Identification of risk factors for esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage after gastric surgery

A 10-year experience with anastomotic leaks in upper gastrointestinal surgery-Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak (AL) in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgery continues to be a diagnostic challenge. We seek to identify clinical parameters that predict AL and examine the effectiveness of investigations in evaluating AL following UGI surgeries.

METHODS

592 patients underwent UGI surgeries with an anastomosis between January 2011 and January 2021. Data on patient characteristics, surgery, postoperative investigations and outcomes were prospectively collected and analysed.

RESULTS

The overall occurrence of AL was 6.4 %. Tachycardia >120 BPM (OR 6.959, 95 % CI 1.856-26.100, p = 0.004) and leukocyte count >19 × 109/L (OR 3.327, 95 % CI 1.009-10.967, p = 0.048) were independent predictors of AL. On multivariate analysis, patients whose anastomosis was deemed high risk and had pre-emptive investigation done postoperatively to exclude a leak were less likely to require intervention and were more likely to be managed conservatively (66.7 % vs 14.3 %, p = 0.025). Methylene blue test, oral contrast study and Computed Tomography scan with intravenous and oral contrast had 50.0 %, 20.0 % and 9.1 % false negative results, while esophagogastroduodenoscopy had none. There was no misdiagnosed AL when more than 1 investigation (n = 15, 39.5 %) were performed.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that the presence of a triad including desaturation, tachycardia and leucocytosis predicts for AL following UGI surgery and for confirmation of a leak, evaluation with 2 or more investigation is needed. A practice of evaluating high risk anastomosis prior to commencement of feeding decreased the need for surgical intervention and improves success of conservative treatment.

A comparison of the postoperative outcomes between intraoperative leak testing and no intraoperative leak testing for gastric cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL) is a serious complication of gastric cancer surgery. Although perioperative management has made considerable progress, anastomotic leakage (AL) cannot always be avoided. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether intraoperative leak testing (IOLT) can reduce the incidence of PAL and other postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials to assess the application of IOLT in gastric cancer surgery. All patients underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer surgery. Studies comparing the postoperative outcomes of IOLT and no intraoperative leak testing (NIOLT) were included. Quality assessment, heterogeneity, risk of bias, and the level of evidence of the included studies were evaluated. PAL, anastomotic-related complications, 30-day mortality, and reoperation rates were compared between the IOLT and NIOLT group.

RESULTS

Our literature search returned 721 results, from which six trials (a total of 1,666 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was low. The primary outcome was PAL. IOLT reduced the incidence of PAL [2.09% vs 6.68%; (RR = 0.31, 95% Cl 0.19-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Anastomotic-related complications, which included bleeding, leakage, and stricture, were significantly higher in the NIOLT group than in the IOLT group [3.24% VS 10.85%; RR = 0.30, 95% Cl 0.18-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Moreover, IOLT was associated with lower reoperation rates [0.94% vs 6.83%; RR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.43, P = 0.0002].

CONCLUSION

Considering the observed lower incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL), anastomotic-related complications, and reoperation rates, IOLT appears to be a promising option for gastric cancer surgery. It warrants further study before potential inclusion in future clinical guidelines.

Efficacy of Biomarkers in Predicting Anastomotic Leakage After Gastrointestinal Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Our systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to evaluate the published literature from 2016 to 2019 on which the role of biomarkers in predicting the anastomotic leakage (AL) in gastroesophageal cancer surgery was investigated. This extensive literature search was conducted on the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) were used to gather the relevant information. No restrictions were made on the type of biomarkers. Wald or likelihood ratio (LRT) fixed effect tests were used to estimate the pooled prevalence to generate the proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and model-fitted weights. For analyzing heterogeneity, the Cochran Q test and I square test were used. The Egger regression asymmetry test and funnel plot were used for publication. In this meta-analysis, a total of 15 studies were recruited with 1892 patients undergoing the resection. The pooled elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) was observed as 13.9% ranging from 11.6% to 16.1%. The pooled prevalence of other biomarkers with AL was observed as 4.4%. Significant heterogeneity was observed between studies that reported CRP and other biomarkers (92% each with chi-squared values of 78.80 and 122.78, respectively). However, no significant publication was observed between studies (p=0.61 and p=0.11, respectively). We concluded our study on this note that different biomarkers are involved in the diagnosis of AL. However, all these biomarkers are poor predictors with insufficient predictive value and sensitivity.

Feasibility and safety of pure single-incision laparoscopic total and proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: propensity score-matched comparison to multiport totally laparoscopic approach

BACKGROUND

There have been few studies regarding the feasibility and safety of pure single-incision laparoscopic total gastrectomy (SITG) or proximal gastrectomy (SIPG) for early gastric cancer (EGC). The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical outcome of all consecutive SITG or SIPG cases compared with multiport laparoscopic total gastrectomy (MLTG) or proximal gastrectomy (MLPG) for EGC.

METHODS

We analyzed all consecutive SITG or SIPG cases with double-tract reconstruction for ECG, including the initial case, between March 2013 and December 2021. SITG/SIPG was performed on patients without significant systemic comorbidities through a 3-4 cm vertical transumbilical incision. SITG/SIPG was matched to multiport laparoscopic total or proximal gastrectomy (MLTG/MLPG) cases performed in the same period using a 1:3 propensity score matching, including sex, body mass index (BMI), age and type of resection, year of operation, and institution as covariates. We compared perioperative clinicopathological characteristics and early postoperative morbidity within 1 month after surgery between the SITG/SIPG and MLTG/MLPG groups.

RESULTS

In total, 21 patients with SITG and 15 patients with SIPG were compared with those with MLTG (n = 264) and MLPG (n = 220). No conversion to an open or multiport approach occurred in the SITG/SIPG group. After matching, operation time was similar between SITG/SIPG and MLTG/MLPG (223.9 ± 63.5 min vs 234.8 ± 68.7 min, P = 0.402). Length of stay was not significantly different between SITG/SIPG and MLTG/MLPG (11.9 ± 15.4 days vs 8.4 ± 5.0 days, P = 0.210). The average number of retrieved lymph nodes was not significantly different between SITG and MLTG (53.1 ± 16.3 vs 63.2 ± 27.5, P = 0.115), but it was significantly higher in SIPG than MLPG (59.6 ± 27.2 vs 46.0 ± 19.7, P = 0.040). The overall complication rate (30.6% vs 25.9%, P = 0.666) and Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complication rates (13.9% vs 6.5%, P = 0.175) were not significantly different between the SITG/SIPG and MLTG/MLPG groups.

CONCLUSION

Cautious adoption of SITG/SIPG procedures for EGC is feasible and safe.

Surgical Sealant with Integrated Shape-Morphing Dual Modality Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Sensors for Gastric Leak Detection

Postoperative anastomotic leaks are the most feared complications after gastric surgery. For diagnostics clinicians mostly rely on clinical symptoms such as fever and tachycardia, often developing as a result of an already fully developed, i.e., symptomatic, surgical leak. A gastric fluid responsive, dual modality, electronic-free, leak sensor system integrable into surgical adhesive suture support materials is introduced. Leak sensors contain high atomic number carbonates embedded in a polyacrylamide matrix, that upon exposure to gastric fluid convert into gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2 ). CO2 bubbles remain entrapped in the hydrogel matrix, leading to a distinctly increased echogenic contrast detectable by a low-cost and portable ultrasound transducer, while the dissolution of the carbonate species and the resulting diffusion of the cation produces a markedly reduced contrast in computed tomography imaging. The sensing elements can be patterned into a variety of characteristic shapes and can be combined with nonreactive tantalum oxide reference elements, allowing the design of shape-morphing sensing elements visible to the naked eye as well as artificial intelligence-assisted automated detection. In summary, shape-morphing dual modality sensors for the early and robust detection of postoperative complications at deep tissue sites, opening new routes for postoperative patient surveillance using existing hospital infrastructure is reported.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy in beagle model

BACKGROUND

Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a simple procedure contributing to a reliable anastomosis. However, digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy using MCA has not yet been reported.

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of MCA for simultaneous esophagojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy after total gastrectomy using beagle dogs.

METHODS

Sixteen beagles were randomly divided into an MCA group (study group, n = 8) and a manual-suture anastomosis group (control group, n = 8). Two different magnetic anastomosis devices were used in the study group for esophagojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses. Both devices included a pair of circular daughter and parent magnets each. The time of esophagojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy, postoperative complications, and survival rate of the two groups were compared. The dogs were sacrificed one month after the operation and their anastomotic specimens were obtained. Healing was observed by the naked eye and a light microscope.

RESULTS

Digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy was successfully completed in both groups (survival rate = 100%). In the study group, esophagojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses took 6.13 ± 0.58 and 4.06 ± 0.42 min, respectively, significantly lower than those in the control group (15.63 ± 1.53 min, P < 0.001 and 10.31 ± 1.07 min, P < 0.001, respectively). Complications such as bleeding, anastomotic leakage, and anastomotic stenosis were not observed. In the study group, the magnets did not interfere with each other. Discharge time of the jejunojejunal magnetic anastomosis device was 10.75 ± 1.28 d, while that of the esophagojejunal magnetic anastomosis device was 12.25 ± 1.49 d. Residual silk was found in the control group. The study group showed a greater smoothness of the anastomosis than that of the control group. All layers of anastomosis healed well in both groups.

CONCLUSION

MCA is a safe and feasible procedure for digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in this animal model.

Efficacy and safety of anastomotic leak testing in gastric cancer: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Anastomosis-related complications such as bleeding, leakage, and strictures, continue to be serious complications of gastric cancer surgery. Presently, these complications have yet to be reliably prevented. Here we design a comprehensive leak testing procedure which combines gastroscopy, air, and methylene blue (GAM) leak testing. We aimed to evaluated the efficacy and safety of the GAM procedure in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients aged 18-85 years without an unresectable factor as confirmed via CT were enrolled in a prospective randomized clinical trial at a tertiary referral teaching hospital and were randomly assigned to two groups: intraoperative leak testing group (IOLT) and no intraoperative leak testing group (NIOLT). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative anastomosis-related complications in the two groups.

RESULTS

148 patients were initially randomly assigned to the IOLT group (n = 74) and to the NIOLT group (n = 74) between September 2018 and September 2022. After exclusions, 70 remained in the IOLT group and 68 in the NIOLT group. In the IOLT group, 5 patients (7.1%) were found to have anastomotic defects intraoperatively, which included anastomotic discontinuity, bleeding, and strictures. The NIOLT group had a higher incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage compared to the IOLT group: 4 patients (5.8%) vs 0 patients (0%), respectively. No GAM-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The GAM procedure is an intraoperative leak test that can be performed safely and efficiently after a laparoscopic total gastrectomy. GAM anastomotic leak testing may effectively prevent technical defect-related anastomotic complications in patients with gastric cancer who undergo a gastrectomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT04292496.

Treatment and Prevention of Postoperative Leakage after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Anastomotic leakage is one of the common causes of serious morbidity and death after gastrectomy. The use of surgical treatment for leakage decreased due to the development of nonsurgical management. However, if nonsurgical management fails to control the spread of intra-abdominal infection, emergency surgical treatment is required. The authors wished to determine in which cases surgical treatment is needed for postoperative leakage and to identify treatment and prevention strategies. If a patient's vital signs are stable, local abscesses can be cured by conservative treatment after percutaneous drain insertion; if there is no improvement in anastomotic leakage, endoscopic treatment such as clipping, vacuum, and stent placement can be performed. If a patient's vital signs are unstable or patient shows diffuse peritonitis, surgical treatment should be performed. A surgical plan can be established according to leakage location. The duodenal stump may first require conservative treatment. It is recommended that surgical treatment be attempted first for anastomotic leakage of gastrojejunostomy site and gastric stump in remnant stomach. In conclusion, the need for surgical treatment is determined depending on vital signs and presence of diffuse peritonitis. During surgical treatment, a strategic approach is required according to the patient's condition and the anatomical location of leakage.

A Novel Intraoperative Leak Test Procedure (GAM Procedure) to Prevent Postoperative Anastomotic Leakage in Gastric Cancer Patients Who Underwent Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage following a radical gastrectomy is a serious complication of gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer. The benefit of intraoperative leak testing for the prevention of postoperative anastomotic leakage has been controversial. We introduce a new procedure, which combines the techniques of gastroscopy, air, and methylene blue (GAM) for intraoperative leakage testing. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the GAM procedure for intraoperative leak testing and to compare the surgical complications of gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy with and without intraoperative leak testing using the GAM procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 210 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the intraoperative leak testing group using the GAM procedure (IOLT), and the group for which no intraoperative leak testing was done (NIOLT). Clinical and pathologic characteristics, the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage, and other surgical complications were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were 82 patients in the IOLT group and 82 patients in the NIOLT group after propensity score matching. In the IOLT group, 4 (4.9%) patients were found to have anastomotic discontinuity during the operation; we repaired these anastomotic discontinuities intraoperatively. The incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage was higher in the NIOLT group compared with the IOLT group, 6 (7.3%) versus 0 (0%), respectively ( P =0.01). The average time of the GAM procedure was 4.99±1.75 minutes. The surgical time was prolonged by 30 minutes in the IOLT group compared with the NIOLT group, 302.2±79.9 versus 272.1±85.2, respectively ( P =0.02). The length of hospital stay, 15.80±4.55 versus 17.00±6.20 ( P =0.16) was reduced in the IOLT group compared with the NIOLT group. The logistic regression model suggested that IOLT, sex, age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, cT stage, tumor diameter, pT stage, pN stage, and Lauren classification were not risk factors for postoperative complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The GAM procedure of intraoperative leakage testing can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage in gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy.

Risk factors and conservative therapy outcomes of anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy: Experience of 3,926 patients from a single gastric surgical unit

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) after gastrectomy is one of the severest postoperative complications and is related to increasing mortality. In addition, no consensus guidelines about strategies of AL treatment have been established. This large cohort study aimed to inspect the risk factors and efficacy of the conservative treatment for AL in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

We reviewed the clinicopathological data of 3,926 gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy between 2014 and 2021. Results contained the rate, risk factors, and conservative therapy outcomes of AL.

Results

In total, 80 patients (2.03%, 80/3,926) were diagnosed with AL, and esophagojejunostomy was the most frequent AL site (73.8%, 59/80). Among them, one patient (2.5%, 1/80) died. Multivariate analysis indicated that low albumin concentration (P = 0.001), presence of diabetes (P = 0.025), laparoscopic method (P &lt; 0.001), total gastrectomy (P = 0.003), and proximal gastrectomy (P = 0.002) were predicting factors for AL. The closure rate for the conservative treatment of AL in the first month after AL diagnosis was 83.54% (66/79), and the median time from leakage diagnosis to the closure of leakage was 17 days (interquartile range 11–26 days). Low level of plasma albumin (P = 0.004) was associated with late leakage closures. In terms of 5-year overall survival, no significant difference was observed between patients with and without AL.

Conclusion

The incidence of AL after gastrectomy is associated with low albumin concentration, diabetes, the laparoscopic method, and extent of resection. The conservative treatment is relatively safe and effective for the AL management in patients after gastric cancer surgery.

Short-term outcomes of a new gastrointestinal decompression tube combined with conservative treatment in patients with esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy

To compare the short-term outcomes of a new gastrointestinal decompression tube combined with conservative treatment in patients with esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) after total gastrectomy. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 81 patients with EJAL who had undergone total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between January 2014 and December 2021. The patients were divided into experimental (12 patients with new gastrointestinal decompression tube plus conservative treatment) and control (69 patients with conservative treatment) groups, according to the different treatment methods they received. Anatomic defect size linearly correlated with time to clinical success, hospital stay, and hospital cost in the control group. The two groups showed no significant differences in anastomotic defect size, time of defect after surgery, hospitalization cost, and time of antibiotic use. However, the time to clinical success was significantly shorter in the experimental group than in the control group (16.0 ± 8.3 vs. 23.6 ± 17.8, P = 0.04), as was the length of hospital stay (30.1 ± 6.3 vs. 36.8 ± 16.7, P = 0.017). Furthermore, when the defect size was ≥ 4 mm, the time to clinical success, hospital stay, and hospital cost in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Placement of a new gastrointestinal decompression tube is a safe treatment. When the defect size is ≥ 4 mm, the time to clinical success, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost can be reduced.

Predictive Factors for Anastomotic Leakage after Laparoscopic and Open Total Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review is to identify patient-related, perioperative and technical risk factors for esophago-jejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) in patients undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). A comprehensive literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases was performed. Studies providing factors predictive of EJAL by uni- and multivariate analysis or an estimate of association between EJAL and related risk factors were included. All studies were assessed for methodological quality, and a narrative synthesis of the results was performed. A total of 16 studies were included in the systematic review, with a total of 42,489 patients who underwent gastrectomy with esophago-jejunal anastomosis. Age, BMI, impaired respiratory function, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), alcohol consumption, chronic renal failure, diabetes and mixed-type histology were identified as patient-related risk factors for EJAL at multivariate analysis. Likewise, among operative factors, laparoscopic approach, anastomosis type, additional organ resection, blood loss, intraoperative time and surgeon experience were found to be predictive factors for the development of EJAL. In clinical setting, we are able to identify several risk factors for EJAL. This can improve the recognition of higher-risk patients and their outcomes.

Comparison of Two Endoscopic Therapeutic Interventions as Primary Treatment for Anastomotic Leakages after Total Gastrectomy

Simple Summary

An esophagojejunal anastomotic leak after oncological gastrectomy is a life-threatening complication. Endoscopic treatment offers the possibility of minimally invasive diagnosis and immediate effective therapy in one session. A retrospective, single-center analysis of two different endoscopic strategies as first-line treatment options was performed.

Abstract

Introduction: An esophagojejunal anastomotic leak following an oncological gastrectomy is a life-threatening complication, and its management is challenging. A stent application and endoscopic negative pressure therapy are possible therapeutic options. A clinical comparison of these strategies has been missing until now. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 14 consecutive patients endoscopically treated for an anastomotic leak after a gastrectomy between June 2014 and December 2019 was performed. Results: The mean time of the diagnosis of the leakage was 7.14 days after surgery. Five patients were selected for a covered stent, and nine patients received endoscopic negative pressure therapy. In the stent group, the mean number of endoscopies was 2.4, the mean duration of therapy was 26 days, and the mean time of hospitalization was 30 days. In patients treated with endoscopic negative pressure therapy, the mean number of endoscopies was 6.0, the mean days of therapy duration was 14.78, and the mean days of hospitalization was 38.11. Treatment was successful in all patients in the stent-based therapy group and in eight of nine patients in the negative pressure therapy group. Discussion: Good clinical results in preserving the anastomosis and providing sepsis control was achieved in all patients. Stent therapy resulted in anastomosis healing with a lower number of endoscopies, a shorter time of hospitalization, and rapid oral nutrition.

How to examine anastomotic integrity intraoperatively in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy? Methylene blue testing prevents technical defect-related anastomotic leaks

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative methylene blue testing (IMBT), air leak testing, or endoscopy is used to assess the anastomotic integrity of esophagojejunostomy during open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy has been widely used to treat gastric cancer in the last few decades. However, reports on testing anastomotic integrity in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy are limited.

AIM

To explore the effects of IMBT on the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leaks (PALs) and identify the risk factors for PALs in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

METHODS

From January 2017 to December 2019, patients who underwent totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at the Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether or not they experienced an IMBT, the patients were divided into an IMBT group and a control group. If the IMBT was positive, an intraoperative suture was required to reinforce the anastomosis. The difference in the incidence of PALs was compared, and the risk factors were investigated.

RESULTS

This study consisted of 513 patients, 211 in the IMBT group and 302 in the control group. Positive IMBT was shown in seven patients (3.3%) in the IMBT group, and no PAL occurred in these patients after suture reinforcement. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for predicting positive IMBT were body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m² (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.357, P = 0.009), operation time > 4 h (HR = 55.881, P = 0.002), and insufficient surgical experience (HR = 15.286, P = 0.010). Moreover, 15 patients (2.9%) developed PALs in 513 patients, and the rates of PALs were significantly lower in the IMBT group than in the control group [2 of 211 patients (0.9%) vs 13 of 302 patients (4.3%), P = 0.0026]. Further analysis demonstrated that preoperative complications (HR = 13.128, P = 0.017), totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (HR = 9.075, P = 0.043), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 7.150, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for PALs.

CONCLUSION

IMBT is an effective method to evaluate the integrity of anastomosis during totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, thus preventing technical defect-related anastomotic leaks. Preoperative complications, totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy are independent risk factors for PALs.

Two-stage esophagojejunal anastomosis: An alternative reconstruction in emergency gastrectomy for high-risk gastric cancer patients

Emergency total gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer who are in shock carries a high risk of esophagojejunal anastomosis leakage. No alternatives have been reported to reduce this risk. This study reports two patients with gastric cancer who were in shock and underwent emergency gastrectomy and two-stage esophagojejunal anastomosis with good results. In the first stage, immediately after gastrectomy, the esophagus was attached to a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop that prevented retraction of the esophagus into the mediastinum. In the second stage, in a second surgery, the esophagojejunal anastomosis was completed under better clinical conditions.

Application of Machine Learning for Predicting Anastomotic Leakage in Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma Who Received Total or Proximal Gastrectomy

Anastomotic leakage is a life-threatening complication in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who received total or proximal gastrectomy, and there is still no model accurately predicting anastomotic leakage. In this study, we aim to develop a high-performance machine learning tool to predict anastomotic leakage in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma received total or proximal gastrectomy. A total of 1660 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma patients who received total or proximal gastrectomy in a large academic hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019 were investigated, and these patients were randomly divided into training and testing sets at a ratio of 8:2. Four machine learning models, such as logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and XGBoost, were employed, and 24 clinical preoperative and intraoperative variables were included to develop the predictive model. Regarding the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy, random forest had a favorable performance with an AUC of 0.89, a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 82.2% in the testing set. Moreover, we built a web app based on random forest model to achieve real-time predictions for guiding surgeons’ intraoperative decision making.

Usefulness of inflammatory markers in detecting esophagojejunostomy leakage

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Total gastrectomy is utilized in different pathologies. Esophagojejunostomy leakage is a frequent complication. Our aim was to determine the association of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with esophagojejunostomy leakage that subsequently required invasive treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study included patients that underwent esophagojejunostomy within the time frame of 2002-2017. Patients were grouped into those with or without anastomotic leakage that had conservative treatment (group A) and those with anastomotic leakage that had invasive treatment (group B). ROC curves and the Youden index were used for the optimum cutoff values of the NLR.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included. Thirty-two (56.14%) were men, and mean patient age was 61.8 ± 13.4 years. Forty-five patients were assigned to group A and 12 to group B. Mean NLR was higher for group B on postoperative day 3 (group A 9.5 ± 7.5 vs. group B 13.9 ± 4.9) (p = 0.05). Mean total leukocytes was higher in group B on postoperative day 5 (group A 7.8 ± 3.4 × 10³/mcl vs. group B 10.3 ± 4.4 × 10³/mcl) (p = 0.03). NLR and total leukocyte accuracy on postoperative day 3 was calculated with ROC curves, at 0.78 and 0.63, respectively. For the NLR and leukocyte count, sensitivity was 91.7% and 58%, specificity was 64.4% and 60%, positive predictive value was 40% and 28%, and negative predictive value was 96% and 84%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperatively, the NLR identified the total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy patients that subsequently required an invasive procedure secondary to esophagojejunostomy leakage.

Aorta Calcification Increases the Risk of Anastomotic Leakage After Gastrectomy in Gastric Cancer Patients

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether vascular calcification is a risk factor for anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients.

Methods

Patients with confirmed gastric cancer were collected from the database of a single clinical center from January 2013 to January 2019. The calcification score and anastomotic leakage were recorded, and predictors of anastomotic leakage were analyzed.

Results

A total of 856 patients were included in this study; 818 patients had no anastomotic leakage, and 38 patients had anastomotic leakage. The ratio of hypertension status (p=0.011), open gastrectomy (p=0.012), postoperative length of stay (p=0.000), aorta calcification score (p=0.000) and celiac axis calcification (p=0.000) were higher in the anastomotic leakage group than in the nonanastomotic leakage group. In multivariate analysis, aorta calcification (p=0.029, odds ratio =2.425, 95% CI=1.095–5.491) was an independent predictor of the anastomotic leakage.

Conclusion

Aorta calcification is an independent risk factor for anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients.

Advantageous Short-Term Outcomes of Esophagojejunostomy Using a Linear Stapler Following Open Total Gastrectomy Compared with a Circular Stapler

BACKGROUND

Esophagojejunostomy is one of the most important surgical procedures in total gastrectomy. In the past, esophagojejunostomy was exclusively performed using a circular stapler in open total gastrectomy (OTG). With the increasing frequency of its use in laparoscopic gastrectomy, esophagojejunostomy using a linear stapler has been performed in OTG. However, it is still unclear whether the use of a linear stapler in esophagojejunostomy following OTG has any advantages compared with the conventional use of a circular stapler.

METHODS

A total of 298 patients who underwent OTG for gastric cancer between 2014 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into circular and linear groups (group C and group L) according to the stapler type used for the esophagojejunostomy. After propensity score matching, 136 patients (68 each in groups C and L) were selected to compare the surgical outcomes including incidence of esophagojejunostomy-related complications and postoperative nutritional status.

RESULTS

The median operation time was significantly longer in group L than in group C (261.5 min versus 325.5 min; P < 0.001). The incidence of esophagojejunostomy-related complications did not differ between the two groups (5.9% versus 2.9%; P = 0.68); however, no anastomotic stricture and bleeding occurred in group L. Bodyweight loss was significantly lower in group L than in group C at 6 months (15.9% versus 12.6%; P = 0.007) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagojejunostomy using a linear stapler following OTG is equally safe and possibly advantageous in anastomotic stricture, bleeding and nutritional status compared with the use of a circular stapler.

Risk factors for esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage after curative total gastrectomy combined with D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors associated with esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) after curative total gastrectomy combined with D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer.

METHODS

We reviewed the data for 390 consecutive patients undergoing Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy reconstruction after total gastrectomy. Multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to identify the independent risk factors for EJAL.

RESULTS

Of the 390 patients enrolled in this study, EJAL occurred in 10 patients (2.6%), and one patient (1/10) with EJAL died. Univariate analysis identified age, alcohol consumption, pulmonary insufficiency, and intraoperative blood loss as risk factors for EJAL. Of these four risk factors, age and alcohol consumption were retained as independent risk factors by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should be very careful regarding anastomotic leakage after esophagojejunal anastomosis, perioperatively, especially in patients with advanced age and a history of alcohol consumption. Pulmonary insufficiency and intraoperative blood loss, although not identified as independent risk factors, should also be considered.

Incidence and treatment outcomes of leakage after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Experience of 14,075 patients from a large volume centre

INTRODUCTION

Leakage is a serious and potentially fatal complication of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. However, comprehensive reports regarding leakage after gastrectomy remain limited. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and treatment outcomes of leakage after gastrectomy for cancer.

METHODS

We reviewed the prospectively collected data of 14,075 Patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2005 and 2017. Outcomes included incidence, risk factors of leakage, and leakage treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

The median day of leakage detection was postoperative day 7 (range 1-29days). The overall leakage incidence was 1.51% (213/14,075), and the most frequent location was the oesophagojejunostomy (2.07%). Leakage after total gastrectomy was more frequent with minimally invasive surgery (open:1.64%, laparoscopic:3.56%, robotic:5.83%; P < 0.001). Leakage incidence was higher in the surgeon's initial 100 cases than in later cases (2.4 vs. 1.3%; P < 0.001), especially with minimally invasive surgery. Early leakage (within 4 days of surgery) occurred more often after minimally invasive surgery (open:12.7%, laparoscopic:35.4%, robotic:29.0%; P = 0.006). The success rate for initial treatment of leakage was 70.4% (150/213). Surgery after initial treatment failure demonstrated a higher success rate for early leakage than for late leakage (80.0 vs. 22.2%). Among 213 patients who experienced leakage, fifteen patients (7.0%) died, and leakage-related mortality accounted for 38.5% (15/39) of all surgery-related mortality after gastrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Leakage after gastric cancer surgery is associated with high mortality. Improved surgeon experience using minimally invasive techniques is required to reduce the risk of leakage. Surgery is an effective treatment for early leakage, although further studies are needed to establish the most appropriate treatment strategies.

The Effect of Preoperative Anemia and Perioperative Transfusion on Surgical Outcomes After Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to examine the interaction between preoperative anemia and perioperative transfusions with postoperative morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2005 to 2016. Restricted cubic splines modeled the nonlinear relationship between preoperative hematocrit (Hct) and 30-day overall morbidity, sepsis, and mortality. Preoperative Hct was categorized based on cut points for the three models. Multiple regression modeling examined the interactive effect of preoperative anemia and postoperative transfusion on surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 9936 included patients, complication incidence was 38.9% (sepsis 12.7%; mortality 6.0%). Preoperative Hct cut points were identified at 29 and 42. Hct <29 was associated with higher risk of morbidity (OR 2.47, 95%CI 2.10-2.93). Postoperative transfusion was associated with lower risk of morbidity for Hct <29 (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.43-0.73) but increased risk between 29 and 42 (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.21-2.08). Similar relationships were found for sepsis and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative Hct <29 is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications after gastrectomy for cancer and perioperative transfusions appear to be beneficial for Hct <29 only. There may be a role for better optimization of red cell mass among high-risk patients before gastrectomy for cancer.

Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio as Predictor of Anastomotic Leak after Gastric Cancer Surgery

Introduction. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is known as a prognostic for the outcome of the patients with gastric cancer. As no definite risk marker for anastomotic leakage after gastric resection was identified, we investigated the possible role of NLR. Methods. Peripheral blood count for neutrophils and lymphocytes was done at the patient’s admission. We retrospectively evaluated 204 gastric cancer patients, who underwent gastric resection, comparing the values of NLR between the group of patients with anastomotic leakage and those without complications. Results. Using the ROC curve, we found the cutoff value of NLR, which permitted the comparison of the group with low NLR, presenting increased NLR. The cutoff value for NLR was 3.54. Between the two groups, we could observe statistically significant differences in developing fistula (p < 0.01) and complications leading to death (p < 0.025). The odds ratio for patients with NLR greater than 3.54 to develop anastomotic leak was 17.62, compared to those with lower NLR. Conclusion. Peripheral blood NLR proved to be a predictor for anastomotic leakage.

Mixed Type Histology as a Predictive Factor for Esophagojejunostomy Leak in Advanced Gastric Cancer

Since esophagojejunostomy leak (EJL) after gastrectomy is a potentially fatal complication and may impact the survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC), it is important to establish risk factors for the EJL and to prevent this surgical complication. The aim of this study was analysis of predictors for the postoperative clinically apparent EJL. All patients operated for advanced GC between October 2016 and December 2019 were analyzed from a prospectively maintained database. The evaluation of the EJL and postoperative complications according to the demographic and clinical (categorized) variables was performed with odds ratio test (multivariate analysis was performed with the use of logistic regression method). Among the 114 patients included in the study, 71.1% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 19.3% underwent gastrectomy followed by the hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Postoperative EJL was found in 4.6% patients. The risk of EJL was significantly higher for mixed-type GC (OR = 12.45, 95% CI: 1.03-150.10; p = 0.0472). The risk of other postoperative complications was significantly higher in patients undergoing HIPEC (OR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.40-10.80, p = 0.0094). The number of lymph nodes removed (>38) was characterized by 80% sensitivity and 79.6% specificity in predicting EJL (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87; p < 0.0001). Mixed histological type of GC is a tumor-related risk factor for the EJL. HIPEC was confirmed to be a risk factor for postoperative complications after gastrectomy.

Radiological appearances of Anastomotic Leakage after Radical Gastrectomy.. [DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.25.20080093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background

Anastomotic leakage is a critical postoperative complication after gastric cancer surgery. Previous studies have not specified radiological findings of anastomotic leakage. We investigated the potential burden caused by postoperative anastomotic leakage and explored the objective appearances of anastomotic leakage on computed tomography (CT) examination.

Methods

Gastric cancer patients who underwent curative gastrectomy and had a CT examination after surgery were included in this study. Propensity score (PS) matching generated 70 cases (35 cases of anastomotic leakage and 35 cases of no anastomotic leak) among 210 eligible cases. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the predictive variables of CT findings.

Results

More severe postoperative complications were observed in patients who had an anastomotic failure than those without anastomotic leakage(p<0.05). The median number of postoperative days (PODs) was 18 days for patients with no anastomotic leak, but the length of stay was almost three times longer (50 days) in patients with anastomotic leakage(p<0.05). In the univariate analysis, we observed a significant association between anastomotic leakage and five CT variables, including pneumoperitoneum, pneumoseroperitoneum (intra-abdominal accumulation of mixed gas and fluid), accumulation of extraluminal gas at the anastomosis site, seroperitoneum and extraluminal fluid collection at the anastomosis site (p<0.05). The multivariate analysis of the CT parameters revealed that the accumulation of extraluminal gas at the anastomosis site is the independent diagnostic parameters of a postoperative anastomotic leakage (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The occurrence of an anastomotic leakage significantly compromises the patients and increases the treatment burden. The CT variables of this study are beneficial to rule out anastomotic leakage after gastric cancer surgery. Extraluminal gas at the anastomosis site is highly suggestive of anastomotic leakage.

Gastric necrosis in a term infant treated with near-total gastrectomy and delayed reconstruction with a Hunt-Lawrence pouch

The creation of an intestinal pouch following total gastrectomy is exceedingly rare in infants. We present the case of a term infant who underwent a near-total gastrectomy on day 2 of life for diffuse gastric necrosis with perforation due to severe hypoxemia from an intrapartum nuchal cord. Gastrointestinal continuity was restored at 5 months of age with a Hunt-Lawrence pouch. The child is now 3 years old and has achieved a weight in the 47th percentile despite challenges with micronutrient deficiencies, reduced caloric intake and renal insufficiency requiring 8 months of intermittent haemodialysis.

Systematic Review of the Role of Biomarkers in Predicting Anastomotic Leakage Following Gastroesophageal Cancer Surgery

Anastomotic leakage (AL) following gastroesophageal cancer surgery remains a serious postoperative complication. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of investigated biomarkers for the early detection of AL following esophagectomy, esophagogastrectomy and gastrectomy. All published studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers predicting AL following gastroesophageal resection for cancer were included. The Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) 2 tool. Twenty-four studies evaluated biomarkers in the context of AL following gastroesophageal cancer surgery. Biomarkers were derived from the systemic circulation, mediastinal and peritoneal drains, urine and mediastinal microdialysis. The most commonly evaluated serum biomarkers were C-reactive protein and leucocytes. Both proved to be useful markers for excluding AL owing to its high specificity and negative predictive values. Amylase was the most commonly evaluated peritoneal drain biomarker and significantly elevated levels can predict AL in the early postoperative period. The associated area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve values ranged from 0.482 to 0.994. Current biomarkers are poor predictors of AL after gastroesophageal cancer surgery owing to insufficient sensitivity and positive predictive value. Further research is needed to identify better diagnostic tools to predict AL.

Predicting overall and major postoperative morbidity in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complications after gastric cancer resection vary in different series and they might have a significant impact in long-term outcomes. Our aim was to build a prediction rule on gastric cancer patients' overall and major morbidity risks.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 1223 patients from a single center who were resected between 1992 and 2016. Overall and major morbidity predictors were identified through multiple logistic regression. Models' performances were assessed through discrimination, calibration, and cross-validation, and nomograms were constructed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 61.3-year old and the male gender was more frequent (60%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A D2-distal gastrectomy was the most frequent procedure and 87% of all lesions were located in the middle or distal third. Age, COPD, coronary heart disease, chronic liver disease, pancreatic resection, and operative time were independent predictors of overall and major morbidity. The extent of resection and splenectomy was associated with overall events and HTN with major ones. Both models were very effective in predicting events among patients at higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall and major morbidity models and nomograms included clinical- and surgical-related data that were very effective in predicting events, especially for high-risk patients.

Single-arm confirmatory trial of laparoscopy-assisted total or proximal gastrectomy with nodal dissection for clinical stage I gastric cancer: Japan Clinical Oncology Group study JCOG1401

BACKGROUNDS

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for gastric cancer is safe and feasible. In contrast, no prospective study evaluating the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) or laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy (LAPG) has been completed. We conducted a single-arm confirmatory trial to evaluate the safety of LATG/LAPG for clinical stage I (T1N0/T1N1/T2N0) proximal gastric cancer.

METHODS

The extent of lymphadenectomy was selected based on the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines. The mini-laparotomy incision was required to be ≤ 6 cm. The primary endpoint was the proportion of grade 2-4 (CTCAE ver. 4.0) esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage. The planned sample size was 245 considering a threshold of 8% and one-sided alpha of 2.5%.

RESULTS

Between April 2015 and February 2017, 244 eligible patients were enrolled. LATG/LAPG was performed in 195/49. The proportion of conversions was 1.7%. Clinical T1N0/T1N1/T2N0 was 212/9/23. The extents of lymphadenectomy were as follows: D1+: 229; D2: 15. The median operation time was 309 min (IQR 265-353). The median blood loss was 30 ml (IQR 10-86). Grade 2-4 esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage was 2.5% (6/244; 95% CI 0.9-5.3). The overall proportion of in-hospital grade 3-4 adverse events was 29% (71/244). The proportions of intraabdominal abscess and pancreatic fistula were 3.7% and 2.0%, respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial confirmed the safety of LATG/LAPG. After the non-inferiority of LADG is confirmed in our phase III trial (JCOG0912), LATG/LAPG is expected to be established as one of the standard treatments for clinical stage I gastric cancer.

Esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula: a major issue after radical total gastrectomy

Gastric cancer surgery has evolved considerably over the past years, with substantial improvement on outcomes. Meanwhile, esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula (EJF) continues to impair postoperative results. This study aimed to assess EJF regarding its incidence, risk factors, management and the impact on overall survival. We retrospectively analyzed 258 consecutive patients who underwent total or completion gastrectomy for GC from 2009 and 2017. Clinicopathological characteristics analysis was performed comparing patients who developed EJF with patients with other clinical or surgical complications, as well as patients without any postoperative complications. Fifteen (5.8%) patients had EJF and 81 (31.4%) had other complications (including other surgical fistulas). The median time of EJF diagnosis was on the eighth postoperative day (range 3-76). Completion gastrectomy (p = 0.048) and longer hospital stay (p < 0.001) were associated with the occurrence of EJF. The surgical mortality of patients with EJF was higher than in non-EJF patients (26.7% vs. 4.5%; p < 0.001). Nine patients were treated conservatively and six required surgery. The mortality rate of EJF was 11.1% and 50% in patients who underwent conservative and surgical treatment, respectively. Patients with other complications and patients with EJF had worse survival compared to patients without any complication (p = 0.004 and p = 0.013, respectively). Completion gastrectomy is the main risk factor for EJF occurrence. Still, EJF is associated with high postoperative mortality, longer hospital stay and has a negative impact on long-term survival.

Novel abdominal negative pressure lavage-drainage system for anastomotic leakage after R0 resection for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication associated with high morbidity and mortality after radical gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer (GC). We hypothesized that a novel abdominal negative pressure lavage-drainage system (ANPLDS) can effectively reduce the failure-to-rescue (FTR) and the risk of reoperation, and it is a feasible management for AL.

AIM

To report our institution’s experience with a novel ANPLDS for AL after RG for GC.

METHODS

The study enrolled 4173 patients who underwent R0 resection for GC at our institution between June 2009 and December 2016. ANPLDS was routinely used for patients with AL after January 2014. Characterization of patients who underwent R0 resection was compared between different study periods. AL rates and postoperative outcome among patients with AL were compared before and after the ANPLDS therapy. We used multivariate analyses to evaluate clinicopathological and perioperative factors for associations with AL and FTR after AL.

RESULTS

AL occurred in 83 (83/4173, 2%) patients, leading to 7 deaths. The mean time of occurrence of AL was 5.6 days. The AL rate was similar before (2009-2013, period 1) and after (2014-2016, period 2) the implementation of the ANPLDS therapy (1.7% vs 2.3%, P = 0.121). Age and malnourishment were independently associated with AL. The FTR rate and abdominal bleeding rate after AL occurred were respectively 8.4% and 9.6% for the entire period; however, compared with period 1, this significantly decreased during period 2 (16.2% vs 2.2%, P = 0.041; 18.9% vs 2.2%, P = 0.020, respectively). Moreover, the reoperation rate was also reduced in period 2, although this result was not statistically significant (13.5% vs 2.2%, P = 0.084). Additionally, only ANPLDS therapy was an independent protective factor for FTR after AL (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Our experience demonstrates that ANPLDS is a feasible management for AL after RG for GC.

Risk factors and laboratory markers used to predict leakage in esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy

Objectives

Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakages, which occur in the reconstruction procedures performed after total or proximal gastrectomy, still account for one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in spite of the developments seen in perioperative management and surgical techniques in gastric cancer surgery. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the risk factors for Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakages.

Material and Methods

A total of 80 patients with gastric cancer, who had total gastrectomy +D2 lymph node dissection and Esophagojejunal anastomotic between January 2013 and December 2016, were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who did not have anastomotic leakages during their clinical follow-ups were allocated to Group 1, whereas those who had anastomotic leakages were allocated to Group 2.

Results

A total of 58 (72.5%) out of 80 patients were males, whereas 22 (27.5%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 61.2 ± 11.2 years. There were no demographic differences between the groups. Postoperative recurrent fever (p= 0.001), C-reactive protein values on postoperative days 3 and 5 (p= 0.01), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on postoperative day 5 (p= 0.022) were found to be statistically significant with regard to Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakages and other postoperative complications. The duration of operation (p= 0.032) and combined organ resection (p= 0.008) were ascertained as risk factors for Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakages.

Conclusion

Surgeons should be careful about Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakages which are significant postoperative complications seen especially in cases where the duration of operation is prolonged, and additional organ resections are performed. Recurrent fever, high C-reactive protein levels, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may serve as warnings for complications in postoperative follow-ups.

Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage following gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) is a serious complication of total or proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, with a reported incidence of 2.1-14.6% and mortality of up to 50%. EJAL is an independent prognostic factor for the poor survival of gastric cancer patients. Meticulous surgical techniques, experience with anastomotic devices, and a thorough understanding of various risk factors and preventive measures are essential and early diagnosis is critical for preventing EJAL-related death. Patients with suspected EJAL must be evaluated promptly, but contrast swallow is not recommended. There is no standard treatment strategy for EJAL, although conservative treatment with drainage and nutritional support is the most common approach. Effective endoscopic treatments have been reported but need further validation. Surgical treatment is associated with high mortality but should be considered to prevent death from suboptimal EJAL management, for patients with severe sepsis or when conservative treatment has failed.

Unplanned reoperation after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer: causes, risk factors, and long-term prognostic influence

Purpose

Unplanned reoperation (URO) after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC) mostly results from serious postoperative complications. At present, there is still controversy over the predictive factors for URO. Our goal was to identify the risk factors for URO and to investigate its potential impact on long-term survival.

Patients and methods

We included 2,852 GC patients who underwent a gastrectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for URO. Patients were randomly selected from the non-URO group by 1:4 propensity score matching with multiple parameters with patients from the URO group. The survival disparity of 34 URO patients and 136 non-URO patients was examined using the Kaplan-Meier method and the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

The incidence of URO was 1.4% (39/2, 852). The primary cause of URO was intra-abdominal bleeding (53.9%, 21/39). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that male gender (OR = 4.630, 95% CI = 1.412-15.152, P = 0.011), diabetes (OR = 4.189, 95% CI = 1.705-10.290, P = 0.002), and preoperative hypoproteinemia (OR = 2.305, 95% CI = 1.079-4.923, P = 0.031) were independent risk factors for URO. With regard to early surgical outcomes, patients undergoing URO had a longer hospital stay (P < 0.001), higher incidence of postoperative complications (P < 0.001), and greater mortality (P < 0.001) compared with the non-URO group. No significant correlation was found between URO and cancer-specific survival in univariate (P = 0.275) and multivariate (P = 0.090) survival analyses.

Conclusion

Male gender, diabetes, and preoperative hypoproteinemia were suggested as independent risk factors for URO. URO was associated with longer hospital stay and increased perioperative mortality, but might not be correlated with long-term mortality.

Towards optimal intraoperative conditions in esophageal surgery: A review of literature for the prevention of esophageal anastomotic leakage

BACKGROUND

Esophageal anastomotic leakage (EAL) is a severe complication following gastric and esophageal surgery for cancer. Several non-modifiable, patient or surgery related risk factors for EAL have been identified, however, the contribution of modifiable intraoperative parameters remains undetermined. This review provides an overview of current literature on potentially modifiable intraoperative risk factors for EAL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched by two researchers independently. Clinical studies published in English between 1970 and January 2017 that evaluated the effect of intraoperative parameters on the development of EAL were included. Levels of evidence as defined by the Centre of Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM) were assigned to the studies.

RESULTS

A total of 25 articles were included in the final analysis. These articles show evidence that anemia, increased amount of blood loss, low pH and high pCO2 values, prolonged duration of procedure and lack of surgical experience independently increase the risk of EAL. Supplemental oxygen therapy, epidural analgesia and selective digestive decontamination seem to have a beneficial effect. Potential risk factors include blood pressure, requirement of blood products, vasopressor use and glucocorticoid administration, however the results are ambiguous.

CONCLUSION

Apart from fixed surgical and patient related factors, several intraoperative factors that can be modified in clinical practice can influence the risk of developing EAL. More prospective, observational studies are necessary focusing on modifiable intraoperative parameters to assess more evidence and to elucidate optimal values of these factors.

Self-Expanding Biodegradable Stents for Postoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Issues

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic stenting is a minimally invasive treatment modality for patients with various gastrointestinal conditions. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of uncovered biodegradable stents for postoperative leaks and strictures in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients treated endoscopically with biodegradable stents from January 2010 through November 2017.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were enrolled, 7 of whom were men. Their mean age was 46 (range, 21-82) years. The indications for stent placement were postoperative leakage and stricture in 9 and 4 patients, respectively. The primary diagnoses were obesity in 7 patients, gastric cancer in 5, and peptic ulcer in 1. The average time to stent placement after surgery was 35 (range, 17-125) and 166 (range, 153-185) days for patients with postoperative leakage and stricture, respectively. Stent insertion was successful at the first attempt in all patients. Complete resolution of the leak and stricture was achieved after stent application in 11 patients, for a clinical success rate of 85%. The mean follow-up duration was 50 (range, 24-76) months. There were no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to self-expanding metal and plastic stents, the main advantages of uncovered biodegradable stents are that they do not have to be removed and have a low migration rate. Our results suggest that these stents have promise for management of postoperative gastrointestinal complications. Further randomized trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to determine the role of biodegradable stents in the treatment algorithm.

The Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation on Anastomotic Leak and Additional 30-Day Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

INTRODUCTION

In addition to increased perioperative morbidity, anastomotic leak following gastric resection for gastric cancer can have detrimental effects on overall and disease-free survival. The risk of anastomotic leak following neoadjuvant therapy remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of preoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy with postoperative anastomotic leak and additional 30-day morbidity and mortality outcomes following total gastrectomy with reconstruction for gastric cancer using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP).

METHODS

Patients who underwent total gastrectomy with reconstruction for gastric cancer from 2005 to 2012 were identified. Within the NSQIP database, anastomotic leak is captured as an organ space infection. The association of preoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy with anastomotic leak and additional 30-day morbidity and mortality outcomes was investigated using chi-squared analysis, Fisher's exact test, and Student's t test.

RESULTS

A total of 1135 patients met inclusion criteria; 121 (10.7%) patients underwent preoperative chemotherapy within 30 days of surgery, and 53 (4.7%) patients underwent preoperative radiation therapy within 90 days of surgery. Neither preoperative chemotherapy nor radiation therapy was associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak (p = 0.12 and p = 0.58, respectively). When compared to patients who did not undergo neoadjuvant therapy, patients who underwent either preoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy did not experience a higher frequency of 30-day mortality (p = 0.41), cardiac (p = 0.49), wound (p = 0.76), renal (p = 0.13), septic (p = 0.55), or venous thromboembolism (p = 0.19) events and were significantly less likely to experience a pulmonary event (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant therapy prior to gastric resection for gastric cancer is not associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak or other additional short-term morbidity or mortality.

Examination of anastomotic leak with aqueous contrast swallow after total gastrectomy: Should it be carried out routinely?

Aim of the study

Examination of esophagojejunal (EJ) anastomosis with aqueous contrast swallow after total gastrectomy is still routinely conducted by many centres. The present study aimed to answer the question: Is it necessary to evaluate EJ anastomosis in terms of leakage by having every patient drink oral contrast agent before initiation of oral food intake after total gastrectomy (TG) performed due to gastric cancer?

Material and methods

Clinical and radiological results of patients on whom total gastrectomy was performed due to gastric cancer between January 2013 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnostic method used for patients in whom leak developed and therapeutic interventions were assessed. Evaluation results from aqueous contrast agent and clinical, laboratory, and tomographic findings were studied.

Results

Sixty of the 69 patients who underwent total gastrectomy with a diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma swallowed aqueous contrast agent on postoperative day 7 ±2 days and were evaluated in terms of anastomotic leak. Leak developed in 14 patients (20.2 %), 10 of whom ingested contrast agent. Leak was identified in 6 of those patients; however, diagnosis was made with multislice computed tomography (CT) in four patients (40%). The sensitivity of the examination with aqueous contrast agent was 60%.

Conclusions

Evaluating anastomotic leak with aqueous contrast agent after TG has low sensitivity, and it would be wise to resort to this procedure in cases with clinical suspicion, rather than routinely performing it in every patient.

Combat with esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A critical review of the literature

Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) is considered to be one of the most serious complications after total gastrectomy (TG), despite improvements in surgical instruments and technique. The occurrence of EJAL would cause poorer quality of life, prolonged hospital stay, and increased surgery-related costs and mortality. Although there is ever-increasing knowledge about EJAL, the optimal management is controversial. In the present review, we aim to demonstrate the effective management by focus on the possible risk factors, potentially useful preventive strategies, and several kinds of treatments in esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Successful treatment of refractory complete separation of an esophagojejunal anastomosis after laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a case report

Background

Anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy occurs despite improvements in surgical techniques and patient management. Although many cases of dehiscence can be managed non-operatively, major leakage requires a second surgery and can potentially lead to death. Therefore, accurate and immediate diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe a 66-year-old Japanese man who was diagnosed with a complete separation of an esophagojejunal anastomosis after laparoscopic total gastrectomy with oral contrast radiography using Gastrografin^®. The severe complication was successfully treated by re-anastomosis after two emergency drainage surgeries. After the second surgery, the esophageal end formed a fistula with the jejunum, but balloon dilation failed to open the fistula. Therefore, oral ingestion and conservative treatment were considered unsuitable, and we performed esophagojejunal re-anastomosis 7 months after the first surgery. At a follow-up examination 2 years after re-anastomosis, the patient weighed 47 kg, and his ingestion had recovered to 80% of that before surgery.

Conclusions

Complete separation of an esophagojejunal anastomosis is a rare but severe complication of total gastrectomy. Therefore, we consider that once separation is diagnosed, aggressive and urgent re-operation and effective drainage are useful. Moreover, it is necessary to take great care to minimize the operative morbidity associated with esophagojejunal anastomosis.

Early postoperative imaging after non-bariatric gastric resection: a primer for radiologists

Abstract

Surgical resection represents the mainstay treatment and only potentially curative option for gastric carcinoma, and is increasingly performed laparoscopically. Furthermore, other tumours and selected cases of non-malignant disorders of the stomach may require partial or total gastrectomy. Often performed in elderly patients, gastric resection remains a challenging procedure, with significant morbidity (14–43% complication rate) and non-negligible postoperative mortality (approximately 3%). This paper provides an overview of contemporary surgical techniques for non-bariatric gastric resection, reviews and illustrates the expected postoperative imaging appearances, common and unusual complications after partial and total gastrectomy. Albeit cumbersome or unfeasible in severely ill or uncooperative patients, contrast fluoroscopy remains useful to rapidly check for anastomotic patency and integrity. Currently, emphasis is placed on multidetector CT, which comprehensively visualizes the surgically altered anatomy and consistently detects complications such as anastomotic leaks and fistulas, duodenal stump leakage, afferent loop syndrome, haemorrhages, pancreatic fistulas and porto-mesenteric venous thrombosis. Our aim is to help radiologists become familiar with early postoperative imaging, in order to understand the surgically altered anatomy and to differentiate between expected imaging appearances and abnormal changes heralding iatrogenic complications, thus providing a consistent basis for correct choice between conservative, interventional or surgical treatment.

Teaching points

• Radical gastrectomy is associated with frequent postoperative morbidity and non-negligible mortality.

• In cooperative patients fluoroscopy allows checking for anastomotic patency and leaks.

• Multidetector CT with / without oral contrast comprehensively visualizes the operated abdomen.

• Awareness of surgically altered anatomy and expected postoperative appearances is warranted.

• Main complications include anastomotic and duodenal leaks, haemorrhages and pancreatic fistulas.