Minimally invasive esophagectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis of semiprone versus prone position

Role of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for evaluating blood supply in the gastric conduit via the substernal route after McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a determining factor of morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy. Adequate perfusion of the gastric conduit is crucial for AL prevention. This study aimed to determine whether intraoperative angiography using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence improves the incidence of AL after McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with gastric conduit via the substernal route (SR).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 120 patients who underwent MIE with gastric conduit via SR for esophageal cancer between February 2019 and April 2023. Of 120 patients, 88 experienced intraoperative angiography using ICG (ICG group), and 32 patients experienced intraoperative angiography without ICG (no-ICG group). Baseline characteristics and operative outcomes, including AL as the main concern, were compared between the 2 groups. In addition, the outcomes among patients in the ICG group with different levels of fluorescence intensity were compared.

RESULTS

The ICG and no-ICG groups were comparable in baseline characteristics and operative outcomes. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the rate of AL (31.0% vs 37.5%; P = .505), median dates of AL (9 vs 9 days; P = .810), and severity of AL (88.9%, 11.11%, and 0.0% vs 66.7%, 16.7%, and 16.7% for grades I, II, and III, respectively; P = .074). Patients in the ICG group with lower intensity of ICG had higher rates of leakage (24.6%, 39.3%, and 100% in levels I, II, and III of ICG intensity, respectively; P = .04).

CONCLUSION

The use of ICG did not seem to reduce the rate of AL. However, abnormal intensity of ICG fluorescence was associated with a higher rate of AL, which implies a predictive potential.

Efficacy and complications of single-port thoracoscopic minimally invasive esophagectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a single-center experience

The traditional surgical technique for esophageal cancer is mainly open esophagectomy. With the innovation of surgical instruments, it is necessary to re-optimize the minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, single-port thoracoscopic minimally invasive esophagectomy (SPTE) is an important direction of development. This study retrospectively analyzed 202 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing SPTE. Surgical variables and postoperative complications were further evaluated. All procedures were performed using SPTE. The number of patients who received R0 resection was 201 (99.5%). The total number of resected lymph nodes during the whole operation was on average 32.01 ± 12.15, and the mean number of positive lymph nodes was 1.56 ± 2.51. In 170 cases (84.2%), intraoperative blood loss did not exceed 100 ml (ml), while 1 case had postoperative bleeding. Only 1 patient (0.5%) required reoperation after surgery. Postoperative complications included 42 cases of pneumonia (20.8%), 9 cases of anastomotic leak (4.5%), 7 cases of pleural effusion (3.8%), and 1 case (0.5%) of both pleural hemorrhage and acute gastrointestinal hemorrhagic ulcer. Besides, we also recorded the time to remove the drain tube, which averaged 9.13 ± 5.31 days. In our study, we confirmed that the application of SPTE in clinical practice is feasible, and that the postoperative complications are at a low level.

Hybrid Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Carcinoma Oesophagus: Experience at Tertiary Care Centre in North Karnataka

Surgery remains the mainstay for curative treatment of carcinoma of midthoracic and lower thoracic oesophagus. In the twentieth century, open esophagectomy was the standard of care. In the twenty-first century, treatment for carcinoma oesophagus has revolutionized with incorporation of neoadjuvant treatment and application of various minimally invasive techniques for esophagectomy. At present, there is no consensus about the optimum position to perform minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). We share our experience of MIE with modification in the port position in this article.

Minimally invasive laparo-thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with semi-mechanical triangular anastomosis: Short-term outcomes of 114 consecutive patients

INTRODUCTION

Several surgical teams have developed so-called minimally invasive esophagectomy techniques with the intention of decreasing post-operative complications. The goal of this report is to determine the feasibility, reproducibility, morbidity and mortality of esophagectomy and intrathoracic anastomosis via thoracoscopy.

METHODS

This retrospective series included 114 consecutive non-selected patients who underwent Lewis Santy type esophagectomy between 2016 and 2020. The procedure was performed via abdominal laparoscopy, thoracoscopy with the patient in a supine position, without selective intubation, with intra-thoracic semi-mechanical triangular esophagogastric anastomosis.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 62.8years. Conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy was required in three patients (2.6%); no patient required conversion from thoracoscopy to thoracotomy. A semi-mechanical triangular esophagogastric anastomosis was successfully performed in all patients. Median duration of hospital stay was 16 (8-116) days. Mortality was 2.6%; 34 patients (29.8%) had major complications, 55 (48%) had a respiratory complication. The leakage rate was 12.3%; most were type I. Only 5.2% required an additional procedure. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of this consecutive series found that this operative technique was reproducible and reliable. These results need to be confirmed by other studies. Pulmonary morbidity was high and remains the main challenge in this type of surgery.

Semiprone thoracoscopic approach during totally minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy seems to be beneficial

Minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy (MIE) is widely accepted as a surgical treatment of resectable esophageal cancer. Aim of this paper is to describe the surgical details of our standardized MIE technique and its safety. We also evaluate the esophageal mobilization in semiprone compared to the left lateral position. A retrospective analysis of 141 consecutive patients who underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for cancer, from February 2016 to September 2021, was conducted. All the procedures were performed by totally thoraco-laparoscopic with an intrathoracic end-to-side circular stapled anastomosis. Thoracic phase was performed in left lateral position (LLP-group, n=47) followed by a semiprone position (SP-group, n=94). The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were prospectively collected and analyzed. The procedure was completed without intraoperative complication in 94.68% of cases in SP-group and in 93.62% of cases in LLP-group (P=0.99). The total operative time and thoracic operative time were significantly shorter in SP-group (P=0.0096; P=0.009). No statistically significant differences were detected in postoperative outcomes between the groups, except for anastomotic strictures (higher in LLP-group, P=0.02) and intensive care unit stay (longer in LLP-group, P=00.1). No reoperation was needed in any cases. Surgical radicality was comparable; the median of harvested lymph nodes was significantly higher in SP-group (P<0.0001). The present semiprone technique of thoraco-laparoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is safe and feasible but may also provide some advantages in terms of lymph nodes harvested and total operation time.

Semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma with aberrant right subclavian artery and non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve

Background

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) accompanied by non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN) is a rare anomaly. In cases of thoracic esophageal carcinoma associated with ARSA and NRILN, surgeons must take extra care not to injury these vessels and nerves. We believe semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy to be a surgical approach that can safely deal with such an anomaly.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man complained of feelings of chest constriction. Endoscopic examination revealed an esophageal tumor and computed tomography showed an ARSA. We performed semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy for case with ARSA and NRILN. We identified these anomalies during esophagectomy, and we could complete surgery without injury these vessels and nerves. The patient had an uneventful recovery and discharged 22 days after surgery.

Conclusions

Semi-prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma can be performed safely with a wide operative field, and is an excellent procedure for dissecting esophageal carcinoma in patients with ARSA and NRILN.

Minimally invasive oesophagectomy in the prone versus lateral decubitus position: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The thoracic phase of minimally invasive esophagectomy was initially performed in the lateral decubitus position (LDP); however, many experts have gradually transitioned to a prone position (PP) approach. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to quantitatively compare the two approaches. A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was undertaken for studies comparing outcomes between patients undergoing minimally invasive esophageal surgery in the PP versus the LDP. In total, 15 studies with 1454 patients (PP; n = 710 vs. LDP; n = 744) were included. Minimally invasive esophagectomy in the PP provides statistically significant reduction in postoperative respiratory complications (Risk ratios 0.5, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.34-0.76, P < 0.001), blood loss (weighted mean differences [WMD] -108.97, 95% CI -166.35 to -51.59 mL, P < 0.001), ICU stay (WMD -0.96, 95% CI -1.7 to -0.21 days, P = 0.01) and total hospital stay (WMD -2.96, 95% CI -5.14 to -0.78 days, P = 0.008). In addition, prone positioning increases the overall yield of chest lymph node dissection (WMD 2.94, 95% CI 1.54-4.34 lymph nodes, P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in regards to anastomotic leak rate, mortality and 5-year overall survival was encountered. Subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of prone positioning against pulmonary complications was more pronounced for patients undergoing single-lumen tracheal intubation. A head to head comparison of minimally invasive esophagectomy in the prone versus the LDP reveals superiority of the former method, with emphasis on the reduction of postoperative respiratory complications and reduced length of hospitalization. Long-term oncologic outcomes appear equivalent, although validation through prospective studies and randomized controlled trials is still necessary.

[Minimally invasive esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases: results of a two-center study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of thoracoscopic esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 78 patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy between 2011 and 2019. Peptic and burn strictures of the esophagus were diagnosed in 53 patients, achalasia - in 24 patients. Minimally invasive esophagectomy and esophagoplasty with isoperistaltic gastric tube and esophagogastrostomy on the neck was performed in 68 patients, Ivor Lewis esophagectomy - in 1 patient, coloesophagoplasty - in 9 patients. We used manual technique of anastomosis in 58 patients, stapling device - in 19 patients. In 1 case, surgery was finished with esophagostomy and gastrostomy.

RESULTS

Mean blood loss was 200 ml (10-1200), surgery time - 450 min (265-765 min). Early postoperative complications occurred in 37 patients including anastomotic leakage in 24 cases. In long-term period, anastomotic strictures developed in 9 patients. No mortality was observed.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases ensures favorable clinical outcomes. However, no consensus in the choice of surgical approach and indications, as well as small number of these patients cause challenges in implementation of this technique. There are different opinions regarding technique of anastomosis on the neck and surgical access in thoracoscopic esophagectomy.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Intrathoracic Anastomosis Technique

The extracorporeal anastomosis technique for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is a convenient, easy technique to use in VATS esophagectomy. The surgeon can assess the viability and the status of the gastric conduit, and the introduction of a circular stapler can be easily done under direct vision extracorporeally, enabling easy and simple VATS intrathoracic anastomosis between the esophagus and the gastric conduit.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Esophagectomy

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer can be performed in multiple positions, such as the lateral decubitus position or prone position, using various techniques. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and surgeons can select an appropriate approach based on their preferences. Except for the reduction of pulmonary complications, the benefits of thoracoscopic esophagectomy, including oncologic outcomes, have not been proven scientifically. This review describes the approaches and procedures of thoracoscopic esophagectomy and presents scientific evidence for this procedure.

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in Semi-Prone Position (Pawar Technique): Technical Aspects and Outcome in 224 Patients

Background and Objectives  There are two patient positions described for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer, viz., left lateral and prone positions. To retain the benefits and overcome the disadvantages of these positions, a semi-prone position was developed by us. Our objective was to analyze the feasibility of performing MIE in this position.

Materials and Methods  A retrospective review of patients who underwent MIE at our center from January 2007 to December 2017 was done. A semi-prone position is a left lateral position with an anterior inclination of 45 degrees. Intraoperative parameters including conversion rate, immediate postoperative outcomes, and long-term oncological outcomes were analyzed.

Statistical Analysis  Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19 (IBM SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was utilized for analysis. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier graph. Quantitative data were described as mean or median with standard deviation, and qualitative data were described as frequency distribution tables.

Results  Consecutive 224 patients with good performance status were included. After excluding those who required conversion (14 [6.6%]), 210 patients were further analyzed. Median age was 60 years (range: 27–80 years). Neoadjuvant treatment recipients were 160 (76%) patients. Most common presentation was squamous cell carcinoma (146 [70%]) of lower third esophagus (140 [67%]) of stage III (126 [60%]). Median blood loss for thoracoscopic dissection and for total operation was 101.5 mL (range: 30–180 mL) and 286 mL (range: 93–480 mL), respectively. Median operative time for thoracoscopic dissection alone was 67 minutes (range: 34–98 minutes) and for entire procedure was 215 minutes (range: 162–268 minutes). There was no intraoperative mortality. Median 16 lymph nodes were dissected (range: 5–32). Postoperative complication rate and mortality was 50% and 3.3%, respectively. Disease-free interval was 18 months (range: 3–108 months) and overall survival was 22 months (range: 6–108 months).

Conclusion  MIE with mediastinal lymphadenectomy in a semi-prone position is feasible, convenient, oncologically safe, which can combine the benefits of the two conventional approaches. Further prospective and comparative studies are required to support our findings.

Changes in respiratory mechanics of artificial pneumothorax two-lung ventilation in video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy in prone position

We aimed to clarify the changes in respiratory mechanics and factors associated with them in artificial pneumothorax two-lung ventilation in video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (PP-VATS-E) for esophageal cancer. Data of patients with esophageal cancer, who underwent PP-VATs-E were retrospectively analyzed. Our primary outcome was the change in the respiratory mechanics after intubation (T1), in the prone position (T2), after initiation of the artificial pneumothorax two-lung ventilation (T3), at 1 and 2 h (T4 and T5), in the supine position (T6), and after laparoscopy (T7). The secondary outcome was identifying factors affecting the change in dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn). Sixty-seven patients were included. Cdyn values were significantly lower at T3, T4, and T5 than at T1 (p < 0.001). End-expiratory flow was significantly higher at T4 and T5 than at T1 (p < 0.05). Body mass index and preoperative FEV_1.0% were found to significantly influence Cdyn reduction during artificial pneumothorax and two-lung ventilation (OR [95% CI]: 1.29 [1.03–2.24] and 0.20 (0.05–0.44); p = 0.010 and p = 0.034, respectively]. Changes in driving pressure were nonsignificant, and hypoxemia requiring treatment was not noted. This study suggests that in PP-VATs-E, artificial pneumothorax two-lung ventilation is safer for the management of anesthesia than conventional one-lung ventilation (UMIN Registry: 000042174).

Minimal Invasive Esophagectomy-a New Dawn of EsophagealSurgery

Surgery is the mainstay of esophageal cancer. However, esophagectomy is a major surgical trauma on a patient with high morbidity and mortality. The intent of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is to decrease the degree of surgical trauma and perioperative morbidity associated with open surgery, and provide faster recovery and shorter hospital stay with the equivalent oncological outcome. It also allows for lesser pulmonary morbidity, less blood loss, less pain, and a better quality of life. MIE is safe and effective but has a steep learning curve with high technical expertise. Recently, it is increasingly accepted and adopted all over the globe. In this article, we discuss the safety, efficacy, short-term, and oncological outcomes of thoracoscopic- and laparoscopic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy and robotic surgery compared with open esophagectomy with a special focus on the Indian perspective.

Total minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy in an esophageal cancer patient with situs inversus totalis: A case report

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is an extremely rare anomaly characterized by a left‐to‐right reversal of all the thoracic and abdominal organs. Only 11 cases of esophageal cancer with SIT have been reported worldwide, most of which underwent hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) but not total MIE. Here, we report a case of esophageal cancer with SIT successfully treated by total MIE, with a right lateral‐prone position adopted during the thoracic procedure. The relevant literature is also discussed and reviewed.

Current Issues in Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) was first introduced in the 1990s. Currently, it is a widely accepted surgical approach for the treatment of esophageal cancer, as it is an oncologically sound procedure; its advantages when compared to open procedures, including reduction in postoperative complications, reduction in the length of hospital stay, and improvement in quality of life, are well documented. However, debates are still ongoing about the safety and efficacy of MIE. The present review focuses on some of the current issues related to conventional MIE and robot-assisted MIE based on evidence from the current literature.

Postoperative complications of minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been performed increasingly more frequently for the treatment of esophageal cancer, ever since it was first described in 1992. However, the incidence of postoperative complications of MIE has not yet been well-characterized, because (a) there are few reports of studies with a sufficient sample size, (b) a variety of minimally invasive surgical techniques are used, and (c) there are few reports in which an established system for classifying the severity of complications is examined. According to an analysis performed by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group, the most common complications of MIE are pneumonia, arrhythmia, anastomotic leakage, conduit necrosis, chylothorax, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Therefore, we decided to focus on these complications. We selected 48 out of 1245 reports of studies (a) that included more than 50 patients each, (b) in which the esophagectomy technique used was clearly described, and (c) in which the complications were adequately described. The overall incidences of the postoperative complications of MIE for esophageal cancer were analyzed according to the MIE technique adopted, that is, McKeown MIE, Ivor Lewis MIE, robotic-assisted McKeown MIE, robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis MIE, or mediastinoscopic transmediastinal esophagectomy. Pneumonia, arrhythmia, anastomotic leakage, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred at an incidence rate of about 10% each; Ivor Lewis MIE was associated with a relatively low incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. It is important to recognize that the incidences of complications of MIE are influenced by the MIE technique adopted and the extent of lymph node dissection.

T-shaped linear-stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis for minimally invasive esophagectomy: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has become a good option in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. Cervical esophagogastric anastomoses (CEGA) are widely used during esophagectomy. However, CEGA are related with a higher incidence of anastomotic complications. In the present study, a new procedure of T-shaped linear-stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis was used during MIE and the short-term outcomes are presented.

METHODS

From May 2014 to December 2018, 32 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent total MIE followed by T-shaped linear-stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis were included. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifteen men and 17 women were included this pilot study. The histology of all cases was squamous cell carcinoma. Mean operation time of T-shaped linear-stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis was 17.6 minutes. There were no early or late mortalities. A minor cervical anastomotic leakage occurred in 1 patient. No complications of anastomotic stenosis occurred in this study.

CONCLUSION

The T-shaped linear-stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis is efficient, reliable, easy to perform, and associated with lower postoperative complication rate.

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) improves perioperative outcomes: a review

Robotic assisted minimal invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is increasingly applied as a clinically and oncologically safe technique in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. This review focuses on the advantages and potential opportunities of RAMIE to improve the perioperative and oncological outcomes based on the evidence from current literature. In addition, critical notes on aspects such as procedure duration and costs are addressed in this paper.

Reducing pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for cancer

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

Thoracoscopy in prone position with two-lung ventilation compared to conventional thoracotomy during Ivor Lewis procedure: a multicenter case-control study

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative management based on thoracoscopy, prone position and two-lung ventilation could decrease the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications after esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to compare this multifaceted approach (MIE-PP) and conventional thoracotomy for Ivor Lewis procedure after a systematic laparoscopic dissection.

METHODS

Data from 137 consecutive patients undergoing Ivor Lewis procedures between 2010 and 2017 at two tertiary centers was analyzed retrospectively. The outcomes of patients who underwent MIE-PP (n = 58; surgeons group 1) were compared with those of patients undergoing conventional approach (n = 79; surgeons group 2). Our primary outcome was major postoperative pulmonary complications. Our main secondary outcomes were anastomotic leak, quality of resection and mortality.

RESULTS

Female patients were more prevalent in the MIE-PP group (p = 0.002). Other patient characteristics, cTNM staging and neoadjuvant treatment rate were not different between groups. Major postoperative pulmonary complications were significantly lower in the MIE-PP group compared to Conventional group (24 vs. 44%; p = 0.014). Anastomotic leak occurred in 31 versus 18% in MIE-PP group and Conventional groups, respectively (p = 0.103). Complete resection rate (98 vs. 95%; p = 0.303) and mean number of harvested lymph nodes (16 (4-40) vs. 18 (3-37); p = 0.072) were similar between the two groups. Postoperative mortality rates were 0 versus 2% at day 30 (p = 0.508) and 0 versus 7.6% at day 90 (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Short-term outcomes of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis using thoracoscopy, prone position and two-lung ventilation are at least equivalent to the hybrid approach. Anastomotic leak after MIE-PP remains a major concern.

Bronchogenic cyst removal via thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Mediastinal bronchogenic cysts are encountered relatively often, but in many cases, diagnosis using imaging modalities, is difficult. Early surgical excision of bronchogenic cysts is recommended as a diagnostic and therapeutic measure. Here, we report the case of patient with a lower mediastinal bronchogenic cyst, who was treated using thoracoscopic surgery with prone positioning and include a review of literature on diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient was a 66-year-old woman with an asymptomatic cystic lesion in the posterior, lower mediastinum. The lesion was diagnosed as an esophageal cyst using preoperative imaging and was scheduled for thoracoscopic removal with the patient in the prone position. Intraoperatively, the lesion was found to have no continuity with the esophageal wall and was easily separated from it. Moreover, a cord extending to the lesion, appeared to arise from the crura of the diaphragm. On histopathological examination of the extracted mass, the lesion was diagnosed as a bronchogenic cyst. Postoperatively, the patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged after 7 days.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic mediastinal cystectomy with the patient in the prone position may be an optimal surgical strategy for the treatment of bronchogenic cysts in the posterior, lower mediastinum.