Management of Delayed Gastric Emptying After Esophagectomy With Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation of the Pylorus

Comprehensive review of therapeutic procedures for delayed gastric conduit emptying after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) is a common functional complication after esophagectomy that significantly impairs the quality of life. Despite its clinical burden, standardized management protocols are lacking, and treatment approaches often rely on individual surgeon preference. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence on procedural interventions for established late DGCE to inform clinical decision-making.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted across 5 databases, identifying 26 studies on DGCE interventions. Studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, emphasizing the inclusion criteria that focused on procedural efficacy and outcome reporting.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies encompassing diverse treatment modalities were included. Endoscopic approaches, such as botulinum toxin injection and balloon dilatation, have emerged as preferred first-line interventions, with success rates ranging from 50.0% to 100.0%. A hybrid approach combining both modalities demonstrated enhanced efficacy and lower recurrence, with success rates reaching 100.0%. Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy showed promise for treatment-resistant DGCE, with experienced centers reporting success in 77.2% of refractory cases. Surgical options for gastric conduit revision were reserved for cases of DGCE with structural abnormalities, although the surgical options were associated with higher risks and complications. Significant heterogeneity in outcome definitions and reporting limited the comparability between studies.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive evaluation provides valuable insights to assist clinicians in navigating current management strategies for DGCE. High-quality comparative studies are essential to refine treatment protocols and improve long-term patient outcomes.

Electromechanical coupling across the gastroduodenal junction

The gastroduodenal junction is uniquely capable of regulating digestive functions in the gastrointestinal system. The pyloric sphincter, which demarcates the stomach from the small intestine, acts as a mechanical and electrical barrier, isolating each organ, thus enabling independent behaviors that are critical for proper digestion. Unique electrical patterns in the stomach, pylorus, and duodenum underpin the distinct contractile patterns of these regions, and improper organization of these mechanical behaviors leads to clinical conditions such as gastroparesis and dumping syndrome. For this reason, the gastroduodenal junction should be a focal point in investigations of novel biomarkers of gastrointestinal dysfunction. This review summarizes the current knowledge of bioelectrical and mechanical characteristics of the gastroduodenal junction, as well as the relevant underlying anatomy. As there is limited documentation of physiological recordings from the gastroduodenal junction of humans, inferences are made from animal studies and from measurements taken from other regions of the gastrointestinal tract, where appropriate. We suggest hypotheses on gastroduodenal electromechanical coupling and propose further studies to support or reject these ideas. Improved physiological understanding of this region, and the advent of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools are crucial aspects for the future of clinical gastrointestinal medicine.

Effect of pyloroplasty on clinical outcomes following esophagectomy

INTRODUCTION

The role of concurrent pyloroplasty with esophagectomy is unclear. Available literature on the impact of pyloroplasty during esophagectomy on complications and weight loss is varied. Data on the need for further pyloric intervention are scarce. Our study compares the clinical outcomes after esophagectomy with or without pyloroplasty and investigates the role of post-operative pyloric dilatation.

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 207) undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy performed by two surgeons at our institution were included. Data on patient demographics, mortality rate, anastomotic leak, respiratory complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3), anastomotic stricture rate, and percentage weight loss at 1 and 2 year post-operatively were evaluated. For weight analysis at 1 and 2 year post-operatively, patients were excluded if they had been diagnosed with recurrence or died prior to the 1 or 2 year timepoints.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients did not have a pyloroplasty, and 115 patients had a pyloroplasty. There were no complications resulting from pyloroplasty. There was no significant demographic difference between the groups except for age. Mortality rate, anastomotic leak, respiratory complications, anastomotic stricture rate, and percentage weight loss at 1 and 2 years were statistically similar between the two groups. However, 14.1% of patients without pyloroplasty required post-operative endoscopic pyloric balloon dilatation to treat respiratory complications or gastroparesis. Subgroup analysis of patients without pyloroplasty indicated that patients requiring dilatation had greater weight loss at 1 year (15.8% vs 9.4%, p = 0.02) and higher respiratory complications rate (27.3% vs 4.7%, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall results from our study that pyloroplasty during Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is safe and useful to prevent the need for post-operative pyloric dilatation.

Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic whole-stomach esophagectomy with preoperative pyloric balloon dilatation for esophageal cancer: a prospective multicenter case-series outcome

INTRODUCTION

To mitigate gastroparesis as well as other post-operative complications, we undertook a prospective multicenter study to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy in the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic whole stomach esophagectomy with preoperative pyloric balloon dilatation.

METHODS

A prospective descriptive study on 37 patients with laparoscopic and thoracoscopic whole stomach esophagectomy with preoperative pyloric balloon dilatation from January 2019 to March 2023. The perioperative indications, clinical data, intra-operative index, pathological postoperative specimens, postoperative complications, and follow-up results were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

In our study, all patients were male, with dysphagia as the predominant symptom (45.9%). Esophageal cancer incidence was similar between middle and lower thirds. Nodules were the primary finding on esophagoscopy (48.6%). Preoperative pyloric dilation averaged 31.2 min without complications. Surgical duration ranged from 225 to 400 min (mean 305). Gastric tube fluid volume averaged 148.9 ± 110.66 ml per day. Among 34 post-operative cases underwent gastric transit scans, most had non-dilated stomachs with efficient pyloric drug circulation. Three cases required prolonged ventilation, precluding pyloric circulation scans. Four patients developed chylous fistula, one requiring chest tube embolization. Recurrent laryngeal nerve damage occurred in 10.8% of cases.

CONCLUSION

After evaluating esophageal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic whole-stomach esophagectomy with preoperative pyloric balloon dilatation, it was found that this procedure is safe, effective, and significantly reduces postoperative gastroparesis and related complications.

Endoscopic pyloromyotomy for treatment of gastroparesis: A new standard or still an experimental approach?

Gastroparesis (GP) can be a severe and debilitating disease. Its pathophysiology is complex and not completely understood. Two principal mechanisms are responsible for the development of symptoms - gastric hypomotility and pylorospasm. Pylorus targeted therapies aim to decrease presumably elevated pyloric tone - pylorospasm. There is a growing body of evidence about their role in the treatment algorithm of GP. G-POEM (endoscopic pyloromyotomy) is an extensively studied pylorus targeted therapy. Its efficacy ranges between 56 and 80% and the number of recurrences among those with treatment effect seems low. G-POEM is a safe procedure with very low frequency of severe adverse events. At present, G-POEM should not be considered as an experimental approach and may be offered to all patients with refractory and severe GP. Nevertheless, G-POEM is not a first line treatment. Conservative measures such as diet modification and pharmacotherapy should always be tried before G-POEM is considered. Further research must focus on better patient selection as at present there are no standardized criteria. Functional imaging such as impedance planimetry (EndoFlip) may hold promise in this regard.

Management of Major Complications After Esophagectomy

Esophagectomy remains a procedure with one of the highest complication rates. Given the advances in medical and surgical management of patients and increased patient survival, the number of complications reported has increased. There are different grading systems for complications which vary based on severity or organ system, with the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group unifying them. Management involves conservative intervention and dietary modification to endoscopic interventions and surgical reintervention. Treatment is etiology specific but rehabilitation and patient optimization play a significant role in managing these complications by preventing them. Management is a step-up approach depending on the severity of symptoms.

Improved radiologic diagnosis of delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) after esophagectomy using a functional upper gastrointestinal contrast study

BACKGROUND

With increasing incidence of esophageal cancer, a growing number of patients are at risk of developing delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) in the early postoperative phase after esophagectomy. This condition is of great postoperative concern due to its association with adverse outcomes.

PURPOSE

To give a narrative review of the literature concerning radiological diagnosis of DGCE after esophagectomy and a proposal for an improved, functional protocol with objective measurements.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The protocol was designed at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle and is based on the Timed Barium Esophagogram (TBE) concept, which has been adapted to assess the passage of contrast from the gastric conduit into the duodenum.

RESULTS

The literature review showed a general lack of standardization and scientific evidence behind the use of radiology to assess DGCE. We found that our proposed standardized upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study considers both the time aspect in DGCE and provides morphologic information of the gastric conduit. This radiological protocol was tested on 112 patients in a trial performed at two high-volume centers for esophageal surgery and included an UGI contrast study 2-3 days postoperatively. The study demonstrated that this UGI contrast study can be included in the standardized clinical pathway after esophagectomy.

CONCLUSION

This new, proposed UGI contrast study has the potential to diagnose early postoperative DGCE in a standardized manner and to improve overall patient outcomes after esophagectomy.

Surgical revision of the postesophagectomy gastric conduit to address poor emptying

Introduction

The configuration of the gastric conduit after esophagectomy can lead to chronic gastrointestinal and respiratory issues. Surgical revision of the gastric conduit has been described in small series but appears to be infrequently used. We investigated outcomes of revising dilated or redundant conduit in patients with severe quality-of-life issues.

Methods

We identified all patients from 2016 to 2022 at our institution who underwent gastric conduit revision after previous esophagectomy either at our or another institution. Chart review was performed to assess prerevision course and perioperative outcomes. Pre- and postrevision imaging was compared for all patients to assess the impact of surgery on anatomic configuration. Patient-reported gastrointestinal and respiratory issues before and after surgery were examined.

Results

The use of right thoracotomy combined with laparotomy to reduce redundancy and improve gastric emptying was performed in 8 patients. The symptoms necessitating reoperation included intolerance to oral intake and poor gastric emptying associated with both acute and chronic aspiration episodes. The median length of stay was 8 [4, 25] days, and there were no perioperative mortalities. Seven (87.5%) patients were tolerating oral intake at discharge. All patients had improvement in their prerevision symptoms on follow-up.

Conclusions

Gastric conduit revision can improve severe postesophagectomy gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms in patients with dilated/redundant conduits with limited perioperative morbidity.

Effect of intraoperative botulinum toxin injection on delayed gastric emptying and need for endoscopic pyloric intervention following esophagectomy: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative botulinum toxin (BT) injection on delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and need for endoscopic pyloric intervention (NEPI) following esophagectomy. In compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards, a systematic review of studies reporting the outcomes of intraoperative BT injection in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer was conducted. Proportion meta-analysis model was constructed to quantify the risk of the outcomes and direct comparison meta-analysis model was constructed to compare the outcomes between BT injection and no BT injection or surgical pyloroplasty. Meta-regression was modeled to evaluate the effect of variations in different covariates among the individual studies on overall summary proportions. Nine studies enrolling 1070 patients were included. Pooled analyses showed that the risks of DGE and NEPI following intraoperative BT injection were 13.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.9-18.6%) and 15.2% (95% CI: 7.9-22.5%), respectively. There was no difference between BT injection and no BT injection in terms of DGE (odds ratio [OR]: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.20-1.61, P = 0.29) and NEPI (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 0.42-7.12, P = 0.45). Moreover, BT injection was comparable to pyloroplasty in terms of DGE (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.35-2.08, P = 0.73) and NEPI (OR: 8.20, 95% CI: 0.63-105.90, P = 0.11). Meta-regression suggested that male gender was negatively associated with the risk of DGE (coefficient: -0.007, P = 0.003). In conclusion, level 2 evidence suggests that intraoperative BT injection may not improve the risk of DGE and NEPI in patients undergoing esophagectomy. The risk of DGE seems to be higher in females and in early postoperative period. High quality randomized controlled trials with robust statistical power are required for definite conclusions. The results of the current study can be used for hypothesis synthesis and power analysis in future prospective trials.

Are intra-operative gastric drainage procedures necessary in esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Surgical pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy are often performed during esophagectomy with a view of improving gastric conduit drainage. However, the clinical importance of this is not clear, and some centers opt to omit this step. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the rates of pulmonary complications, anastomotic leak, mortality, delayed gastric emptying, and the need for further pyloric intervention, in patients undergoing esophagectomy with and without a drainage procedure.

METHODS

A database search of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was performed to identify randomized control trials and cohort studies published between 2000 and 2020 which compared outcomes of esophagectomy with and without drainage procedures. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to compare the rates of pulmonary complications, anastomotic leak, mortality, delayed gastric emptying, and the need for further pyloric intervention.

RESULTS

Three randomized and 12 non-randomized publications were identified, comprising a total of 2339 patients. No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to pulmonary complications (RR 1.02 [95% CI, 0.78-1.33], p = 0.91), anastomotic leak (RR 1.14 [95% CI, 0.80-1.62], p = 0.48), mortality (RR 0.53 [95% CI, 0.23-1.26], p = 0.15), delayed gastric emptying (RR 0.98 [95% CI, 0.59-1.62], p = 0.93), and the need for further pyloric intervention (RR 1.99 [95% CI, 0.56-7.08], p = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

Where post-operative pyloric treatment is available on demand, surgical pyloric drainage procedures may not have any significant clinical impact on patient outcomes for patients undergoing esophagectomy, though further good-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this.

Endoscopic Intrapyloric Botulinum Toxin Injection with Pyloric Balloon Dilation for Symptoms of Delayed Gastric Emptying after Distal Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A 10-Year Experience

Patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy have an improved survival over time, however adverse events associated with the use of a gastric conduit are increasingly being reported. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is an esophagectomy-related complication which can decreased quality of life by causing debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of endoscopic intrapyloric botulinum (BT) injection in combination with pyloric balloon dilation in patients with DGE following distal esophagectomy at our tertiary cancer center. Patients with a prior history of distal esophagectomy who had also undergone endoscopic BT injection with pyloric balloon dilation by a single endoscopist between 2007 and 2017 were included in the study. One hundred units of BT were injected endoscopically into the pylorus in four quadrants using an injection needle. Following BT injection, a standard through-the-scope balloon was passed to the pylorus and inflated to a maximum diameter of 12−20 mm. For patients who underwent repeat procedures, the symptomatic outcomes were assessed and documented by the endoscopist; for the other patients, the electronic medical records were reviewed. A total of 21 patients undergoing 44 endoscopic intrapyloric botox injections combined with balloon dilatations were identified. The patients underwent the procedures at a median of 22 months (range, 1−108 months) after esophagectomy. The procedures were performed only once in 43% of the patients; 43% patients underwent the procedure twice, while 14% had it multiple times (>2). Overall, intrapyloric BT injection coupled with balloon dilation was a safe procedure, without any major immediate or delayed (1 month) procedure-related adverse events. Eighteen patients (85%) reported a significant overall improvement in symptoms from the initial presentation. One patient (5%) showed no improvement, whereas in two (10%) patients responses were not available. In our particular cohort of patients, the interventions of endoscopic intrapyloric BT injection with pyloric balloon dilation proved to be very beneficial, leading to significant symptomatic improvement. The balloon dilation after BT injection might have resulted in better diffusion of the BT into the pyloric sphincter complex, possibly increasing its therapeutic effects. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

Effect of modified esophagectomy perioperative technique resection for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (tumor length > 8 cm): initial experience in 45 cases

Background

Patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer with a lesion length greater than 8 cm (LCWEC) are prone to high mortality in a short time due to esophagotracheal fistula (ETF) and esophagoaortic fistula (EAF). We tried to explore a safe salvage surgical method during the perioperative period to maximize the resection of the tumor on the premise of safety and reconstruction of the alimentary tract to avoid early death due to ETF and EAF.

Methods

From December 2007 to November 2018, forty-five LCWEC patients were treated using the modified Wu’s esophagectomy. Patient features, surgical techniques, postoperative complications, and pathology outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The average length of the tumors was 12.5 cm (range 8.1–22.5 cm), and the average transverse tumor diameter was 5.8 cm (range 4.5–7.8 cm). No complications like anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, chylothorax, delayed gastric emptying, vocal cord paralysis, dumping syndrome, and reflux were detected. The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 0%. Complete (R0) resection was achieved in 38 (84.4%) cases. The resection margin rate of positive anastomosis was 0%. Until the death of the patients, no feeding failure due to gastrointestinal obstruction and early death due to ETF or EAF occurrence. During follow-up, the median time to death was 17.2 months for patients treated with surgery alone and 32 months for patients treated with postoperative multimodal treatment.

Conclusion

The modified Wu’s esophagectomy is a safe and feasible salvage surgical method for LCWEC resection.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the influence of prophylactic pyloric balloon dilatation in the prevention of early delayed gastric emptying after oesophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Early delayed gastric emptying (DGE) occurs in up to 50% of patients following oesophagectomy, which can contribute to increased anastomotic leak and respiratory infection rates. Although the treatment of DGE in the form of pyloric balloon dilatation (PBD) post-operatively is well established, there is no consensus on the optimal approach in the prevention of DGE. The aim of this review was to determine the efficacy of prophylactic PBD in the prevention of DGE following oesophagectomy.

METHOD

PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library (January 1990 to April 2021) were searched for studies reporting the outcomes of prophylactic PBD in patients who underwent oesophagectomy. The primary outcome measure was the rate of DGE. Secondary outcome measures include anastomotic leak rate and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Three studies with a total of 203 patients [mean age 63 (26-82) years, 162 males (79.8%)] were analyzed. PBD with a 20-mm balloon was performed in 165 patients (46 patients had PBD and botox therapy) compared with 38 patients who had either no intervention or botox alone (14 patients). The pooled rates of early DGE [16.27%, 95% CI (12.29-20.24) vs. 39.02% (38.87-39.17) (P < 0.001)] and anastomotic leak [8.55%, 95% CI (8.51-8.59) vs. 12.23% (12.16-12.31), P < 0.001] were significantly lower in the PBD group.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic PBD with a 20-mm balloon significantly reduced the rates of early delayed gastric emptying and anastomotic leak following oesophagectomy.

Gut hormones profile after an Ivor Lewis gastro-esophagectomy and its relationship to delayed gastric emptying

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is common after an Ivor Lewis gastro-esophagectomy (ILGO). The risk of a dilated conduit is the much-feared anastomotic leak. Therefore, prompt management of DGE is required. However, the pathophysiology of DGE is unclear. We proposed that post-ILGO patients with/without DGE have different gut hormone profiles (GHP). Consecutive patients undergoing an ILGO from 1 December 2017 to 31 November 2019 were recruited. Blood sampling was conducted on either day 4, 5, or 6 with baseline sample taken prior to a 193-kcal meal and after every 30 minutes for 2 hours. If patients received pyloric dilatation, a repeat profile was performed post-dilatation and were designated as had DGE. Analyses were conducted on the following groups: patient without dilatation (non-dilated) versus dilatation (dilated); and pre-dilatation versus post-dilatation. Gut hormone profiles analyzed were glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) using radioimmunoassay. Of 65 patients, 24 (36.9%) had dilatation and 41 (63.1%) did not. For the non-dilated and dilated groups, there were no differences in day 4, 5, or 6 GLP-1 (P = 0.499) (95% confidence interval for non-dilated [2822.64, 4416.40] and dilated [2519.91, 3162.32]). However, PYY levels were raised in the non-dilated group (P = 0.021) (95% confidence interval for non-dilated [1620.38, 3005.75] and dilated [821.53, 1606.18]). Additionally, after pyloric dilatation, paired analysis showed no differences in GLP-1, but PYY levels were different at all time points and had an exaggerated post-prandial response. We conclude that DGE is associated with an obtunded PYY response. However, the exact nature of the association is not yet established.

Treating Early Delayed Gastric Tube Emptying after Esophagectomy with Pneumatic Pyloric Dilation

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic pneumatic pyloric balloon dilation is a treatment option for early postoperative delayed gastric tube emptying following esophageal resection. This study aimed to determine the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilation.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2018, patients with delayed gastric emptying 8-10 days after esophageal resection with gastric tube reconstruction due to esophageal carcinoma were considered for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were ≥1 of the following: nasogastric tube production ≥500 mL/24 h, ≥300 mL gastric retention, ≥50% gastric tube dilatation on X-ray, or nasogastric tube replacement. Patients were excluded on evidence of anastomotic leakage or reintervention. Success was defined as the ability to expand intake without needing to replace the nasogastric tube. Dilation was performed using a 30-mm Rigiflex balloon.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients underwent pyloric dilation, 12 according to the study protocol. Treatment was performed at a median of 12 days (IQR 9-15) postoperatively. Success was achieved in 58%. At 3 months, 8 patients progressed to exclusively oral intake. The remaining 4 patients had supplementary nightly enteral tube feeding. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic balloon dilation of the pylorus is a safe, feasible therapy for early postoperative delayed gastric emptying. With a success rate of 58%, a clinical trial is a necessary next step.

Functional syndromes and symptom-orientated aftercare after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the cornerstone of esophageal cancer treatment but remains burdened with significant postoperative changes of gastrointestinal function and quality of life.

PURPOSE

The aim of this narrative review is to assess and summarize the current knowledge on postoperative functional syndromes and quality of life after esophagectomy for cancer, and to provide orientation for the reader in the challenging field of functional aftercare.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-esophagectomy syndromes include various conditions such as dysphagia, reflux, delayed gastric emptying, dumping syndrome, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea. Clinical pictures and individual expressions are highly variable and may be extremely distressing for those affected. Therefore, in addition to a mostly well-coordinated oncological follow-up, we strongly emphasize the need for regular monitoring of physical well-being and gastrointestinal function. The prerequisite for an effective functional aftercare covering the whole spectrum of postoperative syndromes is a comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiological background. As functional conditions often require a complex diagnostic workup and long-term therapy, close interdisciplinary cooperation with radiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and specialized nutritional counseling is imperative for successful management.

Factors resulting in postoperative dysphagia following esophagectomy: a narrative review

Esophagectomy is a technically involved surgery and can have significant postoperative morbidity. Although the mortality rate following esophagectomy has decreased in recent years, this surgical procedure has a relatively high complication rate compared to other surgeries to resect cancer. One of the most common complaints after esophagectomy is dysphagia. Dysphagia after esophagectomy can significantly affect quality of life. Dysphagia is a complication following esophagectomy that can lead to respiratory deterioration and death. The most common sites of postoperative dysphagia are the gastroesophageal anastomosis, gastric conduit, pylorus and the hiatus. Without appropriate treatment of dysphagia, malnutrition and dehydration can develop. These factors can lead to significant impacts to the overall health of a patient and increase mortality. A detailed literature review provided data to support diagnostic modalities and management strategies to treat postoperative dysphagia at these common areas. A systematic, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment of postoperative dysphagia allows for prompt intervention and a decrease in morbidity and mortality. Treatment options for dysphagia vary, depending on the etiology. Based on the location and mechanism of dysphagia, options include stenting, dilation and surgical revision. Early treatment of dysphagia after esophagectomy can lessen the morbidity from this complication and improve quality of life.

Surgical intervention for late gastric conduit obstruction

OBJECTIVES

Gastric emptying delay after oesophagectomy may occur in conduits exposed to pleural forces of respiration or anatomic obstruction. Remedial operations addressing both causes are rarely reported. The study aim was to categorize severe gastric conduit obstruction (GCO) and report the outcome of surgical revision.

METHODS

A single-institution, retrospective study of gastric conduit revision following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer investigated incidence, risk factors and categories of conduit obstruction. Evaluation consisted of contrast studies, computed tomogram and endoscopy. Interventions were categorized according to obstructive cause and included pyloroplasty, hiatal hernia reduction and thoraco-abdominal conduit repositioning.

RESULTS

Among 1246 oesophagectomies over a 17-year period, 14 patients (1.1%) required post-oesophagectomy relief of GCO. Two additional patients presented after oesophagectomy elsewhere. Before oesophagectomy, 18.8% (3/16) and 62.5% (10/16) of patients were on chronic opioid and psychotropic medications, respectively. Distinct anatomic features separated obstruction into 3 categories: pyloric in 31% (5/16), extrinsic in 12.5% (2/16) and combined in 56.3% (9/16). Operative revision led to complete symptom resolution in 50% (8/16) of patients and symptom improvement in 43.8% (7/16) of patients. One patient (1/16, 6.25%) in the combined obstruction group did not improve with surgical revision.

CONCLUSIONS

GCO after oesophagectomy rarely requires surgical revision. Potential association with medications affecting oesophageal and gastric motility requires further investigation. Classification of obstruction identifies a patient subset with lower success after surgical revision.

The Optimal Pyloric Procedure: A Collective Review

Vagal damage and subsequent pyloric denervation inevitably occur during esophagectomy, potentially leading to delayed gastric emptying (DGE). The choice of an optimal pyloric procedure to overcome DGE is important, as such procedures can lead to prolonged surgery, shortening of the conduit, disruption of the blood supply, and gastric dumping/bile reflux. This study investigated various pyloric methods and analyzed comparative studies in order to determine the optimal pyloric procedure. Surgical procedures for the pylorus include pyloromyotomy, pyloroplasty, or digital fracture. Botulinum toxin injection, endoscopic balloon dilatation, and erythromycin are non-surgical procedures. The scope, technique, and effects of these procedures are changing due to advances in minimally invasive surgery and postoperative interventions. Some comparative studies have shown that pyloric procedures are helpful for DGE, while others have argued that it is difficult to reach an objective conclusion because of the variety of definitions of DGE and evaluation methods. In conclusion, recent advances in interventional technology and minimally invasive surgery have led to questions regarding the practice of pyloric procedures. However, many clinicians still perform them and they are at least somewhat effective. To provide guidance on the optimal pyloric procedure, DGE should first be defined clearly, and a large-scale study with an objective evaluation method will then be required.

Delayed Gastric Emptying after Esophagectomy: Management and Prevention

The quality of life associated with eating is becoming an increasingly significant problem for patients who undergo esophagectomy as a result of the improved survival rate after esophageal cancer surgery. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after esophagectomy. Although several strategies have been proposed for the management and prevention of DGE, no clear consensus exists. The purpose of this review is to present a brief overview of DGE and to help clinicians choose the most appropriate treatment through an analysis of DGE by cause. Furthermore, we would like to suggest some tips to prevent DGE based on our experience.

Endoscopic Botulinum toxin as a treatment for delayed gastric emptying following oesophagogastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following oesophagogastrectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction is reported to be between 1.7% and 50%. This variation is due to differing practices of intraoperative pylorus drainage procedures, which increase the risk of postoperative biliary reflux and dumping syndrome, resulting in significant morbidity. The aim of our study was to establish rates of DGE in people undergoing oesophagogastrectomy without routine intraoperative drainage procedures, and to evaluate outcomes of postoperative endoscopically administered Botulinum toxin into the pylorus (EBP) for people with DGE resistant to systemic pharmacological treatment.

METHODS

All patients undergoing oesophagogastrectomy between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2018 at our unit were included. No intraoperative pyloric drainage procedures were performed, and DGE resistant to systemic pharmacotherapy was managed with EBP.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients were included. Postoperatively, 29 patients (30%) were diagnosed with DGE resistant to pharmacotherapy. Of these, 16 (16.5%) were diagnosed within 30 days of surgery. The median pre-procedure nasogastric tube aspirate was 780ml; following EBP, this fell to 125ml (p<0.001). Median delay from surgery to EBP in this cohort was 13 days (IQR 7-16 days). Six patients required a second course of EBP, with 100% successful resolution of DGE before discharge. There were no procedural complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest series of patients without routine intraoperative drainage procedures. Only 30% of patients developed DGE resistant to pharmacotherapy, which was managed safely with EBP in the postoperative period, thus minimising the risk of biliary reflux in people who would otherwise be at risk following prophylactic pylorus drainage procedures.

The Influence of the Perioperative Nutritional Status on the Survival Outcomes for Esophageal Cancer Patients with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown a variety of nutritional indices to be prognostic predictors for esophageal cancer patients. However, which nutritional index should be used and when it should be measured during the perioperative period remain unclear. This study attempted to clarify the details surrounding predictive nutritional evaluation by assessing the longitudinal data of serologic indices in perioperative esophageal cancer patients.

METHODS

The study included 141 esophageal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy after radical esophagectomy at Tohoku University Hospital from April 2008 to December 2017. The nutritional status was retrospectively assessed during the perioperative period, and the prognostic factors related to survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Use of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score showed that malnutrition occurred only from 14 days after surgery in most cases. Use of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) showed that the ratio of malnutrition increased gradually from presurgery to 14 days after surgery. The timing of malnutrition that affected survival was 14 days after surgery with the CONUT score and presurgery and 4 months after surgery with the PNI. A multivariable analysis of independent prognostic factors predicting survival identified malnutrition 14 days after surgery with the CONUT score and a low PNI before surgery, invasion depth of the primary lesion, and node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition occurring during the perioperative state of esophageal cancer was shown to be a survival prognostic factor. Development of an optimal nutritional intervention is recommended for esophageal cancer patients to prevent malnutrition both before and after surgery.

Preoperative endoscopic pyloric balloon dilatation decreases the rate of delayed gastric emptying after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy occurs postoperatively in up to 50% of the patients. This pyloric dysfunction can lead to severe secondary complications postoperatively such as early aspiration, pneumonia or may even have an impact on anastomotic healing and therefore leakage. Early detection of DGE is essential to prevent further complications. The common treatment postoperatively is endoscopic pyloric balloon dilatation (EPBD) after symptoms already occurred. In our work, we analyzed patients who received a preoperative EPBD during the routine restaging endoscopy and compared those patients to a control group to analyze if preoperative EPBD may prevent postoperative DGE and secondary additional complications. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 115 patients who received an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy by the same surgeon between June 2015 and October 2017. Out of these 115 patients, 91 (79.1%) patients received EPBD preoperatively during the staging/restaging endoscopy (PDG, pyloric dilatation group). In 24 (20.9%) patients, preoperative EPBD was not performed due to stenotic esophageal tumors or logistic reasons (NDG, non-pyloric dilatation group). Data of the PDG and NDG group were compared regarding the rate of postoperative DGE as well as DGE and EPBD related complications. In total, 21 (18.3%) patients developed pyloric dysfunction requiring a total of 27 EPBD during follow-up. There were 12 (13.2%) patients in the PDG and 9 (37.5%) patients in the NDG (p = 0.014), respectively. DGE-related complications such as anastomotic leaks (p = 0.466), pulmonary complications (p = 0.466) and longer median hospital stay (p = 0.685) were more frequent in the NDG group; however this difference did not reach statistical significance. The success rate for postoperative EPBD with 20-mm balloons was lower (58.5%) compared to the usage of 30-mm balloons (93.3%). All pre- and postoperative EPBD were performed without any complications. Preoperative EPBD is feasible, safe and can be combined with restating endoscopy. It seems that preoperative EPBD reduces the incidence of DGE and can prevent the need for early postoperative endoscopic interventions. Our recommendation is therefore to perform an EPBD preoperatively when possible to reduce postoperative complications to a minimum. For postoperative EPBD, we recommend the use of the 30-mm balloon due to lower redilatation rates.

Intraoperative pyloric botulinum toxin injection during Ivor-Lewis gastroesophagectomy to prevent delayed gastric emptying

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common morbidity that affects 10%-50% of Ivor-Lewis gastroesophagectomy (ILGO) patients. DGE management is variable with no gold standard prevention or treatment. We conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of intraoperative pyloric botulinum toxin injection in preventing DGE. All patients undergoing an ILGO for curative intent, semi-mechanical anastomosis, and enhanced recovery between 1st December 2011 and 30th June 2017 were included. Patients with pyloroplasties were excluded and botulinum toxin was routinely given from the 2nd April 2016. We compared botulinum toxin injection (BOTOX) against no intervention (NONE) for patient demographics, adjuvant therapy, surgical approach, DGE incidence, length of stay (LOS), and complications. Additionally, we compared pneumonia risk, anastomotic leak rate, and LOS in DGE versus non-DGE patients. DGE was defined using nasogastric tube input/output differences and chest X-ray appearance according to an algorithm adopted in our unit, which were retrospectively applied. There were 228 patients: 65 (28.5%) received botulinum toxin and 163 (71.5%) received no intervention. One hundred twenty-four (54.4%) operations were performed laparoscopically, of which 11 (4.8%) were converted to open procedures, and 104 (45.6%) were open operations. DGE incidence was 11 (16.9%) in BOTOX and 29 (17.8%) in NONE, P = 0.13. Medical management was required in 14 of 228 (6.1%) cases: 3 (4.6%) in BOTOX and 11 (4.8%) in NONE. Pyloric dilatation was required in 26 of 228 (11.4%): 8 of 65 (12.3%) in the BOTOX and 18 of 163 (11.0%) in NONE. There were no significant differences between groups and requirement for intervention, P = 0.881. Overall median LOS was 10 (6.0-75.0) days: 9 (7.0-75.0) in BOTOX and 10 (6.0-70.0) in NONE, P = 0.516. In non-DGE versus DGE patients, median LOS was 9 (6-57) versus 14 (7-75) days (P < 0.0001), pneumonia incidence of 27.7% versus 30.0% (P = 0.478), and anastomotic leak rate of 2.1% versus 10.0% (P = 0.014). Overall leak rate was 3.5%. Overall complication rate was 67.1%, including minor/mild complications. There were 43 of 65 (66.2%) in BOTOX and 110 of 163 (67.5%) in NONE, P = 0.482. In-hospital mortality was 1 (0.44%), 30-day mortality was 2 (0.88%), 90-day mortality was 5 (2.2%), and there were no 30-day readmissions. Intraoperative pyloric botulinum toxin injections were ineffective in preventing DGE (BOTOX vs. NONE: 16.9% vs. 17.8%) or reducing postoperative complications. DGE was relatively common (17.5%) with 11.4% of patients requiring postoperative balloon dilatation. DGE also resulted in prolonged LOS (increase from 9 to 14 days) and significant increase in leak rate from 2.1% to 10.0%. A better understanding of DGE will guide assessment, investigation, and management of the condition.

Delayed emptying of the gastric conduit after esophagectomy

With increasing survival after esophagectomy for cancer, a growing number of individuals living with the functional results of a surgically altered anatomy calls for attention to the effects of delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) on health-related quality of life and nutritional impairment. We here give an overview of the currently available literature on DGCE, in terms of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, prevention and treatment. Attention is given to controversies in the current literature and obstacles related to general applicability of study results, as well as knowledge gaps that may be the focus for future research initiatives. Finally, we propose that measures are taken to reach international expert agreement regarding diagnostic criteria and a symptom grading tool for DGCE, and that functional radiological methods are established for the diagnosis and severity grading of DGCE.

Management of delayed gastric conduit emptying after esophagectomy

Delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGE) is a common complication after esophagectomy. Currently, pyloric interventions are the major prevention and treatment for DGE. In this review, we attempt to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of different pyloric interventions in esophagectomy patients. Moreover, other important management of DGE, including size of esophageal substitute, erythromycin and nasogastric tube (NGT) will also be discussed.

Pylorus drainage procedures in thoracoabdominal esophagectomy - a single-center experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Pylorotomy and pyloroplasty in thoracoabdominal esophagectomy are routinely performed in many high-volume centers to prevent delayed gastric emptying (DGE) due to truncal vagotomy. Currently, controversy remains regarding the need for these practices. The present study aimed to determine the value and role of pyloric drainage procedures in esophagectomy with gastric replacement.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for all consecutive patients who underwent thoracoabdominal resection of the esophagus between January 2009 and December 2016 at the Katharinenhospital in Stuttgart, Germany. Clinicopathologic features and surgical outcomes were evaluated with a focus on postoperative nutrition and gastric emptying.

RESULTS

The study group included 170 patients who underwent thoracoabdominal esophageal resection with a gastric conduit using the Ivor Lewis approach. The median age of the patients was 64 years. Most patients were male (81%), and most suffered from adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (75%). The median hospital stay was 20 days, and the 30-day hospital death rate was 2.9%. According to the department standard, pylorotomy, pyloroplasty, or other pyloric drainage procedures were not performed in any of the patients. Overall, 28/170 patients showed clinical signs of DGE (16.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In the literature, the rate of DGE after thoracoabdominal esophagectomy is reported to be approximately 15%, even with the use of pyloric drainage procedures. This rate is comparable to that reported in the present series in which no pyloric drainage procedures were performed. Therefore, we believe that pyloric drainage procedures may be unwarranted in thoracoabdominal esophagectomy. However, future randomized trials are needed to ultimately confirm this supposition.

Management of gastric conduit retention following hybrid and minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: Two retrospective case series

INTRODUCTION

Following esophagectomy about 5% of patients experience long-term gastric conduit retention. We report two patients with surgical correction for this problematic condition. This case series is a retrospective, non-consecutive single center report.

PRESENTATION OF CASES

A slender female aged 76 (patient 1) and an obese man aged 69 (patient 2) with esophageal cancer, underwent hybrid and total minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, respectively. The conduit was tubularized, and the stapled anastomosis located above carina. The crura were divided in patient 1. Contrast enema revealed a straight (patient 1) or redundant (patient 2) thoracic conduit. Conduit retention in patient 1 began after 47 months. After 61 months reoperation was performed with open thoracoabdominal access for mobilization, abdominal reduction and diaphragmatic suture fixation of the herniated conduit. Symptoms improved and oral nutrition is still sufficient after 8 months.Patient 2 had clinically significant retention after 15 months, despite using pyloric Botox injection and expandable metal stenting. At laparoscopic reoperation after 27 months a partial conduit mobilization and refixation were unsuccessful, but an accidental colonic hiatal hernia was taken down. After 28 months a second reoperation was performed, similar to patient 1. Fifteen months afterwards the patient still ate sufficiently, but a limited double reherniation had occurred.

DISCUSSION

Long-term retention post-esophagectomy often start with an initial redundant conduit, that can increase from food-induced stretching and declive emptying against gravity. A wide hiatal opening probably also predispose to conduital herniation.

CONCLUSIONS

Conduit retention improved after mobilization, reduction and its hiatal fixation. A too wide or narrow hiatal opening must be avoided to prevent herniation.

Do intraoperative pyloric interventions predict the need for postoperative endoscopic interventions after minimally invasive esophagectomy?

Intraoperative pyloric procedures are often performed during esophagectomies to reduce the rates of gastric conduit dysfunction. They include pyloroplasty (PP), pyloromyotomy (PM), and pylorus botulinum toxin type-A injections (BI). Despite these procedures, patients frequently warrant further endoscopic interventions. The aim of this study is to compare intraoperative pyloric procedures and the rates of postoperative endoscopic interventions following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). We identified patients who underwent MIE for esophageal carcinoma and grouped them as 'None' (no intervention), 'PP', 'PM', or 'BI' based on intraoperative pyloric procedure type. The rates of endoscopic interventions for the first six postoperative months were compared. To adjust for variability due to MIE type, the rates of >1 interventions were compared using a zero-inflated Poisson regression analysis. Significance was established at P < 0.05. There were 146 patients who underwent an MIE for esophageal cancer from 2008 to 2015; 77.4% were three-hole MIE, and 22.6% were Ivor- Lewis MIE. BI was most frequent in Ivor-Lewis patients (63.5%), while PP was most frequent (46.9%) in three-hole patients. Postoperative endoscopic interventions occurred in 38 patients (26.0%). The BI group had the highest percentage of patients requiring a postoperative intervention (n = 13, 31.7%). After adjusting for higher rates of interventions in three-hole MIE patients, the BI and None groups had the lowest rates of >1 postoperative interventions. Our data did not show superiority of any pyloric intervention in preventing endoscopic interventions. The patients who received BI to the pylorus demonstrated a trend toward a greater likelihood of having a postoperative intervention. However when adjusted for type of MIE, the BI and None groups had lower rates of subsequent multiple interventions. Further research is needed to determine if the choice of intraoperative pyloric procedure type significantly affects quality of life, morbidity, and overall prognosis in these patients.

Risk factors for delayed gastric emptying in patients undergoing esophagectomy without pyloric drainage

BACKGROUND

The incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after esophagectomy is 10%-50%, which can interfere with postoperative recovery in the short-term and result in poor quality of life in the long term. Pyloric drainage is routinely performed to prevent DGE, but its role is highly controversial. The aim of this study was to report the rate of DGE after esophagectomy without pyloric drainage and to investigate its risk factors and the potential effect on recovery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and January 2015, we analyzed 285 consecutive patients who received an esophagectomy without pyloric drainage. Possible correlations between the incidence of DGE and its potential risk factors were examined in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. The outcomes of DGE were reviewed with a follow-up of 3 mo.

RESULTS

The overall rate of DGE after esophagectomy was 18.2% (52/285). Among perioperative factors, gastric size (gastric tube versus the whole stomach) was the only significant factor affecting the incidence of DGE in the univariate analysis. The patients who received a whole stomach as an esophageal substitute were more likely to develop DGE than were patients with a gastric tube (13.2% versus 22.4%; P = 0.05). No independent risk factor for DGE was found in the multivariate analysis. The incidence of major postoperative complications, including anastomotic leak, respiratory complications, and cardiac complications, was also not significantly different between both groups, with or without DGE. Within 3 mo of follow-up, most patients could effectively manage their DGE through medication (39/52) or endoscopic pyloric dilation (12/52), with only one patient requiring surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the overall incidence of DGE is about 20% for patients undergoing esophagectomy without pyloric drainage. Compared with prior findings, this does not result in a significantly increased incidence of DGE. In patients with symptoms of DGE after esophagectomy, prokinetic agents and endoscopic balloon dilation of the pylorus can be effective, as indicated by the high success rate and lack of significant complications.

[Management of delayed complications after esophagectomy]

Esophagectomy and subsequent reconstruction represent major physiological insults to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which as a consequence can lead to malnutrition, dysphagia and reflux. From a technical perspective, operative reconstruction involving gastric pull-up with a 2-3 cm wide tube and an anastomosis cranial to the azygos vein may minimize the symptoms. Overall, the problems tend to improve approximately 6 months after the operation. Newly occurring delayed physical functional impairments with previously known underlying malignant disease may be indicative of cancer relapse. Interventional techniques, such as stent placement or brachytherapy may be better suited for treatment of recurrent disease.

Comparison of pyloromyotomy, pyloric buginage, and intact pylorus on gastric drainage in gastric pull-up surgery after esophagectomy

Background:

There are controversies regarding the usefulness of the pyloric drainage methods after esophagectomy as well as differences among various pyloric drainage techniques. Therefore, we compared the outcome of pyloromyotomy, pylorus buginage, and no intervention methods on gastric emptying among patients undergone esophagectomy.

Materials and Methods:

In this randomized clinical trial, patients with diagnosed esophageal cancer or any other benign lesions candidate for esophagectomy were selected. They randomized in three groups with three different approaches for gastric pull-up esophageal surgery including esophagectomy with pyloromyotomy, esophagectomy without intervention, and esophagectomy with pylorus buginage. The outcomes of procedures regarding gastric emptying time and delayed gastric emptying were compared.

Results:

Thirty patients were allocated in three groups. Gastric emptying time was not significantly different in the three groups (P > 0.05). Frequency of delayed gastric emptying, complications and barium leakage were not different in three studied groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Gastric emptying time and delayed gastric emptying were not different between common pyloric drainage methods after esophagectomy and esophagectomy without drainage.

Validation of the paracetamol absorption test for measuring gastric tube emptying in esophagectomized patients versus gold standard scintigraphy

OBJECTIVE

Scintigraphy is the gold standard for objective measurement of delayed gastric tube emptying after esophagectomy. The aim of this pilot study is to validate, by reference to scintigraphy, the paracetamol absorption test for measuring gastric tube emptying in esophagectomized patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The paracetamol absorption test and scintigraphy were performed simultaneously in 13 patients who had undergone an esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. Emptying was calculated for both methods and compared. Post-esophagectomy symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were assessed by European Organization on Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires.

RESULTS

Mean time to 50% emptying was 17 min measured with the paracetamol absorption test and 23 min with scintigraphy. For time to 25% emptying, Bland-Altman calculation gave a bias of 1.6 min and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) of -6.3 to 9.5 min. For time to 50% emptying, there was one outlier resulting in a bias of -6.33 min and 95% LoA of -36.4 to 23.8 min. For time to 75% emptying, bias was -11.6 min and 95% LoA of -38.5 to 15.4 min. Post-esophagectomy symptoms were similar to those reported previously, and QoL was comparable to the general Swedish population.

CONCLUSIONS

There was reasonably close correlation between the paracetamol absorption test and scintigraphy for time to 25% and 50% emptying, except for one outlier. For time to 75% emptying the methods were in less accordance. The results indicate that the paracetamol absorption test may be a useful screening tool for identifying delayed gastric tube emptying in this patient group.

Surgical treatments for esophageal cancers

The following, from the 12th OESO World Conference: Cancers of the Esophagus, includes commentaries on the role of the nurse in preparation of esophageal resection (ER); the management of patients who develop high-grade dysplasia after having undergone Nissen fundoplication; the trajectory of care for the patient with esophageal cancer; the influence of the site of tumor in the choice of treatment; the best location for esophagogastrostomy; management of chylous leak after esophagectomy; the optimal approach to manage thoracic esophageal leak after esophagectomy; the choice for operational approach in surgery of cardioesophageal crossing; the advantages of robot esophagectomy; the place of open esophagectomy; the advantages of esophagectomy compared to definitive chemoradiotherapy; the pathologist report in the resected specimen; the best way to manage patients with unsuspected positive microscopic margin after ER; enhanced recovery after surgery for ER: expedited care protocols; and long-term quality of life in patients following esophagectomy.

Surgical techniques to prevent delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy with gastric interposition: a systematic review

Delayed gastric emptying is observed in 10% to 50% of patients after esophagectomy with gastric interposition. The effects of gastric interposition diameter, pyloric drainage, reconstructive route, and anastomotic site on postoperative gastric emptying were systematically reviewed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Most studies showed superior passage of the gastric tube compared with the whole stomach. Pyloric drainage is not significantly associated with the risk of developing delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy. For reconstructive route and anastomotic site, available evidence on delayed gastric emptying is limited. Prospectively randomized studies with standardized outcome measurements are recommended.

Comparison of pyloric intervention strategies at the time of esophagectomy: is more better?

BACKGROUND

Controversy remains regarding the role of pyloric drainage procedures after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction. We aimed to compare the effect of pyloric drainage strategies upon subsequent risk of complications suggestive of conduit distention, including aspiration and anastomotic leak.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted reviewing patients undergoing esophagectomy between January 2007 and April 2012. Prospectively collected data included baseline comorbidities, operative details, hospital course, and complications. Statistical comparisons were performed using analysis of variance for continuous variables and χ(2) testing for categorical variables.

RESULTS

There were 361 esophagectomies performed during the study period; 68 were excluded from analysis (for prior esophagogastric surgery or benign disease or both). Among 293 esophagectomies included, emptying procedures were performed as follows: 44 (15%), no drainage procedure; 197 (67%), pyloromyotomy/pyloroplasty; 8 (3%), dilation alone; 44 (15%), dilation plus onabotulinumtoxinA. Aspiration occurred more frequently when no pyloric intervention was performed (5 of 44 [11.4%] versus 6 of 249 [2.4%], p = 0.030). The incidences of anastomotic leak (18 [6.1%]) and gastric outlet obstruction (5 [1.7%]) were statistically similar among groups. Subgroup analysis demonstrated persistence of these findings when limiting the comparison to transthoracic esophagectomies. Major complications directly related to pyloroplasty/pyloromyotomy occurred in 2 patients (0.6%), including 1 death (0.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that omission of pyloric intervention at the index operation results in more frequent aspiration events. The combination of dilation plus onabotulinumtoxinA provided for a similar complication profile compared with surgical drainage. Future prospective comparisons are needed to evaluate these short-term effects of pyloric intervention as well as long-term sequelae such as dumping syndrome and bile reflux.

Delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy for malignancy

BACKGROUND

Controversy still exists about the need for pyloric drainage procedures after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction. Although pyloric drainage may prevent postoperative delayed gastric emptying (DGE), it may also promote dumping syndrome and bile reflux. The aims of this study were to audit the incidence and management of DGE in patients without routine pyloric drainage after esophagectomy in a university medical center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From July 2006 to June 2012, data from 356 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with a gastric conduit without pyloric drainage for esophageal or gastric cardia carcinoma were reviewed. Major observation parameters were the incidence, management, and outcomes of DGE.

RESULTS

Overall incidence of DGE was 15.7% (56 of 356). Early DGE developed in 26 patients, and late DGE developed in 30 patients. There were no differences in demographic and intraoperative data between the two groups with or without DGE. More DGE was documented in patients with an intra-right thoracic gastric conduit (P=.031). A higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia was observed in patients exhibiting early DGE, but without significance (P=.254). There were also no significant impacts on respiratory failure (P=.848) and anastomotic leakage (P=.257). There was an increased postoperative hospital stay with DGE, but without significance (P=.089). Endoscopic balloon dilatation of the pylorus was used to manage 33.9% of patients with DGE, yielding a 78.9% (15 of 19) success rate without complications. In 3 patients endoscopy showed the pylorus was open, and their symptoms improved over time. One patient with tumor-related DGE was treated by pyloric stent. The remaining patients were adequately treated with conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Omitting the operative drainage procedure does not lead to an increased frequency of DGE after esophagectomy with a gastric conduit. Many patients responded to conservative management, and endoscopic balloon pyloric dilatation can be effective in managing the DGE postoperatively.

The impact of pyloric drainage on clinical outcome following esophagectomy: a systematic review

Delayed emptying of the gastric conduit following esophagectomy can be associated with an increased incidence of complications including aspiration pneumonia and anastomotic leak. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the current modalities of pyloric drainage following esophagectomy and their impact on anastomotic integrity and postoperative morbidity. Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane library, trial registries, and conference proceedings were searched. Five pyloric management strategies following esophagectomy were evaluated: no intervention, botulinum toxin (botox) injection, finger fracture, pyloroplasty, and pyloromyotomy. Outcomes evaluated were hospital mortality, anastomotic leak, pulmonary complications, delayed gastric emptying, and the late complication of bile reflux. Twenty-five publications comprising 3172 patients were analyzed. Pooled analysis of six comparative studies published after 2000 revealed pyloric drainage to be associated with a nonsignificant trend toward a reduced incidence of anastomotic leak, pulmonary complications, and delayed gastric emptying. Overall, the current level of evidence regarding the merits of individual pyloric drainage strategies remains very poor. There is significant heterogeneity in the definitions of clinical outcomes, in particular delayed gastric emptying, which has prevented meaningful assessment and formulation of consensus regarding the management of the pylorus during esophagectomy. Pyloric drainage procedures showed a non-significant trend toward fewer anastomotic leaks, pulmonary complications, and reduced gastric stasis when employed following esophagectomy. However, the ideal technique remains unproven suggesting that further collaborative investigations are needed to determine the intervention that will maximize the potential benefits, if any, of pyloric intervention.