Esophagectomy in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: A Viable Option

Management of Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Resource-Limited Settings

Due to the luminal nature of the disease, esophageal cancer diagnosis and treatment is challenging. Majority of the patients usually present with dysphagia, at which point the disease is often locally advanced. Diagnosis and treatment need a multidisciplinary approach which often involves endoscopy, imaging services, oncology services, surgical services, and critical care services. Surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and care should be domiciled in high-volume centers. Training and mentorship are key to building capacity for esophageal cancer care.

Case report on thoracoscopic esophagectomy for long segment resistant oesophageal stricture in HIV infected patient

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of Esophageal strictures following esophagitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is profound in majority of cases. Although endoscopic dilatation remains the first line of treatment, surgery is needed for non-dilatable strictures. Sparse literature is available on clinical management for surgical intervention.

PRESNTATION OF THE CASE

A 30 years old HIV positive male, taking ART for 10 years, presented with grade V dysphagia over long standing non-specific ulcerative esophagitis. Upper GI endoscopy revealed a long stricture starting 18 cm from the incisors. The patient underwent multiple endoscopic dilatation along with twice endoscopic stent placements over period of 2 years. As CD4 count was low associated with poor nutritional status a feeding jejunostomy was constructed. With improvement in CD4 count and nutritional status within 3 months; thoracoscopic esophagectomy, laparotomy and formation of gastric conduit and cervical anastomosis was performed. There were no intraoperative or postoperative adverse events with complete improvement in dysphagia. During follow up, 24 months after surgery the patient was on full oral diet with a total weight gain of 15 kg.

DISCUSSION

Long term solution to dysphagia due to long esophageal stricture merits a surgery in form of a replacement conduit by either stomach tube or a segment of colon. Experience and literature guiding surgical decision making are limited. Retaining or excision of the native oesophagus is still a matter of discussion.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy with gastric tube conduit for reconstruction is a feasible and safe surgical option for esophageal stricture in a HIV infected patient.