The Circular Stapled Esophagogastric Anastomosis in Esophagectomy: No Differences in Anastomotic Insufficiency and Stricture Rates Between the 25 mm and 28 mm Circular Stapler

Risk factors for and treatment of anastomotic strictures after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic strictures following esophagectomy occur frequently and impact on nutrition and quality of life. Although strictures are often attributed to ischemia and anastomotic leaks, the role of anastomosis size and pyloroplasty is not well evaluated. Our study aims to assess the rate of and risk factors for anastomotic stricture following esophagectomy, and the impact of treatment with regular endoscopic balloon dilatations.

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 207) undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy performed by two surgeons at our institution were included. Data on patient demographics, surgical outcomes and anastomotic strictures were recorded. Relationship of anastomotic strictures with circular stapler size, pyloroplasty and anastomotic leak was analyzed. Treatment of strictures with endoscopic balloon dilatation was reviewed and percentage weight loss at 1 year was evaluated.

RESULTS

Anastomotic strictures occurred in 17.4% of patients. Patient demographics between those with and without stricture were similar. Stricture rate was similar in patients with or without pyloroplasty (13.9% vs 21.7%, respectively, p = 0.14) and in those with or without an anastomotic leak (25.0% vs 16.6%, respectively, p = 0.345). Stricture risk increased with smaller sized stapler (25 mm = 33.3%, 28 mm = 15.3%, 31 mm = 4.8%; p = 0.027). The median number of dilatations required to fully treat strictures was 2 (IQR: 1-3). The median length of time from surgery to first dilatation was 2.9 months (IQR: 2.0-4.7) and to last dilatation was 6.1 months (IQR: 4.8-10.0). Median maximum dilatation diameter was 20 mm (IQR: 18.0-20.0). There were no complications from dilatations. Percentage weight loss at 1 year in patients with strictures was similar to those without strictures (8.7% vs 11.1%, respectively, p = 0.090).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-esophagectomy anastomotic strictures are common and not necessarily related to anastomotic leaks or absence of pyloroplasty. Smaller anastomosis size was strongly linked with stricture formation. A driven approach with regular endoscopic balloon dilation is safe and effective in treating these strictures with no excess weight loss at 1 year once treated.

Anterior gastric wall anastomosis may lead to lower rate of delayed gastric emptying after minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

In minimally invasive esophagectomy, a circular stapled anastomosis is common, but no evidence exists investigating the role of the specific localization of the anastomosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of an esophagogastrostomy on the anterior or posterior wall of the gastric conduit on the postoperative outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All oncologic minimally invasive Ivor Lewis procedures, performed between 2017 and 2022, were included in this study. The cohort was divided in two groups: a) intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy on the anterior gastric wall of the conduit (ANT, n = 285, 65%) and b) on the posterior gastric wall (POST, n = 154, 35%). Clinicopathological parameters and short-term outcomes were compared between both groups by retrieving data from the prospective database.

RESULTS

Overall, 439 patients were included, baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, there was a higher proportion of squamous cell carcinoma in ANT (22.8% vs. 16.2%, P = 0.043). A higher rate of robotic-assisted procedures was observed in ANT (71.2% vs. 49.4%). Anastomotic leakage rate was similar in both groups (ANT 10.4% vs. POST 9.8%, P = 0.851). Overall complication rate and Clavien-Dindo > 3 complication rates were higher in POST compared to ANT: 53.2% vs. 40% (P = 0.008) and 36.9% vs. 25.7% (P = 0.014), respectively. The rate of delayed gastric emptying (20.1% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001) and nosocomial pneumonia (22.1% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.05) was significantly higher in POST.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with an intrathoracic circular stapled anastomosis may benefit from esophagogastrostomy on the anterior wall of the gastric conduit, in terms of lower rate of delayed gastric emptying.

Comparison of the subtotal and narrow gastric conduit for cervical esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Several reports have compared narrow gastric conduit (NGC) with subtotal gastric conduit (SGC) for cervical esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy; however, whether which one is more beneficial in terms of postoperative complications remains unclear. To determine the optimal gastric conduit type, we retrospectively investigated and compared the postoperative complications between NGC and SGC used in cervical circular-tapered esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy through a propensity score-matched analysis.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2022, 577 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy and cervical circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

Of the 577 patients, 77 were included each in the SGC and NGC groups, after propensity score matching. Clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly lower in the SGC group than in the NGC group (5% vs. 22%, p < 0.01). The anastomotic stenosis rate was significantly higher in the SGC group (16% vs. 5%, p = 0.03). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that NGC, subcutaneous route, and age were significant independent factors associated with anastomotic leakage (odds ratios, 8.58, 6.49, and 5.21; p < 0.01, < 0.01 and 0.03, respectively) and that SGC was a significant independent factor associated with anastomotic stricture (odds ratios, 4.91; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In cervical circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy, SGC was superior to NGC in terms of reducing the risk of anastomotic leakage, although the risk of anastomotic stricture needs to be resolved.

Risk Factors of Anastomosis Stricture After Esophagectomy and the Impact of Anastomosis Technique

BACKGROUND

Anastomosis complications after esophagectomy are related to postoperative survival and quality of life. This is a retrospective observational study to identify risk factors for anastomotic stricture after esophageal cancer surgery and the effect of different anastomosis techniques on stricture development.

METHODS

This study included 737 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer that used stomach conduits. Four types of anastomoses were used: manual sewing (n = 221, 30%), circular stapling (n = 172, 23%), hybrid linear stapling with a 45-mm stapler (HLS; n = 155, 21%), and triangular linear stapling with 60-mm staplers (TLS; n = 189, 26%). Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for stricture.

RESULTS

Strictures that required endoscopic dilatation within 1 year after surgery occurred in 105 patients (14%), and 13% of the strictures were related to leakage. Multivariate analysis revealed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio [HR] 1.726, P = .017), leakage (HR 2.502, P = .015), and anastomosis techniques other than TLS (manual sewing: HR 9.588; circular stapling: HR 6.516; HLS HR 5.462, all P < .001) were significant risk factors for stricture. TLS significantly reduced the stricture rate (3.2%) compared with other techniques (manual sewing: 22.2%; circular stapling:, 14.5%; HLS: 16.1%; P < .001). Stricture rate was lower in the TLS group in patients without leakage (P < .001); however, the effect disappeared with leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastomosis stricture occurred in 14% of esophagectomy patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leakage, and anastomosis technique are risk factors for stricture. A large anastomosis area with the TLS technique using 60-mm length linear staplers prevented stricture, especially when leakage was not observed.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes of Hand-Sewn Versus Stapled Esophago-jejunal Anastomosis During Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in 72 Patients: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study in Poland

BACKGROUND Mechanical stapling is a commonly used alternative to hand-sewn technique for esophago-jejunal anastomosis in total gastrectomy (TG). Some studies report reduction in postoperative complications in the stapler group. This retrospective study aimed to compare short- and long-term surgical outcomes between the groups with stapled and hand-sewn esophago-jejunal anastomosis (EJA) during open TG for gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 72 adult patients with gastric cancer who underwent TG in the Department of Digestive Tract Surgery in Katowice between May 2018 and December 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the technique of EJA: stapled (44 cases) or hand-sewn (28 cases). We compared the groups in terms of the duration of the surgery, length of hospital stay, and occurrence of complications (focusing on anastomotic leakage, stricture and abdominal abscess). RESULTS There were no significant differences in duration of the surgery (P=0.6), blood loss (P=0.7), or length of postoperative hospital stay (P=0.2) among the groups. Early postoperative complications rates were 9.1% (4/44) in the stapler group and 17.9% (5/28) in the hand-sewn group (P=0.27). The most frequent complication was anastomotic leakage, with 2 cases in each group (P=0.76). The mean follow-up time was 1.8±0.9 (0.3-3.6) years. During this period the anastomotic stricture occurred in 7 (15.9%) cases with stapled anastomosis and in 5 (17.9%) cases with hand-sewn anastomosis (P=0.52). CONCLUSIONS In this study there were no significant differences in mortality, morbidity, and surgery duration between stapled and hand-sewn esophago-jejunal anastomosis in total gastrectomy.

Current Issues and Future Technologies in Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Gastrointestinal surgery has evolved rapidly in recent years, with laparoscopic techniques being implemented as the standard procedure and robotic surgery becoming increasingly important [...].

A 25 mm Circular Stapler Anastomosis Is Associated with Higher Anastomotic Leakage Rates Following Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Operation

(1) Background: Minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis is increasingly used in treating patients with oesophageal cancer. Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains a critical perioperative complication, despite recent advances in surgical techniques. It remains unclear to what extent the size of the circular stapler (CS), a 25 mm CS or a bigger CS, may affect the incidence of AL. This study aimed to evaluate whether the CS size in oesophagogastrostomy affects the postoperative AL rates and related morbidity in MIE. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients who had undergone thoracic MIE between August 2014 and July 2019 using a CS oesophagogastric anastomosis at the level of the Vena azygos. The patients were grouped according to CS size (mm): small-sized (SS25) and large-sized (LS29). The patient demographics, data regarding morbidity, and clinical outcomes were compared. The primary outcome measure was the AL rate related to the stapler size. (3) Results: A total of 119 patients were included (SS25: n = 65; LS29: n = 54). Except for the distribution of squamous cell carcinoma, the demographics were similar in each group. The AL rate was 3.7% in the LS29 group and 18.5% in the SS25 group (p = 0.01). The major morbidity (CD ≥ 3a) was significantly more frequent in the SS25 group compared with the LS29 group (p = 0.02). CS size, pulmonary complications, and cardiovascular disease were independent risk factors for AL in the multivariate analysis. (4) Conclusions: A 29 mm CS is associated with significantly improved surgical outcomes following standard MIE at the level of the azygos vein and should be conducted whenever technically feasible.

Real-life introduction of powered circular stapler for esophagogastric anastomosis: cohort and propensity matched score study

Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is one of the most feared complications, which results in increased morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a powered circular stapler on complications after esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer. Between May 2019 and July 2021, all consecutive oesophagectomies for cancer with intrathoracic anastomosis in a high-volume center were included in this retrospective study. Surgeons were free to choose either a manual or a powered circular stapler. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded in a prospective database, according to EsoData. Propensity score matching (age, body mass index, Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance and neoadjuvant therapy) was conducted to reduce potential confounding. We included 128 patients. Powered and manual circular staplers were used in 62 and 66 patients, respectively. Fewer anastomotic leakages were observed with the powered stapler group (OR = 7.3 (95%CI: 1.58-33.7); [3.2% (n = 2) vs 19.7% (n = 13), respectively; p = 0.004]). After propensity score matching, this remained statistically significant (OR = 8.5 (95%CI: 1.80-40.1); [4.1% (n = 2) vs 20.4% (n = 10), respectively; p = 0.013]). Additionally, anastomotic diameter was significantly higher with the powered stapler (median: 29 mm (63.3%) vs 25 mm (57.1%), respectively; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in comprehensive complication index (p = 0.146). A decreased mean length of stay was observed in the powered stapler group (11.1 vs 18.7 days respectively; p = 0.022). Postoperative anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection was significantly reduced after the introduction of the powered circular stapler, consequently resulting in a reduced length of stay. Further evaluation on long-term strictures and quality of life are warranted to support these results.

Robot-assisted esophagectomy may improve perioperative outcome in patients with esophageal cancer – a single-center experience

Background

Although the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques has improved surgical outcomes in recent decades, esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is still associated with severe complications and a high mortality rate. Robot-assisted surgery is already established in certain fields and robot-assisted esophagectomy may be a possible alternative to the standard minimally invasive esophagectomy. The goal of this study was to investigate whether robot assistance in esophagectomy can improve patient outcome while maintaining good oncological control.

Material and methods

Data of all patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy between January 2018 and November 2021 at University Hospital Mannheim was collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into two cohorts according to operative technique (standard minimally invasive (MIE) vs. robot-assisted esophagectomy (RAMIE), and their outcomes compared. In a separate analysis, patients were propensity score matched according to age, gender and histological diagnosis, leading to 20 matching pairs.

Results

95 patients were included in this study. Of those, 71 patients underwent robot-assisted esophagectomy and 24 patients underwent standard minimally invasive esophagectomy. Robot-assisted esophagectomy showed a lower incidence of general postoperative complications (52.1% vs. 79.2%, p=0.0198), surgical complications (42.3% vs. 75.0%, p=0.0055), a lower rate of anastomotic leakage (21.1% vs. 50.0%, p=0.0067), a lower Comprehensive Complication Index (median of 20.9 vs. 38.6, p=0.0065) as well as a shorter duration of hospital stay (median of 15 vs. 26 days, p=0.0012) and stay in the intensive care unit (median of 4 vs. 7 days, p=0.028) than standard minimally invasive surgery. After additionally matching RAMIE and MIE patients according to age, gender and diagnosis, we found significant improvement in the RAMIE group compared to the MIE group regarding the Comprehensive Complication Index (median of 20.9 vs. 38.6, p=0.0276), anastomotic leakage (20% vs. 55%, p=0.0484) and severe toxicity during neoadjuvant treatment (0 patients vs. 9 patients, p=0.005).

Conclusion

Robot-assisted surgery can significantly improve outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer. It may lead to a shorter hospital stay as well as lower rates of complications, including anastomotic leakage.

Transthoracic Esophagectomy: Hand-sewn Versus Side-to-side Linear-stapled Versus Circular-stapled Anastomosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Three anastomotic techniques are mostly used to create an esophagogastric anastomosis in a transthoracic esophagectomy: hand-sewn (HS), side-to-side linear-stapled (SSLS), and circular-stapled (CS). The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes after HS, SSLS, and CS intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review using the MEDLINE database was performed to identify original articles analyzing outcomes after HS, SSLS, and CS esophagogastric anastomosis. The main outcome was an anastomotic leakage rate. Secondary outcomes included overall morbidity, major morbidity, and mortality. A meta-analysis of proportions and linear regression models were used to assess the effect of each anastomotic technique on the different outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 101 studies comprising 12,595 patients were included; 8835 (70.1%) with CS, 2532 (20.1%) with HS, and 1228 (9.8%) with SSLS anastomosis. Anastomotic leak occurred in 10% [95% confidence interval (CI), 6%-15%], 9% (95% CI, 6%-13%), and 6% (95% CI, 5%-7%) of patients after HS, SSLS, and CS anastomosis, respectively. Risk of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher with HS anastomosis (odds ratio=1.73, 95% CI: 1.47-2.03, P<0.0001) and SSLS (odds ratio=1.68, 95% CI: 1.36-2.08, P<0.0001), as compared with CS. Overall morbidity (HS: 52% vs. SLSS: 39% vs. CS: 35%) and major morbidity (HS: 33% vs. CS: 19%) rates were significantly lower with CS anastomosis. Mortality rate was 4% (95% CI, 3%-6%), 2% (95% CI, 2%-3%), and 3% (95% CI, 3%-4%) after HS, SSLS, and CS anastomosis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HS and SSLS intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomoses are associated with significantly higher rates of an anastomotic leak than CS anastomosis.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy within the prospective multicenter German da Vinci Xi registry trial

Abstract

Purpose

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has become one standard approach for the operative treatment of esophageal tumors at specialized centers. Here, we report the results of a prospective multicenter registry for standardized RAMIE.

Methods

The German da Vinci Xi registry trial included all consecutive patients who underwent RAMIE at five tertiary university centers between Oct 17, 2017, and Jun 5, 2020. RAMIE was performed according to a standard technique using an intrathoracic circular stapled esophagogastrostomy.

Results

A total of 220 patients were included. The median age was 64 years. Total minimally invasive RAMIE was accomplished in 85.9%; hybrid resection with robotic-assisted thoracic approach was accomplished in an additional 11.4%. A circular stapler size of ≥28 mm was used in 84%, and the median blood loss and operative time were 200 (IQR: 80–400) ml and 425 (IQR: 335–527) min, respectively. The rate of anastomotic leakage was 13.2% (n=29), whereas the two centers with >70 cases each had rates of 7.0% and 12.0%. Pneumonia occurred in 19.5% of patients, and the 90-day mortality was 3.6%. Cumulative sum analysis of the operative time indicated the end of the learning curve after 22 cases.

Conclusions

High-quality multicenter registry data confirm that RAMIE is a safe procedure and can be reproduced with acceptable leak rates in a multicenter setting. The learning curve is comparably low for experienced robotic surgeons.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00423-022-02520-w.

A safe and simple technique for nasogastric tube insertion in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage include local factors such as excessive tension across anastomosis and increased intraluminal pressure on the gastric conduit; therefore, we consider the placement of a nasogastric tube to be essential in reducing anastomotic leakage. In this study, we devised a safe and simple technique to place an NGT during an end-to-side, automatic circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy.

METHODS

First, a 4-0 nylon thread is fixed in the narrow groove between the plastic and metal parts of the tip of the anvil head. After dissecting the esophagus, the tip of the NGT is guided out of the lumen of the cervical esophageal stump. The connecting nylon thread is applied to the anvil head with the tip of the NGT. The anvil head is inserted into the cervical esophageal stump, and a purse-string suture is performed on the esophageal stump to complete the anvil head placement. The main unit of the automated stapler is inserted through the tip of a reconstructed gastric conduit, and the stapler is subsequently fired and an end-to-side esophagogastrostomy is achieved. The main unit of the automated stapler is then pulled out from the gastric conduit, and the NGT comes out with the anvil head from the tip of the reconstructed gastric conduit. Subsequently, the nylon thread is cut. After creating an α-loop with the NGT outside of the lumen, the tip of the NGT is inserted into the gastric conduit along the lesser curvature toward the caudal side. Finally, the inlet of the automated stapler on the tip of the gastric conduit is closed with an automated linear stapler, and the esophagogastrostomy is completed.

RESULTS

We utilized this technique in seven patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer; smooth and safe placement of the NGT was accomplished in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Our technique of NGT placement is simple, safe, and feasible.

Safety and efficacy of large balloon dilatation under fluoroscopy

The maximum diameter of the balloon used for balloon dilatation(BD) of esophagogastric anastomotic stricture (EAS) is generally 20 millimeters. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BD under fluoroscopy, using balloons with a diameter of 25-30 millimeters. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with benign EAS treated by large BD (balloon diameter, 25-30 mm) under fluoroscopy. The Cox proportional hazards model (PHM) was used to identify the factors associated with stricture-free survival. The results show that a total of 127 patients were included in this study, and 204 BDs were performed. The technical success rate was 96.6%, and the clinical success rate was 99.2%. The incidence of serious adverse events was 3.4% (7/204). One patient died of massive hemorrhage during BD, and nine patients were lost to follow-up. For the remaining 117 patients, the median stricture-free survival period was 14.9 months. In multivariable analysis using the Cox PHM, only balloon diameter was significantly associated with stricture-free survival. The stricture-free survival period tended to increase as balloon diameter increased. Large BD under fluoroscopy appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of benign EAS after esophagectomy.

Anastomotic stricture after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: An evaluation of incidence, risk factors, and treatment

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic stricture is a recognized complication after esophagectomy. It can impact the patient's quality of life and may require recurrent dilatations. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of strictures, contributing factors, and long-term outcomes of management in patients undergoing esophagectomy with thoracic anastomosis using a standardized circular stapled technique.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a 2-stage transthoracic esophagectomy with curative intent between January 2010 and December 2019 at NOGU, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK were included. All patients who underwent a stapled (circular) intrathoracic anastomosis using gastric conduits were included. Stricture incidence, number of dilatations to resolve strictures, and refractory stricture rate were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 705 patients were included with 192 (27.2%) developing strictures. Refractory strictures occurred in 38 patients (5.4%). One, 2, and 3 dilatations were needed for resolution of symptoms in 46 (37.4%), 23 (18.7%), and 20 (16.3%) patients, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified the occurrence of an anastomotic leak (odds ratio 1.906, 95% confidence interval 1.088-3.341, P = .024) and circular staple size <28 mm (odds ratio 1.462, 95% confidence interval 1.033-2.070, P = .032) as independent predictors of stricture occurrence. Patients with anastomotic leaks were more likely to develop refractory strictures (13.1% vs 4.7%, odds ratio 3.089, 95% confidence interval 1.349-7.077, P = .008).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that nearly 30% of patients having a circular stapled anastomosis will require dilatation after surgery. Although the majority will completely resolve after 2 dilatations, 5% will have longer-term problems with refractory strictures.