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Aiolfi A, Bona D, Cali M, Manara M, Bonitta G, Alfieri R, Castoro C, Elshafei M, Markar SR, Bonavina L. Impact of Thoracic Duct Resection on Long-Term Survival After Esophagectomy: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 2024:10.1245/s10434-024-15770-3. [PMID: 39031260 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radical esophagectomy, including thoracic duct resection (TDR), has been proposed to improve regional lymphadenectomy and possibly reduce the risk of locoregional recurrence. However, because of its impact on immunoregulation, some authors have expressed concerns about its possible detrimental effect on long-term survival. The purpose of this review was to assess the influence of TDR on long-term survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched through 15 March 2024. Overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were primary outcomes. Restricted mean survival time difference (RMSTD), risk ratio (RR), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as pooled effect size measures. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology was employed to evaluate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS The analysis included six studies with 5756 patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy. TDR was reported in 49.1%. Patients' ages ranged from 27 to 79 years and 86% were males. At 4-year follow-up, the multivariate meta-analysis showed similar results for the comparison noTDR versus TDR in term of OS [- 0.8 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 3.1, 1.3], CSS (0.1 months, 95% CI - 0.9, 1.2), and DFS (1.5 months, 95% CI - 2.6, 5.5). TDR was associated with a significantly higher number of harvested mediastinal lymph nodes (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.01-1.13) and higher risk of postoperative chylothorax (RR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.04-2.23). Anastomotic leak and pulmonary complications were comparable. CONCLUSIONS TDR seems not to improve long-term OS, CSS, and DFS regardless of tumor stage. Routine TDR should not be routinely recommended during esophagectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Aiolfi
- I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Davide Bona
- I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Cali
- I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Manara
- I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bonitta
- I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio, Division of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Alfieri
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Castoro
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Moustafa Elshafei
- Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Medicine, Clinic Northwest, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sheraz R Markar
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luigi Bonavina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Division of General and Foregut Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Farrow H, Pickering OJ, Gossage JA, Pucher PH. Impact of thoracic duct resection during radical esophagectomy on oncological and survival outcomes: Systematic review. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024; 50:107271. [PMID: 37979459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2023.107271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Practice is variable in the inclusion or exclusion of the thoracic duct (TD) as part of the resected specimen and associated lymphadenectomy in radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. While some surgeons believe that the removal of TD-associated nodes may improve radicality and survival, others suggest this represents systemic disease and resection may increase morbidity without survival benefit. A systematic review was performed up to March 2023 using the search terms 'esoph∗' AND 'thoracic duct' for relevant articles which compared thoracic duct preservation (TDP) to resection (TDR) in esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Included studies were required to report relevant oncological outcomes including at least one of overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and nodal yield. Seven cohort studies were included in data synthesis, including data for 5926 patients. None of the reported studies were randomised controlled trials. All studies originated from Japan or South Korea with almost exclusively squamous cell-type cancer. Nodal yield was higher in TDR groups. TDR was equivalent or inferior to TDP with reference to clinical outcomes (length of stay, morbidity, mortality). A single study reported increased OS in the TDR group while the remaining studies reported no significant difference. Overall study quality was moderate to poor. While an increased nodal yield may be associated with TDR, this may also be associated with higher morbidity, and currently available data does not suggest any survival benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Farrow
- Department of General Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, University Hospital Portsmouth NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Oliver J Pickering
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James A Gossage
- Department of Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Philip H Pucher
- Department of General Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, University Hospital Portsmouth NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK; Division of Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Biosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
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Matsuda S, Takeuchi M, Kawakubo H, Takeuchi H, Kitagawa Y. Oncological and physiological impact of thoracic duct resection in esophageal cancer. Dis Esophagus 2023; 36:doad015. [PMID: 36950928 PMCID: PMC10543365 DOI: 10.1093/dote/doad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in multidisciplinary treatment, esophagectomy remains the main curative treatment for esophageal cancer. The advantages and disadvantages of thoracic duct (TD) resection have been controversial for decades. We have herein reviewed relevant published literature regarding 'thoracic duct,' 'esophageal cancer,' and 'esophagectomy' describing the anatomy and function of the TD, and incidence of thoracic duct lymph nodes (TDLN) and TDLN metastases, as well as the oncological and physiological effects of TD resection. The presence of lymph nodes around the TD, referred to as TDLN, has been reported previously. The delineation of TDLNs is clearly defined by a thin fascial structure covering the TD and the surrounding adipose tissue. Previous studies have examined the number of TDLNs and the percentage of patients with TDLN metastasis and revealed that each patient had approximately two TDLNs. The percentage of patients with TDLN metastasis was reported to be 6-15%. Several studies have been conducted to compare the survival after TD resection with that after TD preservation. However, no consensus has been reached because all studies were retrospective, precluding firm conclusions. Although the issue of whether the risk of postoperative complications is affected by TD resection is still unclear, resecting the TD has been shown to have a long-term impact on nutritional status after surgery. In summary, TDLNs are quite common and present in most patients, while metastasis in the TDLNs occurs in a minority. However, the oncological value of TD resection in esophageal cancer surgery remains controversial due to varying findings and methodological limitations of previous comparative studies. Considering the potential but unproven oncological benefits and possible physiological drawbacks of TD resection, including postoperative fluid retention and disadvantages in the long-term nutritional outcome, clinical stage, and nutritional status should be considered before deciding whether to perform TD resection or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Matsuda
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Takeuchi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kawakubo
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroya Takeuchi
- Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Weindelmayer J, De Pasqual CA, Turolo C, Gervasi MC, Sacco M, Bencivenga M, Giacopuzzi S. Robotic versus open Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy: A more accurate lymph node dissection without burdening the leak rate. J Surg Oncol 2023; 127:1109-1115. [PMID: 36971002 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) combines the beneficial effects of minimally invasive surgery on postoperative complications, especially on pulmonary ones, with the safety of the anastomosis performed in open surgery. Moreover, RAMIE could allow a more accurate lymphadenectomy. METHODS We reviewed our database to identify all patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus treated by Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in the period January 2014 to June 2022. Patients were divided according to the thoracic approach into RAMIE and open esophagectomy (OE) groups. We compared the groups for early surgical outcomes, 90-day mortality as well as R0 rate, and the number of lymph nodes harvested. RESULTS We identified 47 patients in RAMIE and 159 patients in the OE group. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Operative time was significantly longer for RAMIE procedures (p < 0.01); however, we did not observe the difference in overall (RAMIE 55.5% vs. OE 61%, p = 0.76) and severe complications rate (RAMIE 17% vs. OE 22.6%, p = 0.4). The anastomotic leak rate was 2.1% after RAMIE and 6.9% after OE (p = 0.56). We did not report the difference in 90-day mortality (RAMIE 2.1% vs. OE 1.9%, p = 0.65). In the RAMIE group, we observed a significantly higher number of thoracic lymph nodes harvested, with a median of 10 lymph nodes in the RAMIE group versus 8 in the OE group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In our experience, RAMIE has morbimortality rates comparable to OE. Moreover, it allows a more accurate thoracic lymphadenectomy which results in a higher thoracic lymph nodes retrieval rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Weindelmayer
- Department of General and Upper G.I. Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Turolo
- Department of General and Upper G.I. Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Clelia Gervasi
- Department of General and Upper G.I. Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Sacco
- Department of General and Upper G.I. Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Bencivenga
- Department of General and Upper G.I. Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Giacopuzzi
- Department of General and Upper G.I. Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Marano A, Salomone S, Pellegrino L, Geretto P, Robella M, Borghi F. Robot-assisted esophagectomy with robot-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis (Ivor Lewis): surgical technique and early results. Updates Surg 2022:10.1007/s13304-022-01439-7. [PMID: 36510101 PMCID: PMC9744375 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-022-01439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Esophagectomy is the selected treatment for nonmetastatic esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer, although high perioperative morbidity and mortality incur. Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) effectively reduces cardiopulmonary complications compared to open esophagectomy and offers a technical advantage, especially for lymph node dissection and intrathoracic anastomosis. This article aims at describing our initial experience of Ivor Lewis RAMIE, focusing on the technique's main steps and robotic-sewn esophagogastrostomy. Prospectively collected data from all consecutive patients who underwent Ivor Lewis RAMIE for cancer was reviewed. Reconstruction was performed with a gastric conduit pull-up and a robotic-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded as prescribed by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG). Thirty patients underwent Ivor Lewis RAMIE with complete mediastinal lymph node dissection and robot-sewn anastomosis. No intraoperative complications nor conversion occurred. Pulmonary complications totaled 26.7%. Anastomotic leakage (ECCG, type III) and conduit necrosis (ECCG, type III) both occurred in one patient (3.3%). Chylothorax appeared in 2 patients (6.7%) (ECCG, Type IIA). Anastomotic stricture, successfully treated with endoscopic dilatations, occurred in 8 cases (26.7%). Median overall postoperative stay was 11 days (range, 6-51 days). 30 day and 90 day mortality was 0%. R0 resection was performed in 96.7% of patients with a median number of 47 retrieved lymph nodes. RAMIE with robot-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis appears to be feasible, safe and effective, with favorable perioperative results. Nevertheless, further high-quality studies are needed to define the best anastomotic technique for Ivor Lewis RAMIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Marano
- grid.413179.90000 0004 0486 1959Department of Surgery, General and Oncologic Surgery Unit, Santa Croce e Carle Hospital, Via Michele Coppino 26, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Sara Salomone
- grid.413179.90000 0004 0486 1959Department of Surgery, General and Oncologic Surgery Unit, Santa Croce e Carle Hospital, Via Michele Coppino 26, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Luca Pellegrino
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Department of Oncologic Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov. 142, Km 3,95, Candiol, TO Italy
| | - Paolo Geretto
- grid.413179.90000 0004 0486 1959Department of Surgery, General and Oncologic Surgery Unit, Santa Croce e Carle Hospital, Via Michele Coppino 26, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Manuela Robella
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Department of Oncologic Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov. 142, Km 3,95, Candiol, TO Italy
| | - Felice Borghi
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Department of Oncologic Surgery, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov. 142, Km 3,95, Candiol, TO Italy
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Hsu PK, Lee YY, Chuang LC, Wu YC. Lymph Node Dissection for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Thorac Surg Clin 2022; 32:497-510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Kim HE, Yang YH, Park BJ, Park SY, Min IK, Kim DJ. Skeletonizing En Bloc Esophagectomy Revisited: Oncologic Outcome in Association with the Presence of Thoracic Duct Lymph Nodes. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:4909-4917. [PMID: 35438467 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletonizing en bloc esophagectomy (SEBE) involves the removal of the esophagus en bloc with locoregional soft tissues and lymph nodes, including the thoracic duct (TD); however, its oncologic benefits remain unclear. We evaluated the impact of SEBE on oncologic outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS Patients undergoing McKeown esophagectomy without neoadjuvant therapy between 2013 and 2019 were evaluated. Outcomes after SEBE were compared with those after conventional esophagectomy (CE) using propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS Overall, 232 patients were identified, including 133 patients with SEBE and 99 patients with CE. Lymph node metastasis along the TD was identified in 7.5% (10/133) of the SEBE group, and the incidence was closely related with the tumor invasion depth (2.2% in pT1 and 19.0% in pT2-3). Based on the propensity score, 180 patients (90 pairs) were analyzed. Tumor recurrence was identified in 24.4% and 12.2% of CE and SEBE cases, respectively (p = 0.036). The observed difference was due to the higher incidence of locoregional recurrence in CE (10.5% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.024), while the incidence of systemic recurrence was similar (18.6% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.240). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 83.6% and 62.4% in the SEBE and CE groups, respectively (p = 0.022). Multivariate analysis revealed that SEBE could significantly reduce the risk of recurrence or death in patients with pT2-3 tumors (hazard ratio 0.173, 95% confidence interval 0.048-0.628; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS SEBE could identify and eradicate lymphatic metastasis along the TD and positively impact disease-free survival, particularly in patients with pT2-3 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Eun Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ho Yang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Jo Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Yong Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - In Kyung Min
- Biostatistics Collaboration Unit, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Joon Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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