Prevention of postoperative chylothorax with thoracic duct ligation during video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for cancer

Does Thoracic Duct Ligation at the Time of Esophagectomy Impact Long-Term Survival? An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Background: Thoracic duct ligation (TDL) during esophagectomy has been proposed to reduce the risk of postoperative chylothorax. Because of its role in immunoregulation, some authors argued that it had an unfavorable TDL effect on survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of TDL on overall survival (OS). Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through December 2023. The primary outcome was 5-year OS. The restricted mean survival time difference (RMSTD), hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as pooled effect size measures. The GRADE methodology was used to summarize the certainty of the evidence. Results: Five studies (3291 patients) were included. TDL was reported in 54% patients. The patients' age ranged from 49 to 69, 76% were males, and BMI ranged from 18 to 26. At the 5-year follow-up, the combined effect from the multivariate meta-analysis is -3.5 months (95% CI -6.1, -0.8) indicating that patients undergoing TDL lived 3.5 months less compared to those without TDL. TDL was associated with a significantly higher hazard for mortality at 12 months (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.38-1.73), 24 months (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12-1.35), and 28 months (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28). TDL and noTDL seem comparable in terms of the postoperative risk for chylothorax (RR = 0.66; p = 0.35). Conclusions: In this study, concurrent TDL was associated with reduced 5-year OS after esophagectomy. This may suggest the need of a rigorous follow-up within the first two years of follow-up.

Thoracic Duct Visualization in Esophageal Resection: A Pilot Trial

INTRODUCTION

Inadvertent thoracic duct injury is common during esophagectomy and may result in postoperative chylothorax. This study's objective was to investigate utility of patent blue injection as a modality for intraoperative thoracic duct visualization.

METHODS

A prospective, single-arm, interventional study of patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy was performed. Patients were injected with patent blue dye into both groins prior to thoracic stage of surgery and assessed for duct visualization. Control group was formed by propensity score matching using retrospectively collected data regarding patients who underwent esophagectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were included in analysis, compared to a control of 50 patients after matching. Thoracic duct was visualized in 60% of patients in the study group (15/25 patients). Significant differences were found between study and control groups (p < 0.05) with regards to median operative time (422 vs. 285 min, respectively), overall complications (16 vs. 34%, respectively), and median postoperative length of stay (13.5 vs. 10 days, respectively). There was a difference in rate of chyle leak between study and control groups; however, this was not significant (0 vs. 12%, respectively, p = 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Patent blue injection represents a simple method for thoracic duct visualization during minimally invasive esophagectomy which may improve surgical outcomes.

Chylous leakage after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Chylous leakage is a rare complication following esophagectomy; however, it can lead to mortality. We aimed to systematically evaluate the factors that may lead to increased chylous leakage after esophagectomy.

METHODS

Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched for all studies investigating the occurrence of chylous leakage after esophagectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies were identified, including 26 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort and case-control studies, each. The overall incidence of chylous leakage was 4.7% (278/5,971 cases). Analysis of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors showed that most of the qualitative analysis results did not significantly increase the incidence of chylous leakage. In some quantitative analyses, the chylous leakage rate was significantly lower in the thoracic duct mass ligation group than in the conservative treatment group (relative risk [RR] = 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.83; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.327). Direct oral feeding significantly reduced chylous leakage compared with jejunostomy (RR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.33; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.335). However, preoperative inspiratory muscle training (RR = 1.66; 95% CI, 0.21-12.33; I2 = 55.5%; P = 0.134), preoperative chemoradiotherapy (RR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.55-1.80; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.943), and robotic assistance (RR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.92-2.86; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.814) did not significantly reduce the incidence of chylous leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

Ligation of the thoracic duct and direct oral feeding can reduce the incidence of chylous leakage after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer. Other contributing factors remain unclear and require validation in further high-quality studies.

Safety and feasibility of three-dimensional McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

To compare the perioperative outcomes from McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) when performed in three-dimensional versus two-dimensional visualization system, and investigate the learning curve of a single surgeon who implemented three-dimensional McKeown MIE.

METHODS

A total of 335 consecutive cases (three-dimensional or two-dimensional) were identified. Perioperative clinical parameters were compared and cumulative sum learning curve was plotted. Propensity score matching was used to reduce selection bias from confounding factors.

RESULTS

Patients in three-dimensional group were associated with more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23.9% vs 3.0%, p < 0.01). After propensity score matching (108 matched patients in each groups), this finding was no longer statistically significant. Comparing to two-dimensional group, significant improvement in total retrieved lymph nodes (28 vs 33, p = 0.003) was observed in three-dimensional group. In addition, more lymph nodes around the right recurrent laryngeal nerve were harvested in three-dimensional group than that in two-dimensional group (p = 0.045). However, there were no significantly differences were found between the two groups in terms of other intraoperative parameters (e.g., operative time) and postoperative relevant outcomes (e.g., lung infection). Furthermore, the change point in the cumulative sum learning curves for intraoperative blood loss and thoracic procedure time was 33 procedures, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional visualization system appears to be superior in performing lymphadenectomy during McKeown MIE to that of a two-dimensional technique. For surgeons proficient in performing two-dimensional McKeown MIE, the learning curve for a three-dimensional procedure appears to begin near proficiency after more than 33 cases.

Prophylactic ligation of the opacified thoracic duct in minimally invasive esophagectomy - feasibility and safety

BACKGROUND

Chyle leak is a rare but morbid complication of esophagectomy. We assessed the feasibility of visualization and prophylactic ligation of the opacified thoracic duct (TD) after administration of 50 ml of olive oil.

METHODS

This prospective single center study considered all patients with carcinoma of the middle and lower thirds of the thoracic esophagus including the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), managed from January 2018 to December 2019, for inclusion. All patients underwent McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy. After anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, 50 ml of olive oil was administered through a nasogastric (NG) tube. During thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization, the opacified thoracic duct was identified and ligated using Weck Hem-o-lok clips immediately above the diaphragmatic hiatus. Postoperatively, the nature, volume, and triglyceride levels of the fluid from the chest drain were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients with carcinoma of the esophagus were assessed for inclusion and eventually, 33 were enrolled. The median age of the study population was 55 years, and there were 20 males. The tumor site was the lower esophagus in 24 (72.7%) patients. The most common histolopathological finding was squamous cell carcinoma (97%). The opacified thoracic duct could be identified and ligated in 31 (93.9%) patients. The median duration from the administration of olive oil to the ligation of the thoracic duct was 100 min. The median chest drain output and triglyceride levels on postoperative day (POD) one were 250 ml and 48 mg% respectively. No patient developed postoperative chylothorax.

CONCLUSION

Opacification and visualization of the thoracic duct during thoracoscopy can be aided by administering olive oil. Ligation of this opacified duct is feasible and safe.

Effect of surgical start time on short- and long-term outcomes after minimally invasive esophagectomy: a propensity-score matching analysis

There is growing focus on the relationship between surgical start time and postoperative outcomes. However, the extent to which the operation start time affects the surgical and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing esophagectomy has not previously been studied. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the potential effect of surgical start time on the short- and long-term outcomes for patients who underwent thoracoscopic-laparoscopic McKeown esophagectomy. From September 2009 to June 2019, a total of 700 consecutive patients suffering from esophageal cancer underwent thoracoscopic-laparoscopic McKeown esophagectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Daping Hospital. Among these patients, 166 esophagectomies were performed on the same day and were classified as the first- or second-start group. Patients in the first-start group were more likely to be older than those in the second-start group: (64.73 vs. 61.28, P = 0.002). In addition, patients with diabetes mellitus were more likely to be first-start cases (8.4 vs. 1.2%). After propensity score matching (52 matched patients in first-start cases and 52 matched patients in second-start cases), these findings were no longer statistically significant. There was no difference in the incidence rate of peri- or postoperative adverse events between the first- and second-start groups. The disease-specific survival rates and disease-free survival rates were comparable between the two groups (P = 0.236 and 0.292, respectively). On the basis of the present results, a later start time does not negatively affect the short- or long-term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy.

[Modern Treatment Options for Postoperative Chylothorax: a Systematic Review]

BACKGROUND

 Chylothorax is a multifactorial complication, usually caused by surgery or traumatic injury, and more rarely by malignant disease. Because of the lack of prospective, randomised trials, the evidence-based treatment rests upon personal experience, but ideally taking into account retrospective analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

 The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available modern treatment options. Another aspect is to show their advantages and disadvantages. For this purpose, a literature search was performed using the "PubMed" database. Publications older than ten years were excluded from this review. The literature search employed the keyword "chylothorax". The priority was set on publications including a comparative assessment of treatment approaches. The authors relied on many years of clinical experience to critically analyse and evaluate the treatment options and the given recommendations.

RESULTS

 The success rate of the conservative treatment methods ranges widely, depending on the underlying cause of the disease (3-90 %). Non-invasive or semi-invasive procedures are successful in 50 to 100 % of the cases, also depending on the aetiology. After unsuccessful conservative treatment of operable patients, the standard surgical therapy consists of thoracic duct ligature, which is usually performed thoracoscopically. Alternatively, pleurodesis or the placement of a permanent chest drain (PleurX) or a pleuroperitoneal shunt may be performed. The success rate of these procedures is between 64 and 100 %. The morbidity and mortality rate can reach values up to 25 %.

CONCLUSION

 Treatment of a chylothorax should be started conservatively. Subsequently, a more aggressive therapy may be gradually considered, based on the patient's health and the amount of the secretion. Interventional radiological procedures are safe, successful, and have a legitimate place alongside conservative or surgical treatment. However, they are currently only available in some larger centres.

Thoracic Duct Resection Has a Favorable Impact on Prognosis by Preventing Hematogenous Spread of Esophageal Cancer Cells: A Multi-institutional Analysis of 2269 Patients

BACKGROUND

The impact of thoracic duct (TD) resection on prognosis is controversial. This study aimed to examine the impact of TD resection.

METHODS

In this six-institution, matched-cohort study, 2269 consecutive patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy between 2000 and 2017 were enrolled for analysis of long-term outcomes, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), cause-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence patterns.

RESULTS

Based on a propensity score, 642 TD-resected and 642 TD-preserved patients with all stages of disease were selected. At 5 years, the TD-resected group had an OS of 57.7%, a DFS of 50.9%, and a CSS of 62.2%. These rates were significantly higher than the corresponding rates of 48.7% (p = 0.0078), 41.0% (p = 0.0297), and 55.3% (p = 0.0473) in the TD-preserved group. The OS in the TD-preserved and TD-resected groups was similar for the patients with cStage 1 or 2 (p = 0.6265), but it was significantly higher in the TD-resected group for the patients with cStage 3 or 4 (p = 0.0052). The incidence of total recurrence did not differ between the two groups. However, the incidence of hematogenous recurrence in the TD-resected group (19.0%) was significantly lower than in the TD-preserved group (26.2%) (p = 0.0021). For cT4a tumors, the incidence of local recurrence in the TD-resected group (2.4%) was significantly lower than in the TD-preserved group (18.4%) (p = 0.0183).

CONCLUSIONS

Performance of TD resection may help to improve prognosis, especially for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, by reducing hematogenous and local recurrence. Prospective trials are needed to determine whether prophylactic TD resection has a positive impact on the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer.

The influence of thoracic duct ligation on long-term survival of patients with esophageal cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis

Background

Ligation of the thoracic duct (LTD) is known to be a useful way to prevent postoperative chylothorax, but its impact on long-term survival is rare to be assessed.

Methods

Data from 609 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy from September, 2012, to January, 2014, were retrospectively collected. The study cohort was classified into two groups: the thoracic duct ligation group (LG) and the non-ligation group (NLG). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to control confounding factors between the two groups. Postoperative complications and length of stay were compared between the two groups. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared using the log-rank test. Independent prognostic factors were determined using Cox regression analysis.

Results

After PSM, there were 185 patients in each of the two groups. LTD had no significant impact on chylothorax, anastomotic leak, recurrent nerve palsy, pneumonia and length of stay (P>0.05). The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 87.0%, 64.1%, and 50.9% in the LG, respectively, compared to 85.4%, 59.9%, and 42.3%, respectively, in the NLG. The differences between the 2 groups were not statistically significant (P=0.156). In the multivariable analysis, LTD was not an independent prognostic factor, neither before nor after PSM.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that LTD had no significant impact on postoperative complications or long-term survival in patients with esophageal cancer.

Management options for post-esophagectomy chylothorax

Chylothorax, although an uncommon complication of esophagectomy, is associated with high morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly. Consequently, knowledge of the thoracic duct (TD) anatomy is essential to prevent its inadvertent injury during surgery. If the TD is injured, early diagnosis and immediate intervention are of paramount importance; however, there is still no universal consensus about the management of post-operative chylothorax. With increasing advances in the spheres of interventional radiology and minimally invasive surgery, there are now several options for managing TD injury. We review this topic in detail to provide a comprehensive and practical overview to help surgeons manage this challenging complication. In particular, we discuss an appropriate step-up approach to prevent the morbidity associated with open surgery as well as the metabolic, nutritional, and immunological disorders that accompany a prolonged illness.

The effect of prophylactic thoracic duct ligation during esophagectomy on the incidence of chylothorax and survival of the patients: an updated review

BACKGROUND

The role of thoracic duct ligation (TDL) during esophagectomy remains controversial. This review aimed to elucidate the effect of TDL on chylothorax and survival of the patients after esophagectomy for cancer.

METHODS

We searched articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar till May 2020 according to the PRISMA guidelines using the terms of [Oesophagectomy OR esophagectomy] AND [chylothorax] AND [thoracic duct ligation]. Only those compared the incidence of chylothorax in patients who ligated or resected the thoracic duct (ligation group) or preserved the thoracic duct (preservation group) were selected.

RESULTS

First, 15 studies including one randomized controlled trial were collected for meta-analysis regarding post-esophagectomy chylothorax. Of these, 3658 patients underwent TDL and 4638 cases preserved the thoracic duct. Both groups showed similar chylothorax rate (odd ratios 0.73 in favor of ligation group; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-1.07, p = 0.11). Second, four studies providing survival information were included for another meta-analysis, and the patients in preservation group demonstrated better 5-year overall survival compared to those in ligation group (odds ratio 1.25; 95% CI 1.08-1.44, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The present review provided updated evidence opposing prophylactic TDL during esophagectomy for lowering chylothorax. Considering the harmful effect of TDL on survival of the patients, further well-designed trials should be considered in selected cases under strict supervision.

Management of Complications After Esophagectomy

Esophagectomy is a complex operation with many potential complications. Early recognition of postoperative complications allows for the best chance for patient survival. Diagnosis and management of conduit complications, including leak, necrosis, and conduit-airway fistulae, are reviewed. Other common complications, such as chylothorax and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, also are discussed.

Evaluating the Surgeon's Experience as a Risk Factor for Post-Esophagectomy Chylothorax on a Four-Year Cohort

Background: Chylothorax (CHT) is a known post-operative complication after esophageal surgery with vaguely defined risk factors.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of 70 consecutive patients with operable cancer over a period of four years (January 2013 to December 2016). Ivor Lewis and McKeown interventions were performed. Thoracic duct is identified and ligated routinely. Factors related to the patient, the tumor, and the operating surgeon were analyzed.

Results: Incidence of CHT was 10%. Surgeons with less than five years of esophageal surgery experience had the most CHT, 71% (p=0.001). No association was found between tumor location, type, body mass index (BMI), neoadjuvant therapy, response to neoadjuvant therapy or male sex, and CHT. The odds of developing CHT were 17 times higher in patients operated by a junior surgeon (odds ratio, OR=17.67, confidence interval, CI 2.68-116.34, p=0.003). Four patients (5.7%) had anastomotic leaks, none of them had CHT. Senior surgeons had less operative time and harvested more lymph nodes (p=0.0002 and p=0.1086 respectively).

Conclusion: Surgeon’s experience might be considered a major risk factor to develop CHT. This finding needs to be confirmed by a larger multicentric series taking into consideration the human factor.

Prophylactic thoracic duct ligation is associated with poor prognosis and regional lymph node relapse in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The ligation of thoracic duct interrupts the normal lymphatic circulation. Whether the ligation of thoracic duct would affect tumor recurrence and patient survival is unclear.

METHODS

The correlations between prophylactic thoracic duct ligation (PLG) and prognosis were examined in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Patients who received Ivor Lewis or McKeown esophagectomy with systemic lymph node dissection and R0 resection between 2003 and 2013 in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total number of 473 and 462 were included in the PLG group and non-prophylactic thoracic duct ligation (NPLG) group, respectively. The PLG group had a lower 5-year survival rate (48.2% vs 61.6%, P < .001). After a 1:1 propensity score matching, 874 cases (437 pairs) were included and the survival analysis showed that PLG was associated with worse 5-year cumulative survival of 48.6% vs 61.6% in those patients without ligation (P < .001). The multivariate analysis revealed that PLG was an independent factor for poor prognosis after esophagectomy (hazard ratio, HR = 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.26-1.93, P < .001). Additionally, PLG was associated with regional lymph node relapse (P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

PLG should not be performed routinely if no sign of thoracic duct rupture or tumor invasion were identified.

Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography of the Central Lymphatic System: Technique and Clinical Applications

Magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) is a noninvasive imaging technique that can be used in the management of lymphatic disorders to delineate the central lymphatic system for treatment planning. This article reviews the MRL technique, its advantages, limitations, indications, and impact on patient management. Level of Evidence 5 Technical Efficacy Stage 3 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:374-380.

Modified Blood Patch Used to Treat a High Output Chyle Leak After McKeown Esophagectomy

Chyle leaks after esophagectomy are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. High-output fistulas are particularly difficult to manage, as the likelihood of spontaneous closure with conservative management is low. Leaks that fail to resolve with conservative management are referred for thoracic duct ligation or embolization. Some patients, however, are not candidates for these procedures or have persistent output despite intervention. We report a case of a post-McKeown esophagectomy patient with a high-output chyle leak despite intraoperative thoracic duct ligation. Treatment was successful with a modified blood patch through a neck drain.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Esophagectomy: A Review

Great advances have been made in the surgical management of esophageal disease since the first description of esophageal resection in 1913. We are in the era of minimally invasive esophagectomy. The current three main approaches to an esophagectomy are the Ivor Lewis technique, McKeown technique, and the transhiatal approach to esophagectomy. These operations were associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The recent advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have greatly improved the outcomes of these surgical procedures. This article reviews the literature and describes the various techniques available for performing minimally invasive esophagectomy and robot-assisted esophagectomies, the history behind the development of these techniques, the variations, and the contemporary outcomes after such procedures.

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

BACKGROUND

Injury and subsequent leakage of unrecognized thoracic duct tributaries during transthoracic esophagectomy may lead to chylothorax. Therefore, we hypothesized that thoracic duct anatomy at the diaphragm is more complex than currently recognized and aimed to provide a detailed description of the anatomy of the thoracic duct at the diaphragm.

BASIC PROCEDURES

The thoracic duct and its tributaries were dissected in 7 (2 male and 5 female) embalmed human cadavers. The level of origin of the thoracic duct and the points where tributaries entered the thoracic duct were measured using landmarks easily identified during surgery: the aortic and esophageal hiatus and the arch of the azygos vein.

MAIN FINDINGS

The thoracic duct was formed in the thoracic cavity by the union of multiple abdominal tributaries in 6 cadavers. In 3 cadavers partially duplicated systems were present that communicated with interductal branches. The thoracic duct was formed by a median of 3 (IQR: 3-5) abdominal tributaries merging 8.3cm (IQR: 7.3-9.3cm) above the aortic hiatus, 1.8cm (IQR: -0.4 to 2.4cm) above the esophageal hiatus, and 12.3cm (IQR: 14.0 to -11.0cm) below the arch of the azygos vein.

CONCLUSION

This study challenges the paradigm that abdominal lymphatics join in the abdomen to pass the diaphragm as a single thoracic duct. In this study, this occurred in 1/7 cadavers. Although small, the results of this series suggest that the formation of the thoracic duct above the diaphragm is more common than previously thought. This knowledge may be vital to prevent and treat post-operative chyle leakage.

Selective En Masse Ligation of the Thoracic Duct to Prevent Chyle Leak After Esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative chylothorax remains an important cause of reoperation and prolonged hospital stay after esophagectomy for the treatment of esophageal carcinoma. Chylothorax is potentially life threatening and difficult to manage. The benefit of routine thoracic duct ligation is controversial. A promising alternative is to identify chyle leaks at the time of esophagectomy and perform the ligation selectively. We developed a novel technique to identify chyle leak at the time of esophagectomy and compared it with routine ligation of thoracic duct.

METHODS

This cohort study involved all of the qualified patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma treated between March 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, by a single surgical team at West China Hospital. Patients receiving routine en masse ligation of the thoracic duct were assigned to group A, and patients receiving selective en masse ligation of the thoracic duct were assigned to group B. All patients in the selective ligation group received 120 mL olive oil orally before the operation. The end point included frequencies of chyle leak detected at the time of esophagectomy, postoperative chylothorax, and need for chylothorax-related reoperation.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 296 patients who fulfilled the study requirement: 55 in group A and 241 in group B. Patients in group A experienced significantly higher incidences of postoperative chylothorax and chylothorax-related reoperation than group B (9.1% vs 0% [p < 0.01] and 3.6% vs 0% [p < 0.01]). Incidence of detection of intraoperative chyle leak (chylothorax plus chylous ascites) was significantly higher in group B than in group A (9.5% vs 0%, p < 0.01). No intraoperative or postoperative complications related to preoperative oral olive oil administration or selective en masse ligation of the thoracic duct were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our method of selective en masse ligation of the thoracic duct during esophagectomy was feasible and safe and was associated with reduced rates of postoperative chylothorax.

The effect of postoperative complications on survival of patients after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been shown to be a feasible technique for the treatment of esophageal cancer; however, its postoperative morbidity remains high. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of postoperative complications on long-term outcomes in patients who have undergone MIE for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients who had undergone MIE for ESCC between September 2009 and November 2014; all procedures were performed by a single surgical team. Relevant patient characteristics and postoperative variables were collected and evaluated. The disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared by log-rank tests. Possible predictors of survival were subjected to univariate analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

In all, data on 214 patients with ESCC were analyzed, including 170 men and 44 women. All study subjects had undergone thoracoscopic or thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy and cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. One hundred and thirty patients (60.7%) had postoperative complications (Grades 1-4). The overall DFS and DSS rates were 80.0 and 88.9% at 1 year, 48.6 and 54.2% at 3 years, and 43.2 and 43.5% at 5 years, respectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that T stage, N stage, and tumor grade were independent prognostic factors for long-term survival; however, postoperative complications had no significant effect on the DFS or DSS of this patient cohort (log-rank test, p = 0.354 and 0.160, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative complications have no significant effect on long-term survival in patients who have undergone MIE for ESCC.

Low fat-containing elemental formula is effective for postoperative recovery and potentially useful for preventing chyle leak during postoperative early enteral nutrition after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Transthoracic esophagectomy using 3-field lymphadenectomy (TTE-3FL) for esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive gastrointestinal surgeries. Early enteral nutrition (EN) for TTE-3FL patients is useful and valid for early recovery; however, EN using a fat-containing formula risks inducing chyle leak. In the present study, we retrospectively examined esophageal cancer patients treated byTTE-3FL and administered postoperative EN to elucidate the validity of lowering the fat levels in elemental formulas to prevent postoperative chyle leak and improve postoperative recovery.

METHODS

A total of 74 patients who received TTE-3FL for esophageal cancer were retrospectively examined. Patients were classified into two groups according to the type of postoperative EN: Group LF patients received a low-fat elemental formula, and Group F patients received a standard fat-containing polymeric formula. The following clinical factors were compared between the groups: EN start day, maximum EN calories administered, duration of respirator use, length of ICU stay, incidence of postoperative infectious complications, use of parenteral nutrition (PN), and incidence of postoperative chyle leak.

RESULTS

Patients in Group LF were started on EN significantly earlier after surgery and they consumed significantly higher maximum EN calories compared to Group F patients (P < 0.01). Duration of respirator use and length of ICU stay were also significantly shorter, and TPN was used significantly less in Group LF compared to Group F (P < 0.05). Postoperative chyle leak was observed in six patients in total (8.1%); five patients in Group F and one patient in Group LF, although there was no significant difference in frequency of chyle leak per patient between Group LF and Group F.

CONCLUSIONS

Early EN using low-fat elemental formula after esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy was safe and valid for postoperative recovery and potentially useful in preventing chyle leak.

Variation in the standard of minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer--systematic review

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been increasingly performed to treat esophageal cancer. Studies published between 1990 and 2012 that described the use of MIE for cancer in at least 50 patients were included for systematic review. The literature search retrieved 34 publications comprising 18 case series, 15 comparative studies, and 1 randomized control trial. Results revealed a wide variability in surgical techniques and perioperative outcomes with a lack of standardized definitions of postoperative complications. In most studies, radical formal lymphadenectomy was not performed and the lymph node harvest fell below the minimum number recommended to achieve survival benefits. There is a need to reach a consensus regarding surgical approaches in MIE, the definition of postoperative complications and the extent of lymphadenectomy before embarking on further randomized controlled trials comparing MIE vs. open approach.

Radiotherapy in the treatment of postoperative chylothorax

Background

Chylothorax is characterized by the presence of chyle in the pleural cavity. The healing rate of non-operative treatment varies enormously; the maximum success rate in series is 70%. We investigate the efficacy and outcomes of radiotherapy for postoperative chylothorax.

Methods

Chylothorax was identified based on the quantity and quality of the drainage fluid. Radiation was indicated if the daily chyle flow exceeded 450 ml after complete cessation of oral intake. Radiotherapy consisted of opposed isocentric portals to the mediastinum using 15 MV photon beams from a linear accelerator, a single dose of 1–1.5 Gy, and a maximum of five fractions per week. The radiation target area was the anatomical region between TH3 and TH10 depending on the localization of the resected lobe. The mean doses of the ionizing energy was 8.5 Gy ± 3.5 Gy.

Results

The median start date of the radiation was the fourth day after chylothorax diagnosis. The patients’ mediastinum was radiated an average of six times. Radiotherapy, in combination with dietary restrictions, was successful in all patients. The median time between the end of the radiation and the removal of the chest tube was one day. One patient underwent wound healing by secondary intention. The median time between the end of radiation and discharge was three days, and the overall hospital stay between the chylothorax diagnosis and discharge was 18 days (range: 11–30 days). After a follow-up of six months, no patient experienced chylothorax recurrence.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that radiotherapy in combination with dietary restriction in the treatment of postoperative chylothorax is very safe, rapid and successful. This novel interventional procedure can obviate repeat major thoracic surgery and shorten hospital stays and could be the first choice in the treatment of postthoracotomy chylothorax.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in the People's Republic of China: an overview

Since its introduction in the People's Republic of China in 1992, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has shown the classical advantages of minimally invasive surgery over its open counterpart. Like all pioneers of the technique, cardiothoracic surgeons in the People's Republic of China claim that MIE has a lower risk of pulmonary infection, faster recovery, a shorter hospital stay, and a more rapid return to daily activities than open esophagectomy, while offering the same functional and oncologic results. There has been burgeoning interest in MIE in the People's Republic of China since 1995. The last decade has witnessed nationwide growth in the application of MIE and yielded a significant amount of scientific data in support of its clinical merits and advantages. However, no prospective randomized controlled trials have actually investigated the benefits of MIE in the People's Republic of China. Here we review the current data and state of the art MIE treatment for esophageal cancer in the People's Republic of China.

One surgeon's learning curve for video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with the patient in lateral position: how many cases are needed to reach competence?

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive esophagectomy is a feasible technique shown to be safe and oncologically adequate for the treatment of esophageal cancer. This study aimed to describe one surgeon's learning curve for video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy with the patient in lateral position.

METHODS

From May 2010 to June 2012, 89 thoracoscopic esophagectomies for esophageal cancer were performed by one surgeon. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A included the first 30 cases. Group B comprised cases 31 to 60, and group C included the final 29 cases. The demographic characteristics and the intra- and postoperative variables were collected retrospectively and analyzed.

RESULTS

One postoperative death occurred. Eight patients required conversion. No significant difference in background or clinicopathologic factors among the three groups was observed. Compared with group A, a significant decrease in intrathoracic operative time (107.7 ± 16.2 min; P = 0.0000), total operative time (326.3 ± 40.7 min; P = 0.0002), and blood loss (290.8 ± 114.3 ml; P = 0.0129) was observed in group B, whereas more retrieved nodes were harvested (20.1 ± 9.5; P = 0.0002). The last 29 patients (group C) involved significantly less intrathoracic operative time (82.8 ± 18.4 min; P = 0.0386), total operative time (294.7 ± 37.4 min; P = 0.0009), and blood loss (234.7 ± 87.8 ml; P = 0.0125) as well as a shorter postoperative hospital stay (12.4 ± 3.7 days; P = 0.0125) compared with group B. A significant decline in the overall morbidity from group A to group C (P = 0.0005) also was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that at least 30 cases were needed to reach the plateau of thoracoscopic esophagectomy. After more than 60 cases of thoracoscopic esophagectomies had been managed, lower morbidity could be obtained.