Endoscopic pyloromyotomy in minimally invasive esophagectomy: a novel approach

Intraoperative pyloric drainage is unnecessary during esophagectomies: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Objective: The topic of this meta-analysis is the comparison of gastric conduit esophageal reconstructions with or without pyloroplasty. Background: Surgical procedures, especially minimal invasive esophagectomy (MIE) can be a curative treatment in the early stages of esophageal cancer. Previously, intraoperative pyloroplasty was routinely performed, but nowadays it became debated again in the light of minimally invasive esophagectomy. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in multiple databases to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the topic. Two independent authors performed the selection based on predefined criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to assess any significant difference, then the bias and quality of the data were estimated. Results: Nine relevant RCTs consisting of 529 patients with esophageal cancer were identified. No significance was found in mortality [odds ratio (OR): 0.85; p = 0.642], anastomosis leakage (OR: 0.57; p = 0.254), respiratory morbidity (OR: 0.51; p = 0.214) and vomiting (OR: 0.74; p = 0.520), however the results about gastric emptying time (GET) were controversial (weighted mean difference (WMD): -67.71; p = 0.009, OR: 2.75; p = 0.072). Significant heterogeneity was not detected except for GET. Trial sequential analyses (TSA) show that a certain conclusion would require more data except in the binary variables of GET. Conclusion: We conclude that the pyloric drainage procedure is not routinely necessary, but further well-designed studies would be needed, especially in Europe.

An integrated strategy for reducing anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing McKeown esophagectomy

Objective

To describe our experience of reducing anastomotic leakage, a problem that has not been properly solved.

Methods

Starting in January 2020, we began implementing our integrated strategy (application of an esophageal diameter-approximated slender gastric tube, preservation of the fibrous tissue around the residual esophagus and thyroid inferior pole anastomosis) in consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy without a nasogastric tube or a nasal-jejunum feeding tube. Additionally, the blood supply at the site of the anastomosis was evaluated with a near-infrared fluorescence thoracoscope after the completion of esophagogastric anastomosis in the integrated strategy group.

Results

Of 570 patients who were reviewed, 119 (20.9%) underwent the integrated strategy, and 451 (79.1%) underwent the conventional strategy. The rate of anastomotic leakage was 2.5% in the integrated strategy group and 10.2% in the conventional strategy group (p = 0.008). In the integrated strategy group, the site of most of the anastomotic blood supply was the residual esophagus dominant (82.4%), followed by the gastroesophageal dual-dominant (12.6%) and the gastric tube dominant (5.0%). The reconstruction route was more likely to be orthotopic in the integrated strategy group than in the conventional strategy group (89.9% vs. 38.6%, p = 0.004). Gastric dilation was identified in 3.4% of the patients in the integrated strategy group and in 21.1% in the conventional strategy group.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent our proposed integrated strategy (Zhengzhou Strategy) during McKeown esophagectomy without a nasogastric tube or a nasal-jejunum feeding tube had a strikingly lower rate of anastomotic leakage and a relatively lower rate of postoperative complications, such as gastric tube dilation and delayed gastric emptying.