Foregut symptoms, somatoform tendencies, and the selection of patients for antireflux surgery

Routine upper gastro-intestinal tract endoscopy before elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones-justified

Gallstones are common in Western countries and increasing in developing countries through adoption of western lifestyle. Gallstones may cause life-threatening complications, including acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis. Cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstones. Presentation of symptomatic gallstones may be indistinguishable from that of other upper gastro-intestinal tract (UGI) pathologies. Some surgeons routinely perform preoperative UGI endoscopy to diagnose and treat concomitant UGI pathology. A prospective cross-sectional observational study was undertaken at University of Pretoria teaching hospitals to evaluate this practice. Patients aged 18 years and older, with symptomatic gallstones but did not satisfy Tokyo guidelines for acute cholecystitis were recruited. UGI endoscopy was performed before cholecystectomy. There were 124 patients, 110 (88.7%) females and 14 (11.3%) males, mean age 44.0 (13.2) (range: 22-78) years. Most common symptoms were right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain (87%), epigastric pain (59.7%), nausea (58.1%) and vomiting (47.9%). Clinically, 80% had RUQ tenderness and 52.4% epigastric tenderness. UGI endoscopy found 35.4% pathology, 28.2% were active, and comprised acute gastritis (27.4%), peptic ulcers (4.8%), duodenitis (3.2%) and oesophagitis (2.4%). Twelve patients had more than one pathology. This warranted treatment before elective cholecystectomy and justifies the practice of routine preoperative UGI endoscopy.

Prediction of Morbidity and Mortality After Esophagectomy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has a complication rate of up to 60%. Prediction models could be helpful to preoperatively estimate which patients are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the best prediction models for morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy and to identify commonalities among the models.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , study ID CRD42022350846). Pubmed, Embase, and Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection were searched for studies published between 2010 and August 2022. The Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Extracted data were tabulated and a narrative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 15,011 articles identified, 22 studies were included using data from tens of thousands of patients. This systematic review included 33 different models, of which 18 models were newly developed. Many studies showed a high risk of bias. The prognostic accuracy of models differed between 0.51 and 0.85. For most models, variables are readily available. Two models for mortality and one model for pulmonary complications have the potential to be developed further.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of rigorous prediction models is limited. Several models are promising but need to be further developed. Some models provide information about risk factors for the development of complications. Performance status is a potential modifiable risk factor. None are ready for clinical implementation.

Mapping the Lymphatic Drainage Pattern of Esophageal Cancer with Near-Infrared Fluorescent Imaging during Robotic Assisted Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy (RAMIE)-First Results of the Prospective ESOMAP Feasibility Trial

While the sentinel lymph node concept is routinely applied in other surgical fields, no established and valid modality for lymph node mapping for esophageal cancer surgery currently exists. Near-infrared light fluorescence (NIR) using indocyanine green (ICG) has been recently proven to be a safe technology for peritumoral injection and consecutive lymph node mapping in small surgical cohorts, mostly without the usage of robotic technology. The aim of this study was to identify the lymphatic drainage pattern of esophageal cancer during highly standardized RAMIE and to correlate the intraoperative images with the histopathological dissemination of lymphatic metastases. Patients with clinically advanced stage squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus undergoing a RAMIE at our Center of Excellence for Surgery of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract were prospectively included in this study. Patients were admitted on the day prior to surgery, and an additional EGD with endoscopic injection of the ICG solution around the tumor was performed. Intraoperative imaging procedures were performed using the Stryker 1688 or the FIREFLY fluorescence imaging system, and resected lymph nodes were sent to pathology. A total of 20 patients were included in the study, and feasibility and safety for the application of NIR using ICG during RAMIE were shown. NIR imaging to detect lymph node metastases can be safely performed during RAMIE. Further analyses in our center will focus on pathological analyses of ICG-positive tissue and quantification using artificial intelligence tools with a correlation of long-term follow-up data.

The role of surveillance and salvage esophagectomy in previously treated esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of cancer-related mortality among men and women in the United States. The utility of surgery, as either an immediate or delayed resection in the form of esophagectomy following neoadjuvant therapy in local-regionally advanced esophageal cancer, remains controversial. While neoadjuvant therapy followed by immediate surgery is a guideline-concordant treatment, emerging data suggests that active surveillance with delayed resection at the time of local-regional recurrence may be considered.

Essential risk factors for operative mortality in elderly esophageal cancer patients registered in the National Clinical Database of Japan

BACKGROUND

With the aging of society and increasingly longer of life expectancy, elderly patients with esophageal cancer are more commonly encountered. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for operative mortality after esophagectomy in elderly patients.

METHODS

We used data from the National Clinical Database of Japan. After cleaning the data, 10,633 records obtained from 861 hospitals were analyzed. A risk model for operative mortality was developed using risk factors from the entire study population. Then, odds ratios (OR) were compared between age categories using this risk model.

RESULTS

In this study, 1959 (18.4%) patients were ≥ 75 years (defined as "elderly" in this study). Eighteen variables, including T4b, N2-N3, and M1 in the TNM classification, were included in the risk model for operative mortality. The ORs increased in age categories < 65, 65-74, and ≥ 75 years for N2-N3 (1.172, 1.200, and 1.588, respectively), and M1 (2.189, 3.164, and 4.430, respectively). Based on these results, we also focused on residual tumors, which are caused by extensive tumor development. The operative mortality in the elderly group with residual tumors increased to more than twice than that in the non-elderly groups (15.9 vs. 5.5 or 6.5%) and was much higher than that in elderly patients without residual tumors (15.9 vs. 4.6%).

CONCLUSION

We should carefully select the treatment for elderly patients with highly advanced tumors, which result in N2-N3 and M1, to avoid unfavorable short-term outcomes. In addition, R0 resection is important in preventing operative mortality among elderly patients.

Predicting mortality in patients with anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: development of a prediction model using data from the TENTACLE-Esophagus study

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a common but severe complication after esophagectomy, and over 10% of patients with AL suffer mortality. Different prognostic factors in patients with AL are known, but a tool to predict mortality after AL is lacking. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for postoperative mortality in patients with AL after esophagectomy. TENTACLE-Esophagus is an international retrospective cohort study, which included 1509 patients with AL after esophagectomy. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality. Previously identified prognostic factors for mortality were selected as predictors: patient-related (e.g. comorbidity, performance status) and leak-related predictors (e.g. leucocyte count, overall gastric conduit condition). The prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression and validated internally using bootstrapping. Among the 1509 patients with AL, 90-day mortality was 11.7%. Sixteen predictors were included in the prediction model. The model showed good performance after internal validation: the c-index was 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.75-0.83). Predictions for mortality by the internally validated model aligned well with observed 90-day mortality rates. The prediction model was incorporated in an online tool for individual use and can be found at: https://www.tentaclestudy.com/prediction-model. The developed prediction model combines patient-related and leak-related factors to accurately predict postoperative mortality in patients with AL after esophagectomy. The model is useful for clinicians during counselling of patients and their families and may aid identification of high-risk patients at diagnosis of AL. In the future, the tool may guide clinical decision-making; however, external validation of the tool is warranted.

Gastrointestinal Quality of Life in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) is a well-established instrument for the assessment of quality of life (QOL) in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The purpose of this literature review was to investigate QOL by means of GIQLI in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) prior to any interventional therapy. There are several reports on GIQLI data; however, comparisons from different countries and/or different GERD cohorts assessing the same disease have to date not been conducted.

METHODS

The GIQLI uses 36 items around 5 dimensions (GI symptoms [19 items], emotional dimension [5 items], physical dimension [7 items], social dimension [4 items], and therapeutic influences [1 item]). A literature search was conducted on the application of GIQLI in GERD patients prior to interventional therapy using reports in PubMed. Data on the mean GIQLI as well as index data for the 5 dimensions as originally validated were extracted from the published patient cohorts. A comparison with the normal healthy control group from the original publication of the GIQLI validation conducted by Eypasch was performed. Data are presented descriptively as GIQLI points as well as a reduction from 100% maximum possible index points (max 144 index points = highest QOL).

RESULTS

In total, 77 abstracts from studies using the GIQLI on patients with GERD were identified. After screening for content, 21 publications were considered for further analysis. Ten studies in GERD patients comprised complete calculations of all dimensions and were included in the analysis. Data from 1,682 study patients were evaluated with sample sizes ranging from 33 to 568 patients (median age of 789 females and 858 males: 51.8 years). The median overall GIQLI for the patient group was 91.7 (range 86-102.4), corresponding to 63.68% of the maximum GIQLI. The dimensions with the largest deviation from the respective maximum score were the physical dimension (55% of maximum) followed by the emotional dimension (60% of maximum). In summary, the GIQLI level in GERD cohorts was reduced to 55-75% of the maximum possible index.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe GERD causes substantial reductions in the patient's QOL. The level of GIQLI can carry between different studied GERD cohorts from different departments and countries. GIQLI can be used as an established tool to assess the patient's condition in various dimensions.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for esophageal cancer training curriculum-a worldwide Delphi consensus study

BACKGROUND

Structured training protocols can safely improve skills prior initiating complex surgical procedures such as robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). As no consensus on a training curriculum for RAMIE has been established so far it is our aim to define a protocol for RAMIE with the Delphi consensus methodology.

METHODS

Fourteen worldwide RAMIE experts were defined and were enrolled in this Delphi consensus project. An expert panel was created and three Delphi rounds were performed starting December 2019. Items required for RAMIE included, but were not limited to, virtual reality simulation, wet-lab training, proctoring, and continued monitoring and education. After rating performed by the experts, consensus was defined when a Cronbach alpha of ≥0.80 was reached. If ≥80% of the committee reached a consensus an item was seen as fundamental.

RESULTS

All Delphi rounds were completed by 12-14 (86-100%) participants. After three rounds analyzing our 49-item questionnaire, 40 items reached consensus for a training curriculum of RAMIE.

CONCLUSION

The core principles for RAMIE training were defined. This curriculum may lead to a wider adoption of RAMIE and a reduction in time to reach proficiency.

How effective is laparoscopic redo-antireflux surgery?

BACKGROUND

The failure-rate after primary antireflux surgery ranges from 3 to 30%. Reasons for failures are multifactorial. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the complex reasons for, and management of, failure after antireflux surgery.

METHODS

Patients were selected for redo-surgery after a diagnostic workup consisting of history and physical examination, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, quality-of-life assessment, screening for somatoform disorders, esophageal manometry, 24-hour-pH-impedance monitoring, and selective radiographic studies such as Barium-sandwich for esophageal passage and delayed gastric emptying. Perioperative and follow-up data were compiled between 2004 and 2017.

RESULTS

In total, 578 datasets were analyzed. The patient cohort undergoing a first redo-procedure (n = 401) consisted of 36 patients after in-house primary LF and 365 external referrals (mean age: 62.1 years [25-87]; mean BMI 26 [20-34]). The majority of patients underwent a repeated total or partial laparoscopic fundoplication. Major reasons for failure were migration and insufficient mobilization during the primary operation. With each increasing number of required redo-operations, the complexity of the redo-procedure itself increased, follow-up quality-of-life decreased (GIQLI: 106; 101; and 100), and complication rate increased (intraoperative: 6,4-10%; postoperative: 4,5-19%/first to third redo). After three redo-operations, resections were frequently necessary (morbidity: 42%).

CONCLUSIONS

Providing a careful patient selection, primary redo-antireflux procedures have proven to be highly successful. It is often the final chance for a satisfying result may be achieved upon performing a second redo-procedure. A third revision may solve critical problems, such as severe pain and/or inadequate nutritional intake. When resection is required, quality of life cannot be entirely normalized.

Primary laparoscopic fundoplication in selected patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Despite proton pump inhibitors being a powerful therapeutic tool, laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) has proven successful in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), through mechanical augmentation of a weak antireflux barrier and the advantages of minimally invasive access. A critical patient selection for LF, based on thorough preoperative assessment, is important for the management of GERD-patients. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview on the management of GERD-patients treated by primary LF in a specialized center and to illustrate the possible outcome after several years.

METHODS

Patients were selected after going through diagnostic workup consisting of patient's history and physical examination, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, assessment of gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, screening for somatoform disorders, functional assessment by esophageal manometry, (impedance)-24-hour-pH-monitoring, and selective radiographic studies. The indication for LF was based on EAES-guidelines. Either a floppy and short Nissen fundoplication was performed or a posterior Toupet-hemifundoplication was chosen. A long-term follow-up assessment was attempted after surgery.

RESULTS

In total, n = 1131 patients were evaluated (603 males; 528 females; mean age; 48.3 years; and mean body mass index: 27). The mean duration between onset of symptoms and surgery was 8 years. Nissen: n = 873, Toupet: n = 258; conversion rateerativ: 0.5%; morbidity 4%, mortality: 1 (1131). Mean follow-up (n = 898; 79%): 5.6 years; pre/post-op results: esophagitis: 66%/12.1%; Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index: median: 92/119; daily proton pump inhibitors-intake after surgery: 8%; and operative revisions 4.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our data show that careful patient selection for laparoscopic fundoplication and well-established technical concepts of mechanical sphincter augmentation can provide satisfying results in the majority of patients with severe GERD.

Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease-which factors are important?

Background

Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) shows a multifactorial background. Different anatomical and functional alterations can be determined such as weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), changes in anatomy by a hiatal hernia (HH), an impaired esophageal motility (IEM), and/or an associated gastric motility problem with either duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux (DGER) or delayed gastric emptying (DGE). The purpose of this study is to assess a large GERD-patient population to quantitatively determine different pathophysiologic factors contributing to the disease.

Methods

For this analysis only patients with documented GERD (pathologic esophageal acid exposure) were selected from a prospectively maintained databank. Investigations: history and physical, body mass index, endoscopy, esophageal manometry, 24 h-pH-monitoring, 24 h-bilirbine-monitoring, radiographic-gastric-emptying or scintigraphy, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI).

Results

In total, 728 patients (420 males; 308 females) were selected for this analysis. Mean age: 49.9 years; mean BMI: 27.2 kg/m² (range, 20-45 kg/m²); mean GIQLI of 91 (range: 43-138; normal level: 121); no esophagitis: 30.6%; minor esophagitis (Savary-Miller type 1 or Los Angeles Grade A): 22.4%; esophagitis [2-4]/B-D: 36.2%; Barrett's esophagus 10%. Presence of pathophysiologic factors: HH 95.4%; LES-incompetence 88%, DGER 55%, obesity 25.6%, IEM 8.8%, DGE 6.8%.

Conclusions

In our evaluation of GERD patients, the most important pathophysiologic components are anatomical alterations (HH), LES-incompetence and DGER.

Surgical Therapy of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma-Current Standards and Future Perspectives

Transthoracic esophagectomy is currently the predominant curative treatment option for resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma. The majority of carcinomas present as locally advanced tumors requiring multimodal strategies with either neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy alone. Minimally invasive, including robotic, techniques are increasingly applied with a broad spectrum of technical variations existing for the oncological resection as well as gastric reconstruction. At the present, intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy is the preferred technique of reconstruction (Ivor Lewis esophagectomy). With standardized surgical procedures, a complete resection of the primary tumor can be achieved in almost 95% of patients. Even in expert centers, postoperative morbidity remains high, with an overall complication rate of 50-60%, whereas 30- and 90-day mortality are reported to be <2% and <6%, respectively. Due to the complexity of transthoracic esophagetomy and its associated morbidity, esophageal surgery is recommended to be performed in specialized centers with an appropriate caseload yet to be defined. In order to reduce postoperative morbidity, the selection of patients, preoperative rehabilitation and postoperative fast-track concepts are feasible strategies of perioperative management. Future directives aim to further centralize esophageal services, to individualize surgical treatment for high-risk patients and to implement intraoperative imaging modalities modifying the oncological extent of resection and facilitating surgical reconstruction.

Severity of GERD and disease progression

BACKGROUND

Many factors may play a role in the severity and progression of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since pathophysiology is multifactorial. Data regarding the progression of GERD are controversial: some reports of increased esophageal acid exposure (EAE) and mucosal damage were considered as evidence for a stable disease course, while others interprete these findings as disease progression. The aim of this study is to analyze a large patient-population with persisting symptoms indicative of GERD under protonpumpinhibitor-therapy and identify components characterizing disease severity and progression.

METHODS

Patients with symptoms indicative of GERD were included in the study in a tertiary referral center (Frankfurt, Germany). All selected patients were under long-term protonpumpinhibitor-therapy with persistant symptoms. All patients underwent investigations to collect data on their physical status, EAE, severity of esophagitis, anatomical changes, and esophageal functional defects as well as their relation to the duration of the disease. Incidence over time was plotted as survival curves and tested with Log-rank tests for the four main disease markers. Multivariate modeling with COX-regression model was used to estimate the general impact of the four main disease markers on the time course of the disease. In order to elucidate possible causal relationships over time, a path analysis (structural equation model) was calculated.

RESULTS

From the database with 1480 data sets, 972 patients were evaluated (542 males, 430 females). The mean age was 50.5 years (range18-89). The mean body mass index was 27.2(19-48). The mean time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnostic investigations was 8.2 years (1-50). A longer disease history for GERD was significantly associated with a higher risk for LES-incompetence. The mean duration from symptom onset to the time of clinical investigation was 9 years for patients with LES-incompetence (n = 563), compared to a mean of 6 years for those with mechanically intact LES (n = 95). A longer period from symptom onset to diagnostics was significantly associated with higher acid exposure. The pathway analysis was significant for the following model: 'history' (P < 0.001➔LES-incompetence & Hiatal Hernia➔(p < 0,001)➔pH-score (P < 0.001).Conclusion: LES-incompetence, the functional deterioration of the LES, and the anatomical alteration at the esophagogastric junction (Hiatal Hernia) as well as an increased EAE were associated with a long history of suffering from GERD. Path modeling suggests a causal sequence overtime of the main disease-parameters, tentatively allowing for a prediction of the course of the disease.

Risk Prediction Model of 90-Day Mortality After Esophagectomy for Cancer

Importance

Ninety-day mortality rates after esophagectomy are an indicator of the quality of surgical oncologic management. Accurate risk prediction based on large data sets may aid patients and surgeons in making informed decisions.

Objective

To develop and validate a risk prediction model of death within 90 days after esophagectomy for cancer using the International Esodata Study Group (IESG) database, the largest existing prospective, multicenter cohort reporting standardized postoperative outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this diagnostic/prognostic study, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients from 39 institutions in 19 countries between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Patients with esophageal cancer were randomly assigned to development and validation cohorts. A scoring system that predicted death within 90 days based on logistic regression β coefficients was conducted. A final prognostic score was determined and categorized into homogeneous risk groups that predicted death within 90 days. Calibration and discrimination tests were assessed between cohorts.

Exposures

Esophageal resection for cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All-cause postoperative 90-day mortality.

Results

A total of 8403 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.6 [9.0] years; 6641 [79.0%] male) were included. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0% (n = 164), and the 90-day mortality rate was 4.2% (n = 353). Development (n = 4172) and validation (n = 4231) cohorts were randomly assigned. The multiple logistic regression model identified 10 weighted point variables factored into the prognostic score: age, sex, body mass index, performance status, myocardial infarction, connective tissue disease, peripheral vascular disease, liver disease, neoadjuvant treatment, and hospital volume. The prognostic scores were categorized into 5 risk groups: very low risk (score, ≥1; 90-day mortality, 1.8%), low risk (score, 0; 90-day mortality, 3.0%), medium risk (score, -1 to -2; 90-day mortality, 5.8%), high risk (score, -3 to -4: 90-day mortality, 8.9%), and very high risk (score, ≤-5; 90-day mortality, 18.2%). The model was supported by nonsignificance in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64-0.72) in the development cohort and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60-0.69) in the validation cohort.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, on the basis of preoperative variables, the IESG risk prediction model allowed stratification of an individual patient's risk of death within 90 days after esophagectomy. These data suggest that this model can help in the decision-making process when esophageal cancer surgery is being considered and in informed consent.

[Conservative Therapy of Reflux Disease and its Limits]

Gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is common. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are regarded as first line therapy for all clinical manifestations. However, their efficacy is inadequate for at least 30% of patients and they are occasionally poorly tolerated. Moreover, some patients would prefer an alternative therapy. Alginate cause mechanical reflux inhibition by forming a gelatinous layer in the so-called acid pocket, an acid reservoir that forms on the surface of the chyme in the gastric corpus immediately after food intake. They may be used an alternative to treat the symptoms of uncomplicated GORD and as an add-on to PPIs if these do not improve symptoms adequately. If the reflux symptoms persist or if reflux oesophagitis does not heal, differentiated diagnostic testing must be performed, using endoscopy and functional analysis. Extraoesophageal manifestations of GORD include cough, compulsive clearing of the throat, problems with the voice and globus sensation. These often do not respond to antireflux therapy. Recent data indicate that these are complex hypersensitivity syndromes and that reflux is only one of several possible triggers.

Does Circular Stapler Size in Surgical Management of Esophageal Cancer Affect Anastomotic Leak Rate? 4-Year Experience of a European High-Volume Center

Simple Summary

One of the most severe postoperative complications after a transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a leakage of the anastomosis created between the remnant esophagus and the stomach. There is substantial debate on which surgical technique and which stapler are the best. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze whether the stapler diameter had an impact on postoperative anastomotic leak rates during a 4-year time frame from 2016 to 2020. A total of 632 patients (open, hybrid, and totally minimally invasive esophagectomy) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 214 patients underwent an anastomosis with a 25 mm stapler vs. 418 patients with a 28 mm stapler. Anastomotic leak rates were 15.4% vs. 10.8%, respectively. Stapler size should be chosen according to the individual anatomical situation of the patient and may be of higher relevance in patients undergoing totally minimally invasive reconstruction.

Abstract

Anastomotic leak is one of the most severe postoperative complications and is therefore considered a benchmark for the quality of surgery for esophageal cancer. There is substantial debate on which anastomotic technique is the best for patients undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Our standardized technique is a circular stapled anastomosis with either a 25 or 28 mm anvil. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze whether the stapler diameter had an impact on postoperative anastomotic leak rates during a 4-year time frame from 2016 to 2020. A total of 632 patients (open, hybrid, and totally minimally invasive esophagectomy) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 214 patients underwent an anastomosis with a 25 mm stapler vs. 418 patients with a 28 mm stapler. Anastomotic leak rates were 15.4% vs. 10.8%, respectively (p = 0.0925). Stapler size should be chosen according to the individual anatomical situation of the patient. Stapler size may be of higher relevance in patients undergoing totally minimally invasive reconstruction.

Two-stage hybrid Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy as surgical strategy to reduce postoperative morbidity for high-risk patients

BACKGROUND

Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (ILE) is the standard surgical care for esophageal cancer patients but postoperative morbidity impairs quality of life and reduces long-term oncological outcome. Two-stage ILE separating the abdominal and thoracic phase into two distinct surgical procedures has proven to enhance microcirculation of the gastric conduit and therefore most likely reduces complications. However, two-stage ILE has not been evaluated systematically in selected groups of patients scheduled for this procedure. This investigation aims to demonstrate the feasibility of two-stage ILE in high-risk patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective analysis of data obtained from a prospective database, a consecutive series of 275 hybrid ILE (hILE) were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on one- or two-stage hILE. Postoperative complications were assessed according to ECCG (Esophageal Complication Consensus Group) criteria and compared using the Clavien-Dindo score. Indication for two-stage esophagectomy was classified as pre- or intraoperative decision.

RESULTS

34 out of 275 patients (12.7%) underwent two-stage hILE. Patients of the two-stage group were significantly older. In 21 of 34 patients (61.8%) the decision for a two-stage procedure was made prior to esophagectomy, in 13 (38.2%) patients intraoperatively after completion of the laparoscopic gastric mobilization. The most frequent preoperative reason to select the two-stage procedure was a stenosis of the coeliac trunc and superior mesenteric artery (n = 10). The predominant cause for an intraoperative change of strategy was a laparoscopically diagnosed hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis (n = 5).Overall morbidity and major' complications (CD > IIIa) were comparable for both groups (11.7% in both groups). The overall anastomotic leak rate was 12.4% and was non-significant lower for the two-stage procedure.

CONCLUSION

Two-stage hILE is a feasible concept to individualize the surgical treatment of patients with well-defined clinical risk factors for postoperative morbidity. It can also be applied after completion of the abdominal phase of IL esophagectomy without compromising the patient safety.

Sleeve gastrectomy for treatment of delayed gastric emptying-indications, technique, and results

INTRODUCTION

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) can be caused by gastric motility disorders such as gastroparesis with idiopathic background, diabetic neuropathy, or postsurgical nerve damage. Currently, a variety of endoscopic and surgical treatment options are available. We noted clinical improvement of gastric emptying with reduction of the gastric fundus following both fundoplication and fundectomy. As a consequence, we explored the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on gastric emptying. The focus of this paper is to investigate the role of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in the treatment of gastroparesis.

METHODS

Patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis received diagnostic work-up (gastric emptying scintigraphy and/or Radiographic Barium-Sandwich Emptying studies). Patients with fundic emptying problems and moderate gastric dilation were selected for a LSG. All perioperative parameters were documented regarding patients characteristics, complications, and outcomes expressed as symptoms and quality of life (GIQLI gastrointestinal quality of life index). Assessment of DGE: Barium Emptying Radigraphy Index (BERI) 0-5.

RESULTS

From 122 patients with gastroparesis, 19 patients were selected for LSG (mean age 54 years (23-68); 10 males/9 females. Morbidity 2/19; no mortality; follow-up mean 24 months (12-60); preop/postop: BERI: 2, 31/1, 27 (p < 0.01); we noted significant improvement of the quality of life (preoperative GIQLI 78 (44-89)) to postoperative values of 114 (range 87-120) (p < 0.0001). Preoperative median BMI of these 19 patients was 24 [1-10], which was not significantly changed in the 15 patients at > 1 year follow-up with 23 [1-8]. Postoperative recurrence of DGE occurred in 3 patients who were reoperated after >1 year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

LSG is a potential surgical treatment option for selected patients with gastroparesis and fundic emptying problems.

[Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical management of upper gastrointestinal cancer]

Total minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal resections are currently mainly performed in centers. The advantages include reduction of operative trauma, magnified enlargement of the operation field and the resulting improvement in operative precision. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and laparoscopic/thoracoscopic minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) are currently the most commonly performed strategies for esophageal cancer. Laparoscopic (MIG) and robotic-assisted gastrectomy (RAG) are the equivalent procedures for gastric cancer. Due to the relatively low number of reported cases, no definitive statement regarding superiority of these procedures compared to standard open or hybrid procedures can be made; however, there is mounting evidence from high-volume centers in which these procedures are routinely performed that there might be an advantage regarding perioperative morbidity. All of the four procedures described are provided at our high-volume centers in a standardized manner and we are convinced of the benefits of these minimally invasive techniques with respect to morbidity compared to open and hybrid techniques. The additional costs of this technology have to be off-set against a possible reduction of morbidity, reduced cost for personnel and new operative options, such as real-time fluoroscopy.

Do patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and somatoform tendencies benefit from antireflux surgery?

BACKGROUND

The clinical presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) shows a large symptom variation also in different intensities among patients. As several studies have shown, there is a large overlap in the symptomatic spectrum between proven GERD and other disorders such as dyspepsia, functional heartburn and/or somatoform disorders.

AIM

To prospectively evaluate the GERD patients with and without somatoform disorders before and after laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

METHODS

In a tertiary referral center for foregut surgery over a period of 3 years patients with GERD, qualifying for the indication of laparoscopic antireflux surgery, were investigated prospectively regarding their symptomatic spectrum in order to identify GERD and associated somatoform disorders. Assessment of symptoms was performed by an instrument for the evaluation of somatoform disorders [Somatoform Symptom Index (SSI) > 17]. Quality of life was evaluated by Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI).

RESULTS

In 123 patients an indication for laparoscopic antireflux surgery was established and in 43 patients further medical therapy was suggested. The portion of somatoform tendencies in the total patient population was 20.48% (34 patients). Patients with a positive SSI had a preoperative GIQLI of 77 (32-111). Patients with a normal SSI had a GIQLI of 105 (29-140) (P < 0.0001). In patients with GERD the quality of life could be normalized from preoperative reduced values of GIQLI 102 (47-140) to postoperative values of 117 (44-144). In patients with GERD and somatoform disorders, the GIQLI was improved from preoperative GIQLI 75 (47-111) to postoperative 95 (44-122) (P < 0.0043).

CONCLUSION

Patients with GERD and associated somatoform disorders have significantly worse levels of quality of life. The latter patients can also benefit from laparoscopic fundoplication, however they will not reach a normal level.

Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 2018

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Korea, and physicians, including surgeons, have been focusing on its treatment. Indeed, in Korea, medical treatment using a proton pump inhibitor is the mainstream treatment for GERD, while awareness of surgical treatment is limited. Accordingly, to promote the understanding of surgical treatment for GERD, the Korean Anti-Reflux Surgery Study Group published the Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for the Surgical Treatment of GERD. The guideline consists of 2 sections: fundamental information such as the definition, symptoms, and diagnostic tools of GERD and a recommendation statement about its surgical treatment. The recommendations presented 5 debates regarding fundoplication: 1) comparison of the effectiveness of medical and surgical treatments, 2) effectiveness of surgical treatment in cases of refractory GERD, 3) effectiveness of surgical treatment of extraesophageal symptoms, 4) comparison of effectiveness between total and partial fundoplication, and 5) effectiveness of fundoplication in cases of hiatal hernia. The present guideline is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of the surgical treatment GERD in Korea.

Reduction of oxidative stress a key for enhanced postoperative recovery with fewer complications in esophageal surgery patients: Randomized control trial to investigate therapeutic impact of anesthesia management and usefulness of simple blood test for prediction of high-risk patients

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress may be an integral determinant of surgical stress severity. We examined whether the preoperative level of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), an oxidative stress biomarker based on total hydroperoxides in circulating blood, is predictive of increased risk of delayed recovery and complications after surgery, as well as the effects of anesthesia management on postoperative recovery in light of oxidative stress.

METHODS

Patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II) scheduled for a radical esophagectomy (n = 186) were randomly selected to receive inhalational sevoflurane (n = 94) or intravenous propofol (n = 92) anesthesia. Preoperative blood d-ROMs level, as well as pre-and postoperative plasma ferric-reducing ability, were analyzed to assess oxidative stress, with white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, incidence of severe postoperative complications, and postoperative recovery process within 30 days after surgery also examined in a double-blind fashion.

RESULTS

Postoperative normalization of WBC and CRP was extended in patients with elevated preoperative d-ROMs [WBC versus d-ROMs: correlation coefficient (r) = 0.58 P < .001; CRP versus d-ROMs: r = 0.46 P < .001]. Receiver operating characteristics analysis of d-ROMs in relation to incidence of severe postoperative complications revealed an optimum d-ROMs threshold value of 410 UCarr and that patients with ≥410 UCarr had a greater risk of complications as compared to those with lower values (odds ratio = 4.7). Plasma ferric-reducing ability was decreased by 61 ± 185 mmol·l (P < .001) after surgery, demonstrating development of surgery-related oxidative stress, the magnitude of which was positively correlated with preoperative d-ROMs level (r = 0.16, P = .043). A comparison of the 2 anesthesia management protocols showed that patients who received propofol, an antioxidant anesthetic, had no postoperative decrease in ferric-reducing ability, lower incidence of severe postoperative complications (7 of 92 versus 18 of 94, P = .030, odds ratio = 0.35), and faster uneventful recovery time (WBC normalization days 7.1 ± 5.2 versus 13.6 ± 10.2, P < .001) as compared to those who received sevoflurane.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated preoperative blood d-ROMs predicts greater intraoperative oxidative stress and increased postoperative complications with prolonged recovery, thus is useful for identifying high-risk patients for delayed and complicated surgical recovery. Reduction of oxidative stress is vital for enhanced recovery, with control by antioxidants such as propofol a possible solution.

Impact of postoperative complications on outcomes after oesophagectomy for cancer

BACKGROUND

To allocate healthcare resources optimally, complication-related quality initiatives should target complications that have the greatest overall impact on outcomes after surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the most clinically relevant complications after oesophagectomy for cancer in a nationwide cohort study.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent oesophagectomy for cancer between January 2011 and December 2016 were identified from the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit. The adjusted population attributable fraction (PAF) was used to estimate the impact of specific postoperative complications on the clinical outcomes postoperative mortality, reoperation, prolonged hospital stay and readmission to hospital in the study population. The PAF represents the percentage reduction in the frequency of a given outcome (such as death) that would occur in a theoretical scenario where a specific complication (for example anastomotic leakage) was able to be prevented completely in the study population.

RESULTS

Some 4096 patients were analysed. Pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage had the greatest overall impact on postoperative mortality (risk-adjusted PAF 44·1 and 30·4 per cent respectively), prolonged hospital stay (risk-adjusted PAF 31·4 and 30·9 per cent) and readmission to hospital (risk-adjusted PAF 7·3 and 14·7 per cent). Anastomotic leakage had the greatest impact on reoperation (risk-adjusted PAF 47·1 per cent). In contrast, the impact of other complications on these outcomes was relatively small.

CONCLUSION

Reducing the incidence of pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage may have the greatest clinical impact on outcomes after oesophagectomy.

Endoscopic and histopathologic reflux-associated mucosal damage in the remnant esophagus following transthoracic esophagectomy for cancer-5-year long-term follow-up

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common problem following esophagectomy and reconstruction with gastric interposition. Despite a routine prescription of proton pump inhibitors, reflux-associated mucosal damage in the remnant esophagus is frequently observed. Purpose of this study is to evaluate mucosal damage in the esophageal remnant during long-term follow-up and to compare the prevalence of this damage between the subgroups of esophageal squamous cell and adenocarcinoma. All patients undergoing transthoracic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy were prospectively entered in our IRB approved database. All patients underwent a routine check-up program with yearly surveillance endoscopies following esophagectomy. Only patients with a complete follow-up were included into this study. Endoscopic and histopathologic mucosal changes of the remnant esophagus were analyzed in close intervals. A total of 50 patients met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 31 adenocarcinomas (AC) and 19 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Mucosal damage was already seen 1 year after surgery in 20 patients macroscopically (43%) and in 21 patients microscopically (45%). At 5-year follow-up the prevalence for macroscopic and microscopic damage was 55% and 60%, respectively. The prevalence of mucosal damage was higher in AC patients than in SCC patients (1y-FU: 51% [AC] vs. 28% [SCC]; 5y-FU: 68% [AC] vs. 35% [SCC], P < 0.05). Newly acquired Barrett's esophagus was seen in 10 patients (20%) with two of those patients (20%) showing histopathologic proof of neoplasia. This study shows a high prevalence of reflux-associated mucosal damage in the remnant esophagus one year out of surgery and only a moderate increase in prevalence in the following years. Mucosal damage was more frequently seen in AC patients and the occurrence of de-novo Barrett's esophagus and de-novo neoplasia was high. Endoscopic surveillance with targeted biopsies seems to be an indispensable tool to follow patients after esophagectomy appropriately.