Evaluation of preoperative risk factors and postoperative indicators for anastomotic leak of minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy: a single-center retrospective analysis

Sex differences in survival following surgery for esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The impact of sex on the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer remains unclear. Evidence supports that sex- based disparities in esophageal cancer survival could be attributed to sex- specific risk exposures, such as age at diagnosis, race, socioeconomic status, smoking, drinking, and histological type. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of sex disparities in survival of patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from December 1966 to February 2023, was held. Studies that reported sex-related differences in survival outcomes of patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were identified. A total of 314 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Statistically significant results derived from 1-year and 2-year overall survival pooled analysis with Relative Risk (RR) 0.93 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.90-0.97, I2 = 52.00) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.95, I2 = 0.00), respectively (RR < 1 = favorable for men). In the postoperative complications analysis, statistically significant results concerned anastomotic leak and heart complications, RR: 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01-1.16) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.52-0.75), respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed among studies with <200 and > 200 patients, histology types, study continent and publication year. Overall, sex tends to be an independent prognostic factor for esophageal carcinoma. However, unanimous results seem rather obscure when multivariable analysis and subgroup analysis occurred. More prospective studies and gender-specific protocols should be conducted to better understand the modifying role of sex in esophageal cancer prognosis.

Early postoperative systemic inflammatory response as predictor of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Postesophagectomy anastomotic leakage occurs in up to 16% of patients and is the main cause of morbidity and mortality. The leak severity is determined by the extent of contamination and the degree of sepsis, both of which are related to the time from onset to treatment. Early prediction based on inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, white blood cell counts, albumin levels, and combined Noble-Underwood (NUn) scores can guide early management. This review aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers.

METHODS

This study was designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) database. Two reviewers independently conducted searches across PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase. Sources of bias were assessed, and a meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Data from 5348 patients were analyzed, and 13% experienced leakage. The diagnostic accuracy of the serum biomarkers was analyzed, and pooled cutoff values were identified. CRP levels were found to have good diagnostic accuracy on days 2 to 5. The best discrimination was identified on day 2 for a cutoff value < 222 mg/L (area under the curve = 0.824, sensitivity = 81%, specificity = 88%, positive predictive value = 38.6%, and negative predictive value = 98%). A NUn score of >10 on day 4 correlated with poor diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

The NUn score failed to achieve adequate accuracy. CRP seems to be the only valuable biomarker and is a negative predictor of postesophagectomy leakage. Patients with a CRP concentration of <222 mg/L on day 2 are unlikely to develop a leak, and patients can safely proceed through their enhanced recovery after surgery protocol. Patients with a CRP concentration of <127 mg/L on day 5 can be safely discharged when clinically possible.

Systemic Inflammatory Response and the Noble and Underwood (NUn) Score as Early Predictors of Anastomotic Leakage after Esophageal Reconstructive Surgery

Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains the main cause of post-esophagectomy morbidity and mortality. Early detection can avoid sepsis and reduce morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of the Nun score and its components as early detectors of AL. This single-center observational cohort study included all esophagectomies from 2010 to 2020. C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), and white cell count (WCC) were analyzed and NUn scores were calculated. The area under the curve statistic (AUC) was used to assess their predictive accuracy. A total of 74 of the 668 patients (11%) developed an AL. CRP and the NUn-score proved to be good diagnostic accuracy tests on postoperative day (POD) 2 (CRP AUC: 0.859; NUn score AUC: 0.869) and POD 4 (CRP AUC: 0.924; NUn score AUC: 0.948). A 182 mg/L CRP cut-off on POD 4 yielded a 87% sensitivity, 88% specificity, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98%, and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 47.7%. A NUn score cut-off > 10 resulted in 92% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 99% NPV, and 68% PPV. Albumin and WCC have limited value in the detection of post-esophagectomy AL. Elevated CRP and a high NUn score on POD 4 provide high accuracy in predicting AL after esophageal cancer surgery. Their high negative predictive value allows to select patients who can safely proceed with enhanced recovery protocols.

Efficacy of Biomarkers in Predicting Anastomotic Leakage After Gastrointestinal Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Our systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to evaluate the published literature from 2016 to 2019 on which the role of biomarkers in predicting the anastomotic leakage (AL) in gastroesophageal cancer surgery was investigated. This extensive literature search was conducted on the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) were used to gather the relevant information. No restrictions were made on the type of biomarkers. Wald or likelihood ratio (LRT) fixed effect tests were used to estimate the pooled prevalence to generate the proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and model-fitted weights. For analyzing heterogeneity, the Cochran Q test and I square test were used. The Egger regression asymmetry test and funnel plot were used for publication. In this meta-analysis, a total of 15 studies were recruited with 1892 patients undergoing the resection. The pooled elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) was observed as 13.9% ranging from 11.6% to 16.1%. The pooled prevalence of other biomarkers with AL was observed as 4.4%. Significant heterogeneity was observed between studies that reported CRP and other biomarkers (92% each with chi-squared values of 78.80 and 122.78, respectively). However, no significant publication was observed between studies (p=0.61 and p=0.11, respectively). We concluded our study on this note that different biomarkers are involved in the diagnosis of AL. However, all these biomarkers are poor predictors with insufficient predictive value and sensitivity.

A risk scoring system for early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage after subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most critical postoperative complications after subtotal esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer. This study attempted to develop an optimal scoring system for stratifying the risk for AL.

METHODS

The study included 171 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer followed by esophagogastrostomy in the cervical region from January 2011 to April 2021 at Nagoya University Hospital. AL was defined by radiologic or endoscopic evidence of anastomotic breakdown using some modalities. A risk scoring system for an early diagnosis of AL was established using factors determined in the multivariate analysis. A score was calculated for each patient, and the patients were classified into three categories according to the risk for AL: low-, intermediate- and high-risk. The trend of the risk for AL among the categories was evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (17%) developed AL. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that sinistrous gross features of drain fluid (P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR), 10.2), radiologic air bubble sign (P < 0.001; OR, 15.0) and the level of drain amylase ≥280 U/L on postoperative Day 7 (P < 0.001; OR, 9.0) were significantly associated with AL. According to the matching number of the above three risk factors and categorization into three risk groups, the incidence of AL was 6.1% (8/131) in the low-risk group, 45.5% (15/33) in the intermediate-risk group and 85.7% (6/7) in the high-risk group (area under curve, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

The present AL-risk scoring system may be useful in postoperative patient care after subtotal esophagectomy.

C-reactive protein and drain amylase: their utility in ruling out anastomotic leakage after minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most feared complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. We investigated the role of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and drain amylase levels in the early detection of AL.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 193 patients who underwent a minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis procedure between January 2017 and October 2021. Mean CRP and median drain amylase levels between patients with and without AL were compared during the first five postoperative days (POD). ROC curves on POD 3, 4 and 5 were plotted to calculate cut-off values for CRP.

RESULTS

In 30 of the 193 patients (16%), AL was diagnosed with a median time to diagnosis of 9 days. Mean CRP was significantly higher in patients with AL on POD 3, 4 and 5. Cut-off values of 59, 110 and 106 mg/L had a high sensitivity of 93%, 90% and 90% on POD 3, 4 and 5. No difference in median drain amylase levels was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

CRP levels with a cut-off point of 110 mg/L on POD 4 do not improve earlier detection of AL, but have a high sensitivity for excluding AL. The value of drain amylase in the first 5 days after surgery is limited.

Chest drainage after oesophageal resection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Modern enhanced recovery protocols discourage drain use due to negative impacts on patient comfort, mobility, and recovery, and lack of proven clinical benefit. After oesophagectomy, however, drains are still routinely placed. This review aimed to assess the evidence for, and how best to use chest drains after oesophageal surgery.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane collaboration databases. Studies reporting outcomes for different types or uses of thoracic drainage, or outcomes related to drains after trans-thoracic oesophagectomy were included. Studies were collated into domains based on variations in number, position, type, removal criteria, diagnostic use and complications of drains. Methodological quality was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa and Jadad scores.

RESULTS

Among 434 potentially relevant studies, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria and these included 2564 patients. Studies that examined the number of drains showed pain reduction with a single drain compared to multiple drains (3 studies, n = 103), and transhiatal placement compared to intercostal (6 studies, n = 425). Amylase levels may aid diagnosis of anastomotic leak (9 studies, n = 888). Narrow calibre Blake drains may effectively drain both air and fluid (2 studies, n = 163). Drain removal criteria by daily drainage volumes of up to 300 mL did not impact subsequent effusion rates (2 studies, n = 130). Complications related directly to drains were reported by 3 studies (n = 59).

CONCLUSION

Available evidence on the impact of thoracic drainage after oesophagectomy is limited, but has the potential to negatively affect outcomes. Further research is required to determine optimum drainage strategies.

A New Risk Factor for Cervical Anastomotic Leakage-Role of The Relative Gastric Length in the Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Blood supply is especially weak near the gastric fundus. Making the anastomosis in this area would increase the risk of anastomotic leakage (AL). In cervical anastomosis, the gastric conduit needs to travel through the thorax. Therefore, the relative length between the stomach and the thorax is an essential factor in deciding if the poorly supplied area could be removed. This study was to explore if a small relative gastric length was a risk of cervical AL. If all other conditions are equal, could intrathoracic anastomosis be a better choice?

METHODS

Patients who underwent esophagectomy with a preoperative barium swallow in West China Hospital between 2014 and 2017 were included. The length of the greater curvature and the thorax were obtained from the barium esophagogram. The ratio between the length of the greater curvature and the thorax was the relative gastric length calculated from the greater curvature (RGL-G).

RESULTS

A total of 782 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. The cervical AL group had a significantly higher ratio of patients with an RGL-G less than 1.3 (26.7% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.003). The multivariate logistic regression proved that RGL-G less than 1.3 was a risk factor for cervical anastomotic leakage (p = 0.012). Correspondingly, RGL-G less than 1.3 was not a risk factor (6.3% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.289) in the intrathoracic anastomosis group.

CONCLUSIONS

RGL-G less than 1.3 was a new risk factor for cervical AL, but it would not be a problem for intrathoracic anastomosis.

Predictive value of postoperative serum prealbumin levels for early detection of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: A retrospective study

The impact of serum prealbumin in patients with esophageal carcinoma after undergoing esophagectomy remains unclear, we speculated that serum prealbumin is associated with anastomotic leak (AL) after surgery, low serum prealbumin level may lead to AL. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between serum prealbumin levels and AL after esophagectomy, to explore the value of serum prealbumin as an early predictor of AL after esophagectomy.Between January 2014 and December 2018, 255 patients were enrolled in this study, their basic characteristics and perioperative serum prealbumin levels were retrospectively analyzed. Statistical analysis by t test, nonparametric test and logistic regression were used to analyze data for patients with and without AL. Based on a receiver operator characteristic curve, a cut-off value for serum prealbumin levels as a predictor of AL was determined.Among the 255 patients, 18 patients were diagnosed with AL. The overall AL rate was 7.0% (18/255) including 12 cases of intrathoracic AL and 6 cases of cervical AL. By univariate analysis, we identified postoperative serum prealbumin level as a risk factor for AL (P < .001). Multivariate analysis also demonstrated postoperative serum prealbumin level (P = .028) to be an independent risk factor for AL. The best cut-off value of postoperative serum prealbumin level was 131 mg/L for predicting AL, with 83.3% sensitivity and 72.2% specificity.Postoperative serum prealbumin level was significantly associated with AL. it may help the early prediction of postoperative AL.

Patient-Related Prognostic Factors for Anastomotic Leakage, Major Complications, and Short-Term Mortality Following Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to identify preoperative patient-related prognostic factors for anastomotic leakage, mortality, and major complications in patients undergoing oncological esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy is a high-risk procedure with an incidence of major complications around 25% and short-term mortality around 4%.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Medline and Embase databases for studies investigating the associations between patient-related prognostic factors and anastomotic leakage, major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa), and/or 30-day/in-hospital mortality after esophagectomy for cancer.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine eligible studies identifying 37 prognostic factors were included. Cardiac comorbidity was associated with anastomotic leakage, major complications, and mortality. Male sex and diabetes were prognostic factors for anastomotic leakage and major complications. Additionally, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score > III and renal disease were associated with anastomotic leakage and mortality. Pulmonary comorbidity, vascular comorbidity, hypertension, and adenocarcinoma tumor histology were identified as prognostic factors for anastomotic leakage. Age > 70 years, habitual alcohol usage, and body mass index (BMI) 18.5-25 kg/m² were associated with increased risk for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Various patient-related prognostic factors are associated with anastomotic leakage, major postoperative complications, and postoperative mortality following oncological esophagectomy. This knowledge may define case-mix adjustment models used in benchmarking or auditing and may assist in selection of patients eligible for surgery or tailored perioperative care.

Risk stratification of anastomotic leakage using eGFR and FIB-4 index in patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery

PURPOSE

Renal insufficiency and liver cirrhosis are identified as independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy. However, research evaluating the incidence of AL using quantitative data to measure renal function and liver fibrosis remain to be limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate postoperative AL after esophagectomy using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index.

METHODS

In total, 184 patients who underwent esophagectomy were included in this study; then, they were divided into the non-AL group (n = 161) and AL group (n = 23), after which their background data and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared. In addition, risk factors for AL were evaluated using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Preoperative body mass index of ≥21.5 kg/m², hemoglobin A1c level of ≥7.3%, FIB-4 index of ≥1.44, and eGFR of <59 ml/min/1.73 m² were found to be significantly frequent in the AL group compared with the non-AL group. Multivariate analysis revealed FIB-4 index of ≥1.44 (p = 0.013; OR, 3.780; 95% CI, 1.320-10.800) and eGFR of <59 ml/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.018; OR, 3.110; 95% CI, 1.220-8.020) as the independent risk factors for AL. In addition, we stratified the patients into three groups based on the incidence of AL as follows: low risk (5.5%, low FIB-4 index), intermediate risk (13.0%, high FIB-4 index and eGFR), and high risk (37.5%, high FIB-4 index and low eGFR).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative eGFR and FIB-4 index were found to be useful markers to predict AL after esophagectomy.

Association of Malnutrition, as Defined by the PG-SGA, ESPEN 2015, and GLIM Criteria, With Complications in Esophageal Cancer Patients After Esophagectomy

Background: There are several approaches that can be used for the pre-treatment identification of malnutrition in oncology populations including the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), the 2015 consensus statement by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN 2015) and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). Aims: This study aimed to evaluate whether malnutrition, as defined by these three methods, can be used to predict complications in esophageal cancer (EC) patients after esophagectomy. Methods: We performed a single center, observational cohort study that included 360 EC patients undergoing esophagectomy from December 2014 to November 2019 at Daping Hospital in China. The prevalence of malnutrition in the study population was prospectively defined using the PG-SGA (≥9 defined malnutrition), and retrospectively defined using the ESPEN 2015 and the GLIM. The prevalence of malnutrition and association with postoperative complications were compared in parallel for the three methods. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition before surgery was 23.1% (83/360), 12.2% (44/360), and 33.3% (120/360) in the study population, as determined by the PG-SGA, the ESPEN 2015 and the GLIM, respectively. The PG-SGA and GLIM had higher diagnostic concordance (Kappa = 0.519, P < 0.001) compared to the ESPEN 2015 vs. GLIM (Kappa = 0.361, P < 0.001) and PG-SGA vs. ESPEN 2015 (Kappa = 0.297, P < 0.001). The overall incidence of postoperative complications for the study population was 58.1% (209/360). GLIM- and ESPEN 2015-defined malnutrition were both associated with the total number of postoperative complications in multivariable analyses. Moreover, GLIM-defined malnutrition exhibited the highest power to identify the incidence of complications among all independent predictors in a pooled analysis. Conclusion: Among the PG-SGA, the ESPEN 2015 and the GLIM, the GLIM framework defines the highest prevalence rate of malnutrition and appears to be the optimal method for predicting postoperative complications in EC patients undergoing esophagectomy. These results support the importance of preoperatively identifying malnutrition using appropriate assessment tools, because it can facilitate the selection of management strategies that will optimize the clinical outcomes of EC patients.

Constructing a risk prediction model for anastomotic leakage after esophageal cancer resection

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate a newly constructed risk prediction model for anastomotic leakage after esophageal cancer resection.

Methods

A retrospective survey of 205 patients who underwent esophageal cancer resection was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire. The influencing factors were explored by single factor analysis, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to construct the prediction equation. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the model.

Results

The incidence of anastomotic leakage after esophageal cancer resection was 11.73%. There were five independent risk factors entered into the regression equation. The risk prediction equation was Z = 0.108 × age + 2.011 × preoperative chemotherapy history + 3.007 ×incision redness/exudation + 2.632 × pleural effusion + 1.934 × increased white blood cell count − 12.304. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve test, the area under the curve was 0.946, the sensitivity was 0.833, the specificity was 0.912, and the Youden index was 0.745.

Conclusion

The risk model of anastomotic leakage after esophageal cancer resection had a good predictive effect that was of significance for guiding clinical observation and early-screening.

Diagnosing anastomotic leak post-esophagectomy: a systematic review

Esophagectomy is the gold-standard treatment for esophageal cancer; however, postoperative anastomotic leakage remains the primary concern for surgeons. No consensus exists on the optimal investigations to predict an anastomotic leak. This systematic review aims to identify a single test or combination of tests with acceptable sensitivity and specificity to identify anastomotic leak after esophagectomy and to formulate a diagnostic algorithm to facilitate surgical decision-making. A systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE databases was undertaken to evaluate diagnostic investigations for anastomotic leak post-esophagectomy. Each study was reviewed and where possible, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were extracted. The review identified 3,204 articles, of which 49 met the inclusion criteria. Investigations most commonly used for diagnosis of anastomotic leak were: C-reactive protein (CRP), oral contrast imaging, computed tomography (CT), pleural drain amylase concentration, and the 'NUn score'. The sensitivity of CRP for detecting anastomotic leak varied from 69.2% to 100%. Oral contrast studies sensitivities varied between 16% and 87.5% and specificity varied from 20% to 100%. Pleural drain amylase sensitivities ranged between 75% and 100% and specificity ranged from 52% to 95.5%. The NUn score sensitivities ranged from 0% to 95% and specificity from 49% to 94.4%. No single investigation was identified to rule out anastomotic leak in asymptomatic patients. However, the authors propose a diagnostic algorithm incorporating CRP, pleural drain amylase concentration, and CT with oral contrast to aid clinicians in predicting anastomotic leak to facilitate safe, timely discharge post-esophagectomy.

Prognostic value of inflammatory markers for detecting anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophageal resection is crucial for the successful management of this complication. Inflammatory serological markers are indicators of complications during the postoperative course. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of routine inflammatory markers to predict anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophageal resection.

METHODS

Data from all consecutive patients undergoing transthoracic esophageal resection between January 2010 and December 2016 were analyzed from a prospective database. Besides clinicodemographic parameters, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and albumin were analyzed and the Noble/Underwood (NUn) score was calculated to evaluate their predictive value for postoperative anastomotic leakage. Diagnostic accuracy was measured by sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values using area under the receiver operator characteristics curve.

RESULTS

Overall, 233 patients with transthoracic esophageal resection were analyzed, 30-day mortality in this group was 3.4%. 57 patients (24.5%) suffered from AL, 176 patients were in the AL negative group. We found significant differences in WBCC, CRP and NUn scores between patients with and without AL, but the analyzed markers did not show an independent relevant prognostic value. For CRP levels below 155 mg/dl from POD3 to POD 7 the negative predictive value for absence of AI was > 80%. Highest diagnostic accuracy was detected for CRP levels on 4th POD with a cut-off value of 145 mg/l reaching negative predictive value of 87%.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to their prognostic value in other surgical procedures, CRP, WBCC and NUn score cannot be recommended as independent markers for the prediction of anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophageal resection. CRP is an accurate negative predictive marker and discrimination of AL and no-AL may be helpful for postoperative clinical management. Trial registration The study was approved by the local ethical committee (S635-2013).

Risk Factors for Postoperative Anastomosis Leak After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study aimed to identify risk factors for anastomosis leak (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One-hundred twenty-two patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018 were included. The rate of AL was measured based on the definition of leak as adapted from the Surgical Infection Study Group. To identify the risk factors for AL, logistic regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

AL was found in 44 of the 122 patients (36.1%). Among the factors examined, the lymph node dissection status (p=0.007) and preoperative serum albumin level (p=0.022) were significant independent risk factors for AL. The incidence of AL was 26.7% (20 of 75) among patients who received 2-field lymph node dissection and 51.1% (24 of 47) among those who received 3-field lymph node dissection. The incidence of AL was 29.9% (23 of 77) in the preoperative serum albumin levels ≥4.0 g/dl group and 46.7% (21 of 45) in the serum albumin levels <4.0 g/dl group.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node dissection status and preoperative serum albumin levels were risk factors for AL in patients who received esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Risk factors and therapeutic measures for postoperative complications associated with esophagectomy

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers associated with the high mortality rate. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to manage the disease and prevent comorbidities. Surgical resection of the tumor and lymph nodes is usually practiced either with or without chemo or chemoradiotherapy. Despite advancements in surgical methods and skills, complex nature of the esophagus and invasiveness of the surgery can lead to serious complications in these patients. In order to predict postoperative outcomes, preoperative examination of the patients, in addition to risk factors, should be conducted. Conclusion: Lastly, early detection of adverse postoperative events may help faster recovery, reduce hospital stay and prevent other morbidities.

Systematic Review of the Role of Biomarkers in Predicting Anastomotic Leakage Following Gastroesophageal Cancer Surgery

Anastomotic leakage (AL) following gastroesophageal cancer surgery remains a serious postoperative complication. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of investigated biomarkers for the early detection of AL following esophagectomy, esophagogastrectomy and gastrectomy. All published studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers predicting AL following gastroesophageal resection for cancer were included. The Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) 2 tool. Twenty-four studies evaluated biomarkers in the context of AL following gastroesophageal cancer surgery. Biomarkers were derived from the systemic circulation, mediastinal and peritoneal drains, urine and mediastinal microdialysis. The most commonly evaluated serum biomarkers were C-reactive protein and leucocytes. Both proved to be useful markers for excluding AL owing to its high specificity and negative predictive values. Amylase was the most commonly evaluated peritoneal drain biomarker and significantly elevated levels can predict AL in the early postoperative period. The associated area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve values ranged from 0.482 to 0.994. Current biomarkers are poor predictors of AL after gastroesophageal cancer surgery owing to insufficient sensitivity and positive predictive value. Further research is needed to identify better diagnostic tools to predict AL.

Risk factors for anastomotic leak after esophagectomy for cancer: A NSQIP procedure-targeted analysis

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak is the most common major complication after esophagectomy. We investigated the 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program esophagectomy targeted database to identify risk factors for anastomotic leak.

METHODS

Patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer were included. Patients experiencing an anstomotic leak were identified, and univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify variables independently associated with anastomotic leak.

RESULTS

Of 915 patients included, 83% were male and the median age was 64 years. Patients with anastomotic leak more frequently had additional complications (87% vs 36%, P < .001). Rates of reoperation (64% vs 11%, P < .001) and mortality (8% vs 2%, P = .001) were higher in patients with anastomotic leak. After adjusting for patient and procedure characteristics, prolonged operative time (for each additional 30-minutes; adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.068, 95% CI, 1.022-1.115, P = .003), increased preoperative WBC count (for each 3000/µL increase; AOR 1.323, 95% CI, 1.048-1.670, P = .019), pre-existing diabetes (AOR 1.601, 95% CI, 1.012-2.534, P = .045), and perioperative transfusion (AOR 1.777, 95% CI, 1.064-2.965, P = .028) were independently associated with anastomotic leak.

CONCLUSION

Both patient and procedure-related factors are associated with anastomotic leak. Though frequently non-modifiable, these findings could facilitate risk stratification and early detection of anastomotic leak to reduce associated morbidity.