastasis, recurrent disease was recognized in 19 patients (63.3%). In multivariate analysis of 160 patients, the depth of invasion and pM-lym (cervical or celiac lymph node metastasis) were significant factors for locoregional recurrence; the depth of invasion and number of lymph node metastases at operation were significant factors for hematogenous recurrence. Survival time for patients with hematogenous recurrence (median 16 months) was significantly shorter than that of patients with locoregional recurrence (median 25.5 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Locoregional recurrence is associated mainly with the extent of the local tumor and lymph node metastasis; hematogenous recurrence is not only associated with tumor stage but also with the tumor's oncologic behavior.

Cervical or thoracic anastomosis after esophageal resection and gastric tube reconstruction: a prospective randomized trial comparing sutured neck anastomosis with stapled intrathoracic anastomosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to compare in prospective randomized fashion a manually sutured esophagogastric anastomosis in the neck and a stapled in the chest after esophageal resection and gastric tube reconstruction.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Despite the fact that all reconstructions after esophagectomy will result in a cervical or a thoracic anastomosis, controversy still exists as to the optimal site for the anastomosis. In uncontrolled studies, both neck and chest anastomoses have been advocated. The only reported randomized study is difficult to evaluate because of varying routes of the substitute and different anastomotic techniques within the groups. The reported high failure rate of stapled anastomoses in the neck and the fact that most surgeons prefer to suture cervical anastomoses made us choose this technique for anastomosis in the neck. Our routine and the preference of most surgeons to staple high thoracic anastomoses became decisive for type of thoracic anastomoses.

METHODS

Between May 9, 1990 and February 5, 1996, 83 patients undergoing esophageal resection were prospectively randomized to receive an esophagogastric anastomosis in the neck (41 patients) or an esophagogastric anastomosis in the chest (42 patients). To evaluate selection bias, patients undergoing esophageal resection during the same period but not randomized (n = 29) were also followed and compared with those in the study (n = 83). Objective measurements of anastomotic level and diameter were assessed with an endoscope and balloon catheter 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The long-term survival rates were compared with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Two patients (1.8%) died in hospital, and the remaining 110 patients were followed until death or for a minimum of 60 months. The genuine 5-year survival rate was 29% for chest anastomoses and 30% for neck anastomoses. The overall leakage rate was 1.8% (2 cases of 112) with no relation to mortality or anastomotic method. All patients in the randomized group had tumor-free proximal and distal resection lines, but 1 patient in the nonrandomized group had tumor infiltrates in the proximal resection margin. At 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, there was no difference in anastomotic diameter between the esophagogastric anastomosis in the neck and in the thorax (P = 0.771), and both increased with time (P = 0.004, ANOVA repeated measures). Body weight development was the same in the two groups. With similar results in randomized and nonrandomized patients, study bias was eliminated.

CONCLUSIONS

When performed in a standardized way, neck and chest anastomoses after esophageal resection are equally safe. The additional esophageal resection of 5 cm in the neck group did not increase tumor removal and survival; on the other hand, it did not adversely influence morbidity, anastomotic diameter, or eating as reflected by body weight development.

Cervical lymphadenectomy is beneficial for patients with carcinoma of the upper and mid-thoracic esophagus

The role of cervical lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer is controversial. This study evaluated the impact of cervical lymphadenectomy on the cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) and survival rates of patients with esophageal cancer. We analyzed 199 patients who received radical esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy. The overall 5-year survival rate was 49.4%. Cervical LNM was found in 36 (18.1%) out of the 199 patients. The 5-year survival rates of the patients with cervical LNM from upper and mid-esophageal cancers were 71.4% and 35.9%, respectively. However, none of the patients with cervical LNM from lower esophageal cancer survived more than 4 years after esophagectomy. The overall survival of patients with five or more metastatic nodes (5.9%) was significantly worse than that of patients with less than five positive nodes (45.5%). Cervical lymphadenectomy is beneficial for patients with carcinoma of the upper and mid-thoracic esophagus, and with less than five positive nodes.

Comparison of three-field esophagectomy for esophageal cancer incorporating open or thoracoscopic thoracotomy

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has been performed as an alternative to open surgery to reduce surgical trauma. However, its effect on pulmonary function, exercise tolerability, and quality of life is unknown.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients with esophageal cancer underwent thoracic esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy by posterolateral thoracotomy (29 cases) or thoracoscopic surgery (22 cases). Patients performed spirometry and exercise tolerance testing and completed a quality-of-life questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Pre-to-postoperative change in vital capacity was 74.3 +/- 10.6% in the thoracotomy group and 84.9 +/- 10.4% in the thoracoscopy group (p = 0.021). Maximum oxygen uptake was similar, but dyspnea was the more common factor limiting exercise tolerance postoperatively in the thoracotomy group. Change in pre-to-postoperative performance status was 1.20 +/- 0.62 in the thoracotomy group and 0.55 +/- 0.51 in the thoracoscopy group (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has better preservation of pulmonary function and quality-of-life.

Postoperative chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy for thoracic esophageal cancer: a prospective randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Neither postoperative radiotherapy nor chemotherapy alone provided a survival benefit after curative esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Of 103 consecutive patients who underwent potentially curative esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma, 45 patients with advanced cancers without preoperative adjuvant treatments were prospectively randomized to two groups; postoperative chemotherapy alone (Group A, n=23) and postoperative radio/chemotherapy (Group B, n=22). In Group A, cisplatin (CDDP) (50 mg/m(2)) was given by intravenous infusion on days 1 and 15, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (300 mg/m(2)) was given daily by continuous intravenous infusion for 5 weeks. In Group B, in addition to the same chemotherapeutic regimen of Group A, 50 Gy of radiotherapy was given to the mediastinum over 5 weeks. The immunohistochemical staining of tumoral p53 and microvessel density was undertaken to correlate to the radio/chemosensitivity.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups. The median dose of 5-FU and CDDP administered were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean (SD) dose of radiotherapy in Group B was 42+10 Gy. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates in Group A were 100, 63 and 38% and those in Group B were 80, 58 and 50%, respectively (P=0.97). In each group, four patients succumbed to locoregional recurrences. Tumoral p53 was immunohistochemically negative in 43% in Group A and 77% in Group B (P=0.03), indicating that many patients in Group B might be potentially sensitive to radiochemotherapy. The 3- and 5-year survival rates (75 and 64%) of patients with p53 negative expression (n=18) were significantly (P=0.03) better than those with p53 positive expression (n=27, 44 and 26%). The long-term survival was better for patients with p53 negative tumours than those with p53 positive tumours in Group B (P=0.06 by long-rank test, P<0.05 by Generalized-Wilcoxon test). However, the long-term survival was not different between the patients who had p53 negative and positive tumours in Group A (P=0.19). These data suggest that there were no survival advantage for patients receiving radiotherapy in Group B, instead p53 negative tumours appeared to have a favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative radiotherapy administered concurrently with chemotherapy does not provide a survival benefit compared with chemotherapy alone. Tumoral p53 expression has a predictive value for survival in patients treated with postoperative radio/chemotherapy.

Multivariate analysis of treatment outcome in patients with esophageal carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy

To evaluate patient characteristics and treatment factors influencing outcome of patients treated with definitive radiotherapy, we performed retrospective analysis. From 1983 to 2000, 154 patients who were diagnosed as esophageal carcinoma without distant metastasis received definitive radiotherapy with (N = 90) or without (N = 64) systemic chemotherapy. One hundred forty-two males and 12 females were entered in the analysis. Thirty-four patients received an additional boost of intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). The median patient age was 68 years (range: 46-86). Disease stage was distributed as stage I, II, III, and IV for 33, 42, 33, and 45 patients, respectively. External beam radiotherapy was prescribed with a median 63 Gy (range: 38-77.8 Gy). The 2- and 5-year overall survival (OAS) and local control (LC) rates were 40.8/18.4% and 48.6/28.9%, respectively. In uni-/multivariate analyses, significant prognostic factors of OAS proved to be advanced T stage, absence of ICBT, and age less than 65 years. As for LC, adverse prognostic factors of uni/multivariate analysis were advanced T stage and poor performance status. The pretreatment T stage showed the most powerful influence on both survival and LC. Combination use of ICBT is proven to refine treatment outcome, although eligible criteria should be decided by a prospective study.

[Surgery for oesophageal cancer: current controversies]

Any attempt to define the present role of surgery in the treatment of oesophageal cancer should integrate the dramatic changes that occurred within this disease over the last 2 decades: major shift in the histologic type of tumours, improved staging methods, spectacular reduction of operative risks, standardization of oncologic principles focusing on the completeness of resection, and development of multimodality therapeutic strategies. Surgery has still a pivotal role. Esophagectomy should be performed by trained surgeons in high-volume institutions. Radical surgery with en-bloc resection and 2 fields lymphadenectomy, should be encouraged in low-risk patients with subcarinal tumors. Although multimodality treatment strategy is commonly applied for locally advanced disease, few data support its superiority over surgical resection alone, followed by adjuvant therapy when appropriate. One may thus hypothesize that the risk/benefit ratio of such strategies is probably optimal in case of early stage tumors, and future studies may further clarify this issue. Conversely, locally advanced tumors, particularly those located in the upper mediastinum and the neck, may be managed alternatively without surgery. However, surgery remains an important tool to ensure optimal palliation of dysphagia, to achieve local control, and finally to improve quality of life. In that way, video-assisted techniques and/or trans hiatal approaches aiming to minimize the surgical insult may have a place in the treatment of patients who have substantially responded to induction therapy. Tumors located close to the pharyngo-oesophageal junction are best managed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Finally, salvage surgery may be considered in highly selected patients in case of non-response or local relapse without distant metastases.

Prognostic evaluation of patients with clinical T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus after 3-field lymph node dissection

BACKGROUND

Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes with clinical T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinomas requiring surgical resection have not been well investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate results for patients undergoing 3-field lymph node dissection and to elucidate predictors of survival.

METHODS

From January 1988 to January 1998, 336 patients with carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus underwent transthoracic esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection. Of these, 325 (97%) patients had squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 139 (41%) with clinical T1 and T2 tumors were retrospectively analyzed based on the prospectively established database.

RESULTS

Among the 139 patients with clinical T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinomas, 90 (65%) had T1 and 49 (35%) had T2 tumors. The operative morbidity, and 30-day and in hospital mortality rates were 70%, 0%, and 2%, respectively. Macroscopic and microscopic complete resection of the primary tumor and removal of metastatic nodes were accomplished in 90% of the cases. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 88%, 72%, and 61%. Significant prognostic factors, determined by multivariate analysis, were number of lymph node metastases, pathologic T status, and completeness of resection. Number of lymph node metastases most strongly affected survival. Eighty-six percent of patients with 5 or more metastatic nodes occurred recurrence of disease.

CONCLUSION

Esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection accomplishes a high feasibility of complete resection of primary tumor and removal of metastatic nodes in patients with clinical T1 and T2 squamous cell carcinomas. Five or more metastatic nodes can be considered as an indicator of systemic disease with a high likelihood of distant organ metastasis. This variable must be taken into consideration for deciding clinical disease stage and treatment strategy.

A comparison of video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy and radical lymph node dissection for squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus with open operation

BACKGROUND

A direct comparison of open operation and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for radical oesophagectomy has yet to be published.

METHODS

Medical records of 149 patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent oesophagectomy and three-field lymphadenectomy were reviewed. Seventy-seven patients had the thoracic procedure performed via a 5-cm minithoracotomy and four ports (VATS group); the others were operated on by conventional posterolateral thoracotomy (open group).

RESULTS

The mean number of retrieved mediastinal nodes, blood loss and morbidity were similar in the VATS and open groups (33.9 versus 32.8 nodes, 284 versus 310 g, and 32 versus 38 per cent respectively). The thoracic procedure took longer in patients having VATS than in the control group (227 versus 186 min; P = 0.031). Vital capacity reduction was less with VATS than in the open group (15 versus 22 per cent; P = 0.016). The 3- and 5-year survival rates were similar: 70 and 55 per cent respectively for VATS compared with 60 and 57 per cent for the open procedure.

CONCLUSION

VATS provides comparable results to open radical oesophagectomy, with less surgical trauma.

Critical care transesophageal endosonography and guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnosis and management of posterior mediastinitis

BACKGROUND

Acute mediastinitis is a serious complication; it occurs after esophageal perforation and thoracic surgery and is rarely due to infections. Clinical and computed tomographic scan signs may be nonspecific, especially in postoperative patients.

DESIGN

We prospectively evaluated the value of transesophageal endosonography with guided fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis and identification of etiologic agents in critically ill patients with suspected posterior mediastinitis.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Transesophageal endosonography/fine-needle aspiration was performed at the bedside in the intensive care unit with a Pentax 34UX echo-endoscope and a portable Hitachi console (EUB 525). Eighteen patients with clinically suspected mediastinitis were examined with intensive care team support.

RESULTS

Computed tomography was performed before transesophageal endosonography in all 18 patients and was inconclusive in 9. Transesophageal endosonography detected mediastinal lesions in 16 (89%) of 18 patients and was more accurately diagnostic than computed tomography (p =.0082). Fifteen patients had undergone surgery (11 esophagectomy, 1 other esophageal surgery, 1 head/neck cancer surgery, 1 complication after dilatational tracheostomy, and 1 with intervention after polytrauma). Three patients were suspected to have nonpostoperative mediastinitis. In 16 patients, infectious organisms were detected (bacterial, n = 14; fungal, n = 1; tuberculosis, n = 1). Culture and sensitivity of transesophageal endosonography/fine-needle aspiration specimens led to appropriate drug therapy. In two patients, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected, leading to isolation care. Twelve patients improved; six died. Of the two patients in whom transesophageal endosonography did not detect a mediastinitis, one was false negative on autopsy. There were no complications.

CONCLUSION

Bedside transesophageal endosonography/fine-needle aspiration of posterior mediastinal lesions in critically ill patients was an effective and relatively noninvasive way to detect mediastinitis and provide material to identify the etiologic agent. It was particularly useful in postesophagectomy patients.

Locally advanced esophageal cancer

Patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus should undergo computed tomography of the chest and abdomen and positron emission tomography to look for evidence of distant metastatic disease. In the absence of systemic metastases, locoregional staging should be performed with endoscopic ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration of accessible periesophageal lymph nodes and any detectable celiac lymph nodes. Patients found to have T3 tumors (transmural extension), T4 tumors (invasion of adjacent structures), or N1-M1a (lymph node-positive) disease do poorly when treated with surgery alone; 5-year survival is less than 20%. These patients should be considered for combined modality therapy. Patients with T4 disease are generally not deemed candidates for surgical resection; they may be considered for definitive chemoradiotherapy. Patients with T3 disease or lymph node-positive disease may be treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery or definitive chemoradiotherapy alone. Patients considered for trimodality therapy should be fully restaged before surgery to assess their response to neoadjuvant treatment. This should include repeat endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes. Patients whose lymph node metastases do not completely respond to neoadjuvant therapy are unlikely to benefit from the addition of surgery. Patients with persistently positive celiac lymph nodes have a very poor prognosis and should not undergo surgery. Patients with persistent nodal disease who have good performance status may be considered for additional chemotherapy. Patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who have poor performance status are not good candidates for combined modality therapy. These individuals are best managed with palliative intent. Particular attention should be given to alleviating the common problem of dysphagia, which causes significant morbidity.

Predictive value of blood flow in the gastric tube in anastomotic insufficiency after thoracic esophagectomy

Anastomotic insufficiency is considered to be one of the most serious complications associated with esophageal reconstruction. The purposes of this study were to identify (1) the relationship between anastomotic insufficiency and tissue blood flow (TBF) in the gastric tube in the perioperative period, and (2) the effects of intravenous prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on TBF in the gastric tube. The study group consisted of 44 patients who were to undergo esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Intraoperative and postoperative TBF on the serosal side of the gastric tube were measured by laser-Doppler tissue blood flowmetry. The TBF of the Leakage(+) group (n = 5) was poorer than that of the Leakage(?) group (n = 39) during the intraoperative and postoperative periods. There was a significant difference in TBF between the two groups at postoperative day (POD) 3. There was a tendency in the PGE1(+) group (n = 18) to exhibit richer blood flow through the anastomosis than the PGE1(?) group (n = 26), intraoperatively, but the difference was not significant. Two of five Leakage(+) cases were also in the PGE1(+) group. There was no relationship between intraoperative medication with PGE1 and incidence of leakage. The TBF of three-field lymph node dissection and reconstruction of the retrosternal route group (n = 21) was poorer than that of the two-field lymph-node dissection and reconstruction of the posterior mediastinal route group (n = 23). The TBF in the gastric tube after esophagectomy may be a predictor of anastomotic insufficiency. However, PGE1 treatment in the intraoperative period alone is not effective in preventing anastomotic insufficiency.

Three-field lymph node dissection for squamous cell and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of occult cervical nodal metastases in patients with squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, and to determine the impact of esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection on survival and recurrence rates.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Although esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection is commonly practiced in Japan, its role in the surgical management of esophageal cancer in the United States, especially in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, is essentially unknown.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study of esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy. Eighty patients underwent resection between August 1994 and April 2001. Clinicopathological information and follow-up data were collected on all patients until death or June 2001.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality and morbidity rates were 5% and 46%, respectively. Metastases to the recurrent laryngeal and/or deep cervical nodes occurred in 36% of patients irrespective of cell type (adenocarcinoma 37%, squamous 34%) or location within the esophagus (lower third 32%, middle third 60%). Overall 5-year and disease-free survival rates were 51% and 46%, respectively. Sixty-nine percent presented with nodal metastases. The 5-year survival rate for node-negative patients was 88%; that for those with nodal metastases was 33%. The 5-year survival rate in patients with positive cervical nodes was 25% (squamous 40%, adenocarcinoma 15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection can be performed with a low mortality and reasonable morbidity. Unsuspected metastases to the recurrent laryngeal and/or cervical nodes are present in 36% of patients regardless of cell type or location within the esophagus. Thirty percent of patients were upstaged, mainly from stage III to stage IV. An overall 5-year survival rate of 51% suggests a true survival benefit beyond that achieved solely on the basis of stage migration.

Quality of life after esophagectomy for cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of esophagectomy patients after curative surgery.

DESIGN

Longitudinal, descriptive pilot study.

SETTING

Comprehensive cancer center in the northeastern United States.

SAMPLE

23 patients were surveyed: 20 men and 3 women. The mean age was 62.3 years.

METHODS

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (version 2.0) and the esophageal-specific module were used. Data collection included three or four time points: before neoadjuvant treatment (if administered), before surgery, and three and six months after surgery.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

The effects on symptoms and QOL of curative esophagectomy performed by a thoracic surgical oncologist.

FINDINGS

Global QOL declined slightly over time; this change was not statistically significant. A significant inverse relationship was found between symptom intensity and global QOL. The intensity of hoarseness, reflux, and diarrhea increased significantly pre- to postsurgery. The average symptom intensity for the esophageal-specific subset of 24 symptoms increased significantly over time; the greatest intensity was found before surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the six-month observation period, the study found little average change in global QOL or functional status. However, symptoms increased significantly during this time period. Increased symptoms were associated with decreased QOL.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Symptom management should focus on symptoms that interfere with patients' QOL. Further research should target the evaluation of specific interventions for symptoms.

Three-field lymph node dissection for squamous cell and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of occult cervical nodal metastases in patients with squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, and to determine the impact of esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection on survival and recurrence rates.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Although esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection is commonly practiced in Japan, its role in the surgical management of esophageal cancer in the United States, especially in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, is essentially unknown.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study of esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy. Eighty patients underwent resection between August 1994 and April 2001. Clinicopathological information and follow-up data were collected on all patients until death or June 2001.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality and morbidity rates were 5% and 46%, respectively. Metastases to the recurrent laryngeal and/or deep cervical nodes occurred in 36% of patients irrespective of cell type (adenocarcinoma 37%, squamous 34%) or location within the esophagus (lower third 32%, middle third 60%). Overall 5-year and disease-free survival rates were 51% and 46%, respectively. Sixty-nine percent presented with nodal metastases. The 5-year survival rate for node-negative patients was 88%; that for those with nodal metastases was 33%. The 5-year survival rate in patients with positive cervical nodes was 25% (squamous 40%, adenocarcinoma 15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection can be performed with a low mortality and reasonable morbidity. Unsuspected metastases to the recurrent laryngeal and/or cervical nodes are present in 36% of patients regardless of cell type or location within the esophagus. Thirty percent of patients were upstaged, mainly from stage III to stage IV. An overall 5-year survival rate of 51% suggests a true survival benefit beyond that achieved solely on the basis of stage migration.

Prognostic factors after oesophagectomy and extended lymphadenectomy for squamous oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients without nodal metastasis of oesophageal cancer is generally good, but recurrence develops in some cases.

METHODS

Data on 88 consecutive patients with squamous oesophageal cancer who underwent three-field lymph node dissection from 1986 to September 1998 and who had no evidence of nodal disease were reviewed retrospectively. Disease status was based on histological examination of the section of each node with the largest surface area, stained with haematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-year survival rates of patients without lymph node metastasis were 85 and 81 per cent respectively, better than in patients with metastasis. Twelve patients died from recurrence. Recurrence was haematogenous in nine patients and locoregional in three. Survival was worse in men, for patients with lesions located in the upper thoracic oesophagus, and in those with lymphatic or blood vessel invasion. Only the presence of lymphatic invasion correlated with survival on multivariate analysis (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Although survival was generally good in patients without nodal metastasis from oesophageal cancer following three-field lymph node dissection, patients with lymphatic invasion remained at risk for haematogenous dissemination.

Real-time rapid reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for intraoperative diagnosis of lymph node micrometastasis: clinical application for cervical lymph node dissection in esophageal cancers

BACKGROUND

New molecular techniques have been designed to detect cancer micrometastases that are otherwise missed by conventional histologic examination. The aim of this study was to establish a sensitive and rapid genetic assay to detect lymph node micrometastasis and to assess its usefulness clinically for cervical lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer. We have recently shown that metastasis in the lymph node chain along the recurrent laryngeal nerves (rec LNs) is a predictor of cervical node metastasis in esophageal cancer. In our retrospective study, the positive rate of cervical lymph node metastasis with rec LNs metastasis was 51.6%, and the rate without rec LNs metastasis was 11.6%. There was a significant difference in both positive rates (P =.0002).

METHODS

Rec LNs obtained from 50 patients with esophageal cancer were assessed prospectively by intraoperative histopathologic examination (HE) and genetic analysis. The latter involved a real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) system with multiple markers, carcinoembryonic antigen, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma antigen-3, whose messenger RNAs are highly and frequently expressed in esophageal cancers. Cervical lymphadenectomy was subsequently performed in a subset of these patients.

RESULTS

Ten of 50 patients (20%) were scored as node positive by HE, and 24 patients (48%) were scored positive by genetic diagnosis, including 9 HE-positive cases. Genetic diagnosis of rec LNs accurately predicted all 9 cases with cervical lymph node metastasis and 2 cases with cervical lymph node recurrence, whereas HE missed 2 cases with cervical lymph node metastasis and 2 cases with cervical lymph node recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our real-time rapid RT-PCR assay can improve the sensitivity of HE for detection of lymph node metastasis and might be potentially useful for intraoperative genetic diagnosis for subsequent cervical lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer surgery.

Role of L-selectin in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients after major surgery

BACKGROUND

The circulating level of soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) has been reported to be low in adult respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury. This study explores the role of L-selectin in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients undergoing major surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients who underwent esophagectomy were maintained by mechanical ventilation in a surgical intensive care unit. Fourteen patients developed VAP by postoperative day (POD) 7, while 20 patients did not. The plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules and elastase were measured serially by ELISA or EIA. The expression of L-selectin on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In multiple logistic regression analysis, only the preoperative plasma level of sL-selectin was significantly associated with VAP. The plasma sL-selectin level before surgery was significantly lower in the patients who developed VAP compared with the patients who did not develop VAP. After surgery, the level of sL-selectin did not change. The plasma level of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 increased in the patients with and without VAP. The plasma level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was significantly higher in the patients with VAP. L-selectin expression on PMNs showed a peak on POD 2 in the patients without VAP, whereas it was impaired in the patients with VAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of the preoperative plasma level of sL-selectin may help to identify patients at high risk for VAP after esophagectomy.

Lymph node metastasis along the recurrent nerve chain is an indication for cervical lymph node dissection in thoracic esophageal cancer

This study examined whether recurrent nerve chain node metastasis serves as an indicative factor for cervical lymph node dissection in thoracic esophageal cancer. The association of recurrent nerve chain lymph node metastasis and cervical node metastasis was analyzed for 91 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer who had undergone three-field lymph node dissection. In patients with upper thoracic esophageal cancer, the incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis was similar regardless of recurrent nerve chain node metastasis. On the other hand, in patients with middle or lower esophageal cancer, the incidence was significantly higher in recurrent nerve-positive (16/31, 51.6%) than in recurrent nerve-negative (5/43, 11.6%) patients. The prognosis of patients with recurrent nerve chain node metastasis was significantly better in the three-field dissection group than in the two-field dissection group, while in patients with no recurrent nerve chain node metastasis, survival was similar between the two groups. In conclusion, cervical lymphadenectomy can be omitted for recurrent nerve chain node-negative patients with middle and lower thoracic esophageal cancer.

Standard surgical approaches in the management of esophageal cancer

Much controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment for patients with carcinoma of the esophagus. Further studies are necessary to examine the utility and efficacy of each approach in treating esophageal cancer either alone or in combination with other modalities. Until data from prospective randomized trials showing a clear benefit using a particular approach are available, surgeons should use their better judgement in individualizing and selecting the most appropriate surgical approach to provide the best chance of cure or lasting palliation for this disease that challenges both patient and surgeon.

Two-field dissection is enough for esophageal cancer

Three-field lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer remains controversial. The high prevalence of cervical lymph node involvement is the basis of cervical lymphadenectomy. Studies of recurrence patterns after esophagectomy, however, indicate that clinically relevant cervical nodal recurrence is uncommon, and that the incidence of such recurrence is similar to that of two-field lymphadenectomy. Moreover, a convincing survival benefit cannot be proven for the more extended lymphadenectomy. The emphasis of three-field lymphadenectomy has shifted to lymphadenectomy of the superior mediastinum and along the recurrent laryngeal nerve chains. Radical dissection of these areas may improve local disease control; the price to pay is increased postoperative morbidity and impaired long-term quality of life. Furthermore, the selection of appropriate patients for extended lymphadenectomy is difficult. Formal three-field lymphadenectomy seems unnecessary, but the controversy of the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy and its impact on survival remains unanswered.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and survival of patients with clinical Stage I squamous cell carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus treated with three-field lymph node dissection

OBJECTIVE

Clinicopathologic characteristics and survival rates of patients with clinical Stage I tumors treated with three-field lymph node dissection have not been well investigated. This report documents the results of a series of cases of clinical Stage I squamous cell carcinomas treated with this surgical procedure in our institute.

METHODS

From January 1988 to March 1997, 326 patients with carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus underwent transthoracic esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection. Two hundred and ninety-seven (91%) of these had squamous cell carcinomas. Fifty-seven (18%) patients with clinical Stage I squamous cell carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus were retrospectively reviewed here.

RESULTS

Among 57 clinical Stage I squamous cell carcinomas, ten (18%) were diagnosed as T1-mucosal and 47 (83%) as T1-submucosal. Seventy percent of the patients with clinical T1-mucosal tumors had additional primary esophageal lesions. The operative morbidity and in-hospital mortality rates were 63 and 0%, and the overall 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 95, 86, 78, and 70%, respectively. Of the 57 tumors assessed pathologically, 12 (21%) were T1-mucosal, 42 (74%) were T1-submucosal, and three (5%) were T2. Nineteen (33%) exhibited lymph node metastasis. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates for patients with lymph node metastasis were 90, 79, 73, and 58%, respectively, as compared with 97, 90, 80, and 76, respectively for patients without lymph node metastasis (P=0.24). The accuracy of preoperative staging, based on both wall penetration and the status regarding lymph node metastasis, was 63%. With reference to the 1997 UICC-TNM staging system, 36 (63%) were pStage I, two (4%) were pStage IIA, 18 (28%) were pStage IIB, and three (6%) were pStage IVB. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates for patients with pStage I disease were 97, 92, 85, and 81%, respectively. In those with pStage II or IV disease, the values were 91, 76, 65, and 52%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-field lymph node dissection may be indicated even for patients with clinical Stage I squamous cell carcinoma requiring surgical intervention because this surgical procedure provides for possible cure by removing unsuspected lymph node metastasis.

Wide-spread distribution of sentinel lymph nodes in esophageal cancer

Sentinel lymph nodes are the first draining nodes that contain tumor cells. Identification of sentinel nodes may help to determine the suitable extent of lymphadenectoy. To assess the location of sentinel lymph nodes, a series of 41 patients with single and two metastatic lymph nodes who underwent esophagectomy and 3-field lymphadenectomy between 1991 and 1999 were investigated retrospectively. Only 29 (47.5%) of 61 metastatic nodes showed correspondence between the tumor site and the regional metastatic lymph nodes by routine histologic examination. In the patients with tumors in the upper and middle thoracic esophagus, metastatic lymph nodes were distributed in the cervix, mediastinum and abdomen. Although sentinel nodes were limited to the regional and adjusting compartments in 82%, nodes were found beyond the adjusting compartments in 18%. The sentinel nodes were broadly distributed depending on the location of the tumor in esophageal cancer.

Curative resection for esophageal adenocarcinoma: analysis of 100 en bloc esophagectomies

OBJECTIVE

To document what can be accomplished with surgical resection done according to the classical principles of surgical oncology.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients underwent en bloc esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma. No patient received pre- or postoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Tumor depth and number and location of involved lymph nodes were recorded. A lymph node ratio was calculated by dividing the number of involved nodes by the total number removed. Follow-up was complete in all patients. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 40 months, with 23 patients surviving 5 years or more.

RESULTS

The overall actuarial survival rate at 5 years was 52%. Survival rates by American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) stage were stage 1 (n = 26), 94%; stage 2a (n = 11), 65%; stage 2b (n = 13), 65%; stage 3 (n = 32), 23%; and stage 4 (n = 18), 27%. Sixteen tumors were confined to the mucosa, 16 to the submucosa, and 13 to the muscularis propria, and 55 were transmural. Tumor depth and the number and ratio of involved nodes were predictors of survival. Metastases to celiac (n = 16) or other distant node sites (n = 26) were not associated with decreased survival. Local recurrence was seen in only one patient. Latent nodal recurrence outside the surgical field occurred in 9 patients and systemic metastases in 31. Tumor depth, the number of involved nodes, and the lymph node ratio were important predictors of systemic recurrence. The surgical death rate was 6%.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival from adenocarcinoma of the esophagus can be achieved in more than half the patients who undergo en bloc resection. One third of patients with lymph node involvement survived 5 years. Local control is excellent after en bloc resection. The extent of disease associated with tumors confined to the mucosa and submucosa provides justification for more limited and less morbid resections.

Preoperative evaluation of cardiopulmonary reserve with the use of expired gas analysis during exercise testing in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the usefulness of analyzing expired gas during exercise testing for the prediction of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND DATA

Radical esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy is performed in patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma but has a high risk of postoperative complications. To reduce the surgical risk, we performed preoperative risk analysis using 8 factors. Although hospital mortality was decreased when this risk analysis was used, severe cardiopulmonary complications still occurred.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 91 patients who had undergone curative esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy. The maximum oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, vital capacity, percent vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, percent forced expiratory volume, V.(25)/HT, forced expired flow at 75% of forced vital capacity to height ratio (FEF(75%)/HT), forced expired flow at 50% to 75% of forced vital capacity ratio (FEF(50%)/FEF(75%)), percent diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, and arterial oxygen tension were measured. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the presence or absence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications.

RESULTS

Only the maximum oxygen uptake was significantly different between the 2 groups. All patients were grouped according to the value of the maximum oxygen uptake, and the occurrence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications was calculated for each group. A cardiopulmonary complication rate of 86% was found for patients with a maximum oxygen uptake of less than 699 mL. min(-1). m(-2); for those with a value of 700 to 799 mL. min(-1). m(-2), the complication rate was 44%.

CONCLUSIONS

The maximum oxygen uptake obtained by expired gas analysis during exercise testing correlates with the postoperative cardiopulmonary complication rate. On the basis of these results, esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy can be safely performed in patients with a maximum oxygen uptake of at least 800 mL. min(-1). m(-2).

Predictive value of interleukin-8 and granulocyte elastase in pulmonary complication after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether or not interleukin-8 (IL-8) and granulocyte elastase (GE) can be associated with pulmonary complication after esophagectomy (the most common cause of postoperative death).

METHODS

We measured serial changes in the IL-8 concentration and GE activity in the plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 17 patients who had undergone esophagectomy, and examined the relationship between these mediators and postoperative pulmonary complication.

RESULTS

Pulmonary complication occurred in 6 patients (35%, Pneum+ group). Plasma IL-8 increased at the end of the surgery then decreased, but there was no significant difference between the Pneum+ group and the group without pulmonary complication (11[65%], Pneum- group). IL-8 and GE in BALF were significantly higher in the Pneum+ group than in the Pneum- group on days 1 and 3 after the operation. There was a significant and positive correlation between IL-8 and GE in BALF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that IL-8 and GE in BALF may be useful for the prediction of postoperative pulmonary complication.

Evaluation of endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial esophageal carcinoma

Esophageal superficial carcinoma safely can be resected surgically or endoscopically. We evaluated indications for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and optimal treatment modality for superficial carcinoma of the esophagus based on clinical and pathologic analyses. Between January 1, 1984, and September 30, 1999, 113 patients with superficial cancer of the esophagus underwent surgical or endoscopic resection (n = 33 patients, 36 lesions). The two-channel method, esophageal EMR-tube method or EMR cap-fitted panendoscope was used. Mucosal and submucosal cancers were classified to be epithelial layer (m1), proper mucosal layer (m2), muscularis mucosae (m3), upper third of the submucosal level (sm1), middle third of the submucosal layer (sm2), or the lower third of the submucosal level (sm3) cancers, according to criteria of the Japanese Society for Esophageal Disease. Absolute indication for EMR was restricted to m1 or m2 cancers, and relative indications for EMR included m3 or sm1 lesions. In our department, indications for EMR were not related to size or circumference of lesions. Lymph vessel invasion and lymph node metastasis markedly increased in lesions that infiltrated the lamina muscularis mucosa (m3). All lesions resected with use of EMR were 0-II (flat), and the depth of invasion in 10 0-IIa or 0-IIb lesions was m1 or m2. Twenty-one 0-IIc lesions were distributed widely from m1 to sm1. All 0-IIa+IIc lesions were m3 or sm1. Preoperative diagnosis accurately was established preoperatively in 61% of patients. Complications related to EMR were detected in 21% of patients and included perforation, stenosis, and hemorrhage. Ten patients also received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or esophagectomy with lymph node dissection after use of EMR. No such combination therapy was administered in six patients with m3 lesions, but without lymph vessel invasion. All patients treated with use of EMR, including patients with m3 cancer who did not receive additional treatment, are living without recurrence. Local resection with use of EMR could be regarded to be the preferred treatment of superficial esophageal cancers limited to the lamina propria mucosae. Endoscopic mucosal resection also could be regarded to be the preferred treatment of m3 cancer without lymph vessel invasion. Use of additional therapy, such as radiotherapy, allows the use of EMR for m3 cancer with lymph vessel invasion or sm1 cancers.

Esophageal cancer with cirrhosis of the liver: results of esophagectomy in 18 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with cirrhosis of the liver sometimes are candidates for esophagectomy with extensive lymphadenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 271 patients with primary esophageal carcinoma, 19 patients (7.0%) had pathologically proven cirrhosis of the liver. Among those, 18 patients underwent esophagectomy with extensive lymph node dissection. Clinicopathologic characteristics of these 18 patients were retrospectively investigated.

RESULTS

Pathological T stages were pT1 in 3 patients, pT2 in 9 patients, pT3 in 2 patients, and pT4 in 4 patients. Hepatitis C virus antibody was positive in 1 patient, and 14 patients were alcoholics. Three patients had cryptogenic cirrhosis. Seven patients were classified as Child-Turcotte B and 11 were Child-Turcotte A. Three patients had ICG-R 15 over 30%. Fifteen patients (83.3%) developed a total of 35 postoperative complications. Three patients currently are alive without recurrence. Fifteen patients have died: 7 from cancer recurrence; 5 of causes unrelated to esophageal cancer; and 3 of operative death (operative mortality: 16.7% in 18 cirrhotic patients vs. 5.7% in 227 non-cirrhotic patients; P = .102). The 1- and 3-year survival rates for 18 resected cirrhotic patients were 50% and 21%, respectively, and those for 227 resected non-cirrhotic patients were 67% and 42%, respectively (P = .051). When operative deaths were excluded from the analysis, the 1- and 3-year survival rates for 15 cirrhotic patients were 60% and 25%, respectively, whereas those for 214 non-cirrhotic patients were 68% and 43%, respectively (P = .271).

CONCLUSION

Although cirrhosis has a high morbidity and mortality rate, Child-Turcotte A and B cirrhosis may not contraindicate curative esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma. However, these patients need meticulous perioperative care to avoid postoperative complications.

Esophageal cancer with distant lymph node metastasis: prognostic significance of metastatic lymph node ratio

The cervical and celiac lymph node metastases are defined as distant metastasis (Mlym) from thoracic esophageal carcinoma by TNM (primary tumor, regional lymph nodes, and distant metastasis) classification. The prognostic factors, however, of such distant node metastases are not fully understood. Of 85 patients with node-positive thoracic esophageal carcinoma who were treated with the same modalities of treatment, 31 (37%) had Mlym. Prognostic factors for long-term survival were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyzes. Three patients are alive and free of cancer, and two patients survived over 5 years. Fifteen patients died of recurrent esophageal cancer and 11 patients succumbed to causes unrelated to esophageal cancer. Two patients with a single Mlym died without recurrence of esophageal cancer at 1.4 years and after more than 5 years, respectively. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of all 31 patients were 64.5%, 24.8%, 17.0%, and 12.8%, respectively. The factors influencing survival rate were depth of invasion (pT1,2 vs. pT3,4) and metastatic lymph node ratio (< or =0.104 vs. > or =0.105). The survival rates were not influenced by number of lymph node metastasis, number of Mlym, or by metastatic lymph node ratio of Mlym. Among those two significant variables verified by univariate analysis, independent prognostic factor for survival determined by multivariate analysis was the metastatic lymph node ratio (risk ratio = 3.4, p = 0.0345). The results of this study indicate that a significant number of patients can be cured of esophageal carcinoma by extensive resection along with extended lymph node dissection even when the disease metastasizes to distant nodes.