Outcomes of a staged surgical treatment strategy for aortoesophageal fistula

Aortoesophageal fistula due to esophageal cancer: a case report of successful management

BACKGROUND

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. The best treatment for the AEF due to esophageal carcinoma is still unresolved. Here, we report a rare case of AEF caused by esophageal cancer, that was successfully treated with emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), followed by esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 64-year-old man presented with loss of consciousness and hypotension during chemoradiotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer. Enhanced computed tomography showed extravasation from the descending aorta into the esophagus at the tumor site. We performed emergency TEVAR for the AEF, which stabilized the hemodynamics. We then performed thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy on day 4 after TEVAR to prevent graft infection, followed by gastric tube reconstruction on day 30 after TEVAR. At 9 months after the onset of AEF, the patient continues to receive outpatient chemotherapy and leads a normal daily life.

CONCLUSION

TEVAR is a useful hemostatic procedure for AEF. If the patient is in good condition and can continue treatment for esophageal cancer, esophagectomy and reconstruction after TEVAR should be performed to prevent graft infection and maintain quality of life.

Update on therapeutic strategy for esophageal anastomotic leak: A systematic literature review

Anastomotic leak is still a severe complication in esophageal surgery due to high mortality. This article reviews the updates on the treatment of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy in order to provide reference for clinical treatment and research. The relevant studies published in the Chinese Zhiwang, Wanfang, and MEDLINE databases to December 21, 2021 were retrieved, and esophageal carcinoma, esophagectomy, anastomotic leakage, and fistula selected as the keywords. A total of 78 studies were finally included. The treatments include traditional surgical drainage, new reverse drainage trans-fistula, stent plugging, endoscopic clamping, biological protein glue injection plugging, endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT), and reoperation, etc. Early diagnosis, accurate classification and optimal treatment can promote the rapid healing of anastomotic leaks. EVT may be the most valuable approach, simultaneously with good commercial prospects. Reoperation should be considered in patients with complex fistula in which conservative treatment is insufficient or has failed.

[Aortoesophageal fistula-A rare differential diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding]

Approximately 1% of all patients are admitted to an emergency room for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Differential diagnostics reveal an aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) as the cause of the bleeding in very few cases. Despite increasing means of diagnostics and treatment, mortality is high in patients with AEF even under maximum medical care. These are often fulminant situations with fatal outcome for the patient. We report a case that supports this observation described from previous cases and give a closer look at this rare emergency situation. A 54-year-old patient was taken to a maximum care hospital with the clinical diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after receiving emergency medical treatment. The source of bleeding was quickly identified as an AEF following lobectomy for bronchial cancer. Despite maximum interventional intensive treatment, the patient died a few hours after hospital admission in hemorrhagic shock due to fulminant hemorrhage from the fistula.

Thoracoscopy-thoracotomy approach for an aortoesophageal fistula: a case report

An aortoesophageal fistula is often fatal, and standard radical surgery is highly invasive because both bilateral thoracotomy and laparotomy are required. We successfully incorporated thoracoscopic esophagectomy into this procedure for a 43-year-old man with an aortoesophageal fistula. After detaching the esophagus from the adjacent tissue, and leaving just the fistula in the right thoracoscopic procedure, we performed an open aortic graft replacement. Subsequently, we created an omental pedicle graft and wrapped it over the graft. Through this thoracoscopy-thoracostomy approach, minimal destruction of the right thoracic wall was achieved and the successful dissection of the diseased esophagus could be carried out while reducing the amount of bleeding during anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass, and the field of view for the aortic replacement was not disturbed during left thoracotomy. Four months later, we reconstructed the esophagus by a pedunculated small intestinal graft through the ante-thoracic route. A thoracoscopy-thoracotomy approach is therefore considered to be effective and useful for treating a patient with an aortoesophageal fistula.

Repair of aortoesophageal fistula with homograft aortic replacement and primary esophageal closure

OBJECTIVES

The presence of a fistula between the thoracic aorta and the esophagus is a rare and highly fatal condition. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the surgical treatment of an aortoesophageal fistula (AEF).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with AEF who underwent surgery at our institution.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2018, a total of 10 patients who underwent surgery for AEF. The mean age was 63 ± 12 years, and 6 patients were men. Four patients had primary AEFs and 6 patients had secondary AEFs (3 graft replacements and 3 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs). The timing of AEF since graft replacement or thoracic endovascular aortic repairs was 21.6 ± 27 days. We performed aortic replacement with a prosthetic graft (4 patients) or a homograft (5 patients) and extra-anatomical bypass due to a previous aortic graft infection (1 patient). As a treatment of the esophagus, we conducted primary repair in 7 of 10 patients. The median lengths of hospital and intensive care unit stay were 59 days (range, 9-225 days) and 6.3 days (range, 1-87 days), respectively. Seven patients achieved oral feeding after a median 10.3 postoperative days (range, 7-78 postoperative days). Two of the 10 patients died of sepsis at 9 and 74 days postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy for patients with AEF should be individualized. Our surgical strategy for AEF, which includes simultaneous aortic graft replacement and primary repair of esophagus in the same operative field, is feasible and promising.

Graft preservation with multi-stage surgical repair of an aortoesophageal fistula after thoracic endovascular aortic repair - A case report

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Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) after TEVAR is a rare but challenging complication associated with high mortality rates.

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AEF after TEVAR has to be treated in an interdisciplinary concept.

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If stent removal is not feasible, a multi-stage surgical procedure with leaving the thoracic stent graft in situ can lead to infection remediation.

Introduction

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a rare complication associated with high mortality. Most well established treatment is multi-staged surgery, including removal of infected stent graft, esophageal resection and aortic reconstruction.

Presentation of case

We report on a case of a 67-year-old patient with AEF and stent graft infection. Stent removal was infeasible due to the critical condition of the patient and history of multiple vascular procedures of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Surgical management included staged right and left thoracotomy, esophagectomy, vacuum therapy (VAC) on stent prosthesis and subsequent graft coverage with omental and pleural flaps, followed by esophageal reconstruction.

Discussion

An established and generally accepted treatment approach for graft infections does not exist. Graft explantation and radical surgical debridement is the therapy of choice for prosthetic infections. In comparison to previous literature, our case represents the complexity of the treatment of AEF and its enormous demands on the interdisciplinary medical team.

Conclusion

Our report shows that in an emergency situation without other surgical options as in our case, it was possible to stabilize the patient through application of vacuum therapy in the infected area, with simultaneous esophagectomy, followed by secondary staged reconstruction with omentoplasty and pleura parietalis flap remaining the graft in situ.

Treatment of aortoesophageal fistula developed after thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a questionnaire survey study

BACKGROUND

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a life-threatening late complication that can occur after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). More data are required to identify the optimal treatment strategy for AEF developed after TEVAR. The aim of this study was to clarify the current status of surgical treatments for AEF developed after TEVAR and the outcomes of these treatments.

METHODS

The Japan Esophageal Society conducted a questionnaire survey targeting authorized or semi-authorized institutes at Authorized Institutes for Board Certified Esophageal Surgeons. Thirty-nine patients with AEF developed after TEVAR were identified from 15 institutes. Data on patient demographics, treatment performed, and survival rate were obtained by the questionnaire. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and differences in the survival rates.

RESULTS

Esophagectomy and aortic replacement were performed in 32 and 22 patients, respectively, and 22 underwent both procedures. Postoperative complications were observed in 24 patients (75.0%). Complications with Clavien-Dindo Grade III or higher were observed in 53.1% of patients. Operative and hospital mortality rates were 3.1% and 18.8%, respectively. The survival rate in patients who underwent esophagectomy was higher than in those who did not (P < 0.0001). The survival of patients who underwent both esophagectomy and aortic replacement was also higher than in those who did not (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Esophagectomy combined with aortic replacement can offer a long-term treatment strategy with higher survival rates in patients who develop AEF after TEVAR. Because of the high incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality, these types of surgery should only be performed in centers with both experienced esophageal and cardiovascular surgical teams.

Aortoesophageal fistula: review of trends in the last decade

We reviewed articles on aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) published between January, 2009 and December, 2018. Postoperative aortic disease was the most common cause of AEF, followed by primary aortic aneurysm, bone ingestion, and thoracic cancer. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was the most common initial therapy for primary aortic disease, rather than graft replacement. Secondary AEF developed between 1 and 268 months, and between 1 and 11 months after the initial therapy for aortic disease and thoracic cancer, respectively. TEVAR trended to be preferred over surgery for aortic lesions because of its minimal invasiveness and certified hemostasis. In contrast, esophagectomy was preferred for esophageal lesions to remove the infectious source. A combination of surgery for the aorta (TEVAR, graft replacement or repair) and esophagus (esophagectomy, esophageal stent or repair) was usually adopted. Each graft replacement or esophagectomy was associated with a favorable prognosis for aortic or esophageal surgery, and the combination of graft replacement and esophagectomy generally improved the prognosis remarkably. Antibiotic therapy was given to 65 patients, with 20 receiving multiple antibiotics aimed at strong effects and the type of antibiotic described as broad-spectrum in 29 patients. Meropenem, vancomycin, and fluconazole were the most popular antibiotics used to prevent graft or stent infection. In conclusion, graft replacement and esophagectomy can achieve a favorable prognosis for patients with AEF, but strong, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy might be required to prevent sepsis after surgery.

Three-step surgical treatment of aortoesophageal fistula after thoracic endovascular aortic repair: A case report

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The number of aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is recently increasing due to the spread of TEVAR.

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AEF is a rare but fatal disease, and only surgery can save the life of patients with AEF after TEVAR.

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The therapeutic strategy for AEF after TEVAR remains controversial.

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The three-step surgical approach described herein could be a useful therapeutic option for AEF after TEVAR.

Introduction

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a fatal complication results in sudden massive hematemesis. Although thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is an established method of treating aortic aneurysms or aortic dissection, the number of AEF after TEVAR is recently increasing due to the spread of TEVAR. However, the therapeutic strategy for AEF remains controversial.

Presentation of case

We describe a 71-year-old man with Stanford B aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm rupture treated by TEVAR who developed AEF between the thoracic aorta and upper thoracic esophagus 20 months thereafter. We applied a three-step surgical procedure for this patient comprising resection of the esophagus as the infectious source, removal of an aortic aneurysm with stent-graft and replacement of the aorta, and final reconstruction of the esophagus. Thereafter, the patient resumed oral intake and has remained relapse-free for 24 months without adverse events.

Discussion

Previous reports have described simultaneous resection of the esophagus and aortic stent-graft via a left thoracotomy followed by a two-step surgical reconstruction of the esophagus. We applied a three-step procedure consisting of resections of the esophagus and aortic stent-graft on separate occasions followed by esophageal reconstruction in this patient. The first procedure in the three-step approach is less stressful than that of the two-step approach.

Conclusion

The three-step surgical approach to treating AEF after TEVAR resulted in a good outcome for this patient. Thus, this surgical strategy is a useful option for treating AEF after TEVAR.

First Result of a Tailored Progressive Multistep Approach for the Treatment of Aorto-esophageal Fistulae

BACKGROUND

Aorto-esophageal fistulae (AEFs) are a rare but serious and life-threatening disease of the mediastinum. Especially, AEF in the presence of infected stent grafts, for example, after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is only curable by a multistage interdisciplinary surgical approach. This study presents the results of our four-stage approach consisting of bridging TEVAR, esophagectomy, complete stent removal followed by total bovine tube aortic replacement (TBTAR), and finally esophageal reconstruction.

METHODS

A case series of four patients from our department receiving a four-stage treatment of AEF is presented in this study. Retrospective database analysis focusing on overall survival, duration of intensive care unit and total hospital stay until discharge, complications, surgical time frame, and completion of chosen surgical treatment course was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, four patients surgically treated for AEF since May 2015 were included. A 30-day mortality was 0%, and overall survival at 1 year was 75%. All patients survived more than 5 months and could be discharged after TEVAR and esophagectomy. TBTAR could be performed in two of four patients (50%). Esophageal reconstruction was completed in all patients. Average follow-up was 20.3 ± 1.7 months or until death.

CONCLUSION

The acute management of AEF using this approach seems satisfactory, especially for reducing acute short-term mortality. Complete restoration of the circulatory system and digestive tract remains challenging and is associated with high morbidity. We support the application of bridging TEVAR with a staggered approach to further surgical treatment individually tailored to the patient.

Current indications for the intrathoracic transposition of the omentum

Background

The intrathoracic transposition of the omentum (ITO) has been reported with more or less good results in various clinical circumstances but with no clear guidelines or indications.

Methodology and review

This article reviews the main clinical situations in which omento-plasty (OP) may be taken into consideration by the thoracic surgeons: mediastinitis and deep sternal infections after median sternotomy, reinforcement of the eso-gastric anastomosis after esophagectomy, prevention and treatment of the bronchial fistula after pulmonary resection, space-filling procedures for empyema, mediastinal tracheostomy, management of the infected intrathoracic vascular grafts / ventricular assist devices and heart OP. For each clinical situation we have performed a literature review with analysis of the most relevant published papers searching for an evidence-based approach for the use of the ITO/OP in thoracic surgery.

Conclusions

OP may be an elegant solution for a wide range of problems in thoracic surgery. In the published literature, there are mainly case-reports and relatively small series published resulting in a low level of evidence for both ITO as a surgical technique by itself, as well as for the use of OP in various clinical situations involving the chest structures. The indications for its use in thoracic surgery are based more on common sense and the lack of other solutions.

A systematic review of infected descending thoracic aortic grafts and endografts

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to collect and critically analyze the current evidence on the modalities and results of treatment of descending thoracic aortic surgical graft (SG) and endograft (EG) infection, which represents a rare but dramatic complication after both surgical and endovascular aortic repair.

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic health database search (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library) identified all articles that were published up to October 2017 reporting on thoracic aortic SG or EG infection. Observational studies, multicenter reports, single-center series and case reports, case-control studies, and guidelines were considered eligible if reporting specific results of treatment of descending thoracic aortic SG or EG infection. Comparisons of patients presenting with SG or EG infection and between invasive and conservative treatment were performed. Odds ratio (OR) meta-analyses were run when comparative data were available.

RESULTS

Forty-three studies reporting on 233 patients with infected SG (49) or EG (184) were included. Four were multicenter studies including 107 patients, all with EG infection, associated with a fistula in 91% of cases, with a reported overall survival at 2 years of 16% to 39%. The remaining 39 single-center studies included 49 patients with SG infection and 77 with EG infection. Association with aortoesophageal fistula was significantly more common with EG (60% vs 31%; P = .01). In addition, time interval from index procedure to infection was significantly shorter with EG (17 ± 21 months vs 32 ± 61 months; P = .03). Meta-analysis showed a trend of increased 1-year mortality in patients with SG infection compared with EG infection (pooled OR, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-14.7; P = .073). Surgical management with infected graft explantation was associated with a trend toward lower 1-year mortality compared with graft preservation (pooled OR, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.0; P = .056).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic aortic EG infection is likely to occur more frequently in association with aortoesophageal fistulas and in a shorter time compared with SG infection. Survival is poor in both groups, especially in patients with SG infection. Surgical treatment with graft explantation seems to be the preferable choice in fit patients.

Treatment of post-thoracic endovascular aortic repair aorto-esophageal fistula-only radical surgery can be effective: techniques and sequence of treatment

Aorto-esophageal fistulas (AEFs) are rare after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), being associated with the presence of mediastinal hematoma and the need for emergency TEVAR. Left untreated, AEFs are always lethal. "Redo"-stent-grafting can serve as a "bridging" procedure in hemodynamically unstable patients, but is not a durable therapy. Radical surgery is shown to be the most durable and effective treatment. This includes esophagectomy, stent-graft removal and aortic replacement followed by esophageal reconstruction, e.g., gastric pull-up operation. Aortic reconstruction can be performed by the use of self-made bovine pericardial tubes. A bilateral anterior ("clam-shell") thoracotomy can be chosen for surgical exposure in revision cases after previous sternotomy, in which the ascending aorta, aortic arch and proximal descending aorta require reconstruction.

Oesophageal mucosal blood flow changes after thoracic endovascular stent graft implantation using a novel sensor probe

OBJECTIVES

Secondary aorto-oesophageal fistula is a rare, lethal complication occurring after thoracic endovascular aneurysmal repair. The cause of secondary aorto-oesophageal fistula is unknown, but a reduction in local oesophageal mucosal blood flow (OMBF) may be a basis for such a devastating sequela. Our study aims to develop a novel blood flow sensor probe to detect changes in OMBF after thoracic stent graft implantation in an experimental swine model.

METHODS

A novel laser Doppler flowmetry sensor probe incorporating an optical fibre sensor within a nasogastric tube was developed using microelectromechanical system technology. OMBF was measured at various levels using this sensor probe, to test its feasibility before and after thoracic endovascular stent graft implantation covering Th4-Th8 vertebral levels in 6 swine.

RESULTS

In the middle oesophagus (Th5-Th7), where the aorta was covered with a stent graft, the measured OMBFs were significantly decreased after thoracic endovascular stent graft implantation than those of baseline (8.6 ± 2.7 vs 18.4 ± 7.9 ml/min/100 g, P < 0.0001), followed by a plateau period for at least 2 h after stent grafting (8.7 ± 3.3 ml/min/100 g, P < 0.0001 vs baseline). OMBFs in the upper (Th1-Th3) and lower (Th9-Th11) oesophagus, where the aorta was not covered with a stent graft, were unaffected by thoracic endovascular stent grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel laser Doppler flowmetry sensor probe was useful to monitor precise changes of OMBF in a swine model, demonstrating a significant reduction in OMBF after thoracic endovascular stent graft implantation.

Complications and Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Endovascular treatments have become increasingly common for patients with a variety of thoracic aortic pathologies. Although considered less invasive than traditional open surgical approaches, they are nonetheless complex procedures. Patients undergo manipulation of an often calcified aorta near the origin of the carotid and subclavian vessels and have stents placed in a curved vessel adjacent to a perpetually beating heart. These stents can obstruct blood flow to the spinal cord, induce an inflammatory response, and in rare cases erode into the adjacent trachea or esophagus. Renal complications range from contrast-induced nephropathy to hypotension and ischemia to dissection. Emboli can lead to strokes and mesenteric ischemia. These patients have complex medical histories, and skilled perioperative management is critical to achieving the best clinical outcomes. Here, we review the medical management of the most common complications in these patients including stroke, spinal cord ischemia, renal injury, retrograde dissections, aortoesophageal and aortobronchial fistulas, postimplantation syndrome, mesenteric ischemia, and endograft failure.

Surgical strategy of esophageal resection and reconstruction for aortoesophageal fistula

Aortoesophageal fistula is a critical and life-threatening disease. The cardiovascular strategy for graft replacement has been widely discussed. However, the surgical strategy of esophageal resection and reconstruction for aortoesophageal fistula has rarely been discussed. The objective of this study is to establish a surgical strategy and procedure of esophageal resection and reconstruction for aortoesophageal fistula. Eleven patients with aortoesophageal fistula who underwent aortic graft replacement and esophagectomy between 2008 and 2015 at Kobe University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Patient characteristics, operative methods, and clinical outcomes were obtained by retrospective chart review. All 11 patients underwent graft replacement, esophagectomy, and omental wrapping. Ten esophagectomies were simultaneously accomplished in the same operative field as aortic graft replacement. Seven patients underwent subtotal esophagectomy from a left thoracotomy, and three patients underwent upper hemiesophagectomy from a median sternotomy. The other patient underwent staged esophagectomy from a right thoracotomy. Seven of 11 patients (63.6%) successfully underwent staged esophageal reconstruction. Pedicled jejunal transfer with supercharge and superdrainage were performed in six patients, and ileocecal reconstruction was performed in one patient. Median survival time in the patients with esophageal reconstruction was 21 months while that in the patients without esophageal reconstruction was 10 months. Six of 7 patients (85.7%) who underwent esophageal reconstructions were alive. Our surgical strategy for aortoesophageal fistula, which includes simultaneous graft replacement and esophagectomy in the same operative field and staged reconstruction by pedicled jejunal transfer to ensure omental wrapping, is feasible and promising.