Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: the role of abdominal-transhiatal resection

Contemporary outcomes for resected type 1-3 gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for tumors of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). However, contemporary analyses of the Western experience for GEJ adenocarcinoma are sparsely reported.

METHODS

Patients with GEJ adenocarcinoma undergoing resection between 2012 and 2022 at a single institution were grouped based on Siewert subtype and analyzed. Pathologic and treatment related variables were assessed with relation to outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 302 patients underwent resection: 161 (53.3%) with type I, 116 (38.4%) with type II, and 25 (8.3%) with type III tumors. Most patients received neoadjuvant therapy (86.4%); 86% of cases were performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Anastomotic leak occurred in 6.0% and 30-day mortality in only 0.7%. The rate of grade 3+ morbidity was lower for the last 5 years of the study than for the first 5 years (27.5% vs 49.3%, P < .001), as was median length of stay (7 vs 8 days, P < .001). There was a significantly greater number of signet ring type tumors among type III tumors (44.0%) than type I/II tumors (11.2/12.9%, P < .001). Otherwise, there was no difference in the distribution of pathologic features among Siewert subtypes. Notably, there was a significant difference in 3-year overall survival based on Siewert classification: type I 60.0%, type II 77.2%, and type III 86.3% (P = .011). Siewert type I remained independently associated with worse survival on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 4.5; P = .023).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, single-institutional series, operative outcomes for patients with resected GEJ adenocarcinoma improved over time. On multivariable analysis, type I tumors were an independent predictor of poor survival.

Total laparoscopic total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy combined with reconstruction by transhiatal esophagojejunal Roux-en-y mediastinal anastomosis for Siewert II AEG

PURPOSE

The optimal procedure is still controversial about Siewert type II AEG, We are attempt to explore the efficacy and feasibility of total laparoscopic total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy combined with reconstruction by transhiatal esophagojejunal Roux-en-y mediastinal anastomosis for Siewert type II AEG.

METHOD

Data of patients with Siewert type II AEG who received total laparoscopic total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy combined with reconstruction by transhiatal esophagojejunal Roux-en-y mediastinal anastomosis in the Hebei General Hospital were collected from October 2020 to October 2021, The operation time, surgical blood loss, the number of dissected lymph nodes, duration of drainage tube, the length of stay in ICU, the resume oral feeding time, the length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and other related indicators of the patients were collected to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this operation.

RESULT

A total of 17 patients received total laparoscopic total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy combined with reconstruction by transhiatal esophagojejunal Roux-en-y mediastinal anastomosisin the treatment of Siewert type II AEG were analyzed in our research. The mean operation time was 253 ± 24.8 min (196-347 min); The median surgical blood loss was 250 ml (20-2400 ml); The average number of dissected lymph nodes were 28 ± 4.6 (17-36); The median duration of drainage tube was 5 days (3-7days); The median length of stay in ICU was 18 h(10-34 h); The median time of resume oral feeding was 6 days (5-7days); The median postoperative hospital stay was 11 days (8-15 days). Among the all enrolled patients, one patient underwent the conversion to laparotomy due to the massive intraoperative bleeding, one patient developed anastomotic stenosis at jejunum side-to-side anastomosis on the first month after surgery, there was no case of death during the operation and postoperative anastomotic fistula. All patients achieved R0 resection with an average distance of 6 cm (4-8.5 cm) from the upper margin of the tumor to the resection margin.

CONCLUSION

The operation of total laparoscopic total gastric and distal esophagectomy combined with reconstruction by transhiatal esophagojejunal Roux-en-y mediastinal anastomosis is technically feasible and sufficiently safe in the treatment of Seiwert type II AEG from our primary clinical experience. This procedure could be one of the alternatives for the radical treatment of Siewert type II AEG.

Successful robotic proximal gastrectomy with side overlap esophagogastrostomy following preoperative chemotherapy: A case report

Introduction and importance

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEJ) has been on the rise in recent years, but the technical aspects of reconstruction and reflux prevention are unsolved problems. This case report aimed to illustrate the usefulness of preoperative chemotherapy for tumor shrinkage and the advantage of robotic surgery for stable reconstruction with reflux prevention.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old male patient was diagnosed with AEJ cT3N0M0 cStage IIB. Three courses of doublet chemotherapy with 80 mg/m²/day of S-1 on days 1–14 and 100 mg/m² of oxaliplatin on day 1 were administered every 3 weeks before surgery. After chemotherapy, the tumor shrunk, and the proximal margin changed from 1.5 cm above the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to be the gastric side of the EGJ. A radical robotic proximal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy was performed. Since sufficient length of the esophagus was secured in the hiatus due to tumor shrinkage, reconstruction was performed by the side-overlap esophagogastrostomy (mSOFY) method. The postoperative course was uneventful with no reflux symptoms two months after surgery, even without medication.

Clinical discussion

Preoperative chemotherapy is expected to improve the rates of complete resection and survival. In the present case, preoperative treatment with SOX resulted in tumor shrinkage, which enabled reconstruction using the mSOFY method. Robotic surgery may be useful for such complex reconstruction procedures.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of robotic reconstruction using the mSOFY method after proximal gastrectomy for AEG tumors. This work was reported in line with the SCARE 2020 criteria.

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Preoperative chemotherapy is useful for tumor shrinkage in patients with AEJ.

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Robotic mSOFY reconstruction enables reliable hand movement and good field of view.

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Robotic mSOFY can improve QOL and prevent reflux after proximal gastrectomy.

Establishment of prognostic models for adenocarcinoma of oesophagogastric junction patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a real-world study

Background

Multimodal therapies based on surgical resection have been recommended for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction (AEG). We aimed to evaluate prognostic factors in AEG patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and to build predictive models.

Methods

T3 − T4N + M0 AEG patients with resectable Siewert type II/III tumours were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation, followed by radical surgery or systemic therapy according to clinical response. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method; multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards method was also conducted. The Harrell concordance index (C-index) was used to test the prognostic value of models involving prognostic factors, and consistency between actual and predicted survival rates was evaluated by calibration curves.

Results

From February 2009 to February 2018, 79 patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; 60 patients of them underwent radical surgery. The R0 resection rate was 98.3%, and 46.7% of patients achieved a major pathologic response (MPR), namely, a residual tumour issue less than 10%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 63%, and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 48%. The incidence of grade 3 complications was 21.5%, and no grade 4 complications were reported. According to the results of univariate and multivariate analyses, we included the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), eosinophilic granulocyte (EOS) and postoperative pathologic stage in nomogram analysis to establish prediction models for OS and PFS; the C-index of each model was 0.814 and 0.722, respectively. Both the C-index and calibration curves generated to validate consistency between the actual and predicted survival indicated that the models were well calibrated and of good predictive value.

Conclusions

AEG patients achieved favourable downstaging and pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, with acceptable adverse effects. Inflammation-based and nutrition-related factors and postoperative pathologic stage had a significant influence on OS and PFS, and the predictive value was verified through prognostic models.

Optimal Extent of Transhiatal Gastrectomy and Lymphadenectomy for the Stomach-Predominant Adenocarcinoma of Esophagogastric Junction: Retrospective Single-Institution Study in China

Background: The optimal extent of gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer is controversial. Our study aimed to compare the long-term survival of transhiatal proximal gastrectomy with extended periproximal lymphadenectomy (THPG with EPL) and transhiatal total gastrectomy with complete perigastric lymphadenectomy (THTG with CPL) for patients with the stomach-predominant EGJ cancer.

Methods: Between January 2004, and August 2015, 306 patients with Siewert II tumors were divided into the THTG group (n = 148) and the THPG group (n = 158). Their long-term survival was compared according to Nishi's classification. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used for survival analysis.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the distribution of age, gender, tumor size or Nishi's type (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed in terms of pathological tumor stage (P < 0.05). The 5-year overall survival rates were 62.0% in the THPG group and 59.5% in the THTG group. The hazard ratio for death was 0.455 (95% CI, 0.337 to 0.613; log-rank P < 0.001). Type GE/E = G showed a worse prognosis compared with Type G (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis stratified by Nishi's classification, Stage IA-IIB and IIIA, and tumor size ≤ 30 mm indicated significant survival advantages for the THPG group (P < 0.05). However, this analysis failed to show a survival benefit in Stage IIIB (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Nishi's classification is an effective method to clarify the subdivision of Siewert II tumors with a diameter ≤ 40 mm above or below the EGJ. THPG with EPL is an optimal procedure for the patients with the stomach-predominant EGJ tumors ≤30 mm in diameter and in Stage IA-IIIA. For more advanced and larger EGJ tumors, further studies are required to confirm the necessity of THTG with CPL.

Thoracoabdominal gastrectomy and distal 2/3 esophageal resection with wide lymph node dissection for type II and III adenocarcinoma at the gastro-esophageal junction

BACKGROUND

For locally advanced Siewert type II and III tumors we have performed total gastrectomy including resection of the distal 2/3 of the esophagus, through separate abdominal and right chest incisions (THX-ABD). The procedure involves wide lymphadenectomy in the abdomen/chest and a Roux-en-Y jejunostomy to the level of the azygos vein or above. The aim of the study was to investigate short- and long-term results for this rarely used procedure.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 83 radio-chemotherapy naïve patients with adenocarcinoma at the gastro-esophageal junction (Siewert type II n = 65 and type III n = 18) operated upon 1986-2011.

RESULTS

2/83 (2.4%) patients died in hospital. 70/83 (84%) patients had R0-resections. 82/83 (99%) patients had free longitudinal resection margins. Overall 5-year survival was 22/83 (27%).

CONCLUSION

THX-ABD can be performed with high rates of R0 resections and with low in-hospital mortality. Long-term survival rate was not better compared with less extensive surgical procedures.

Influence of the surgical technique on survival in the treatment of carcinomas of the true cardia (Siewert Type II) - Right thoracoabdominal vs. transhiatal-abdominal approach

INTRODUCTION

It is still a matter of debate whether subtotal esophagectomy via a right thoracoabdominal approach (RTA) or extended gastrectomy using a transhiatal-abdominal approach (TH) is the favorable technique in the treatment of Siewert type II esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma (EJA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing RTA or TH for EJA at our institution between 2000 and 2013 were extracted from a prospective database. Of 270 patients 91 (33.7%) underwent RTA and 179 (66.3%) were treated by TH. Differences in baseline characteristics, 30d mortality and complications were investigated using the χ2-test or exact testing. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank testing. Median survival and hazard ratios were calculated and multivariable analysis of predictors was performed using a Cox model. Confounders were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

No significant difference between the two procedures was detected regarding overall-survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). 30d mortality rates were 1.1% in the RTA group and 4.5% in the TH group (p = 0.134). Morbidity was 34.1% in the RTA and 24.6% in the TH group (p = 0.006). Cox regression analysis identified age, ASA class and UICC stage as independent prognostic factors for OS. After PSM survival curves (OS + PFS) showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The present study could not detect a difference between RTA and TH from the oncologic point of view; RTA was not associated with higher 30d mortality. RTA for Siewert Type II EJA is justified whenever the oral tumor margin cannot be safely reached via a transhiatal approach.

Surgical strategies in true adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG II): thoracoabdominal or abdominal approach?

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical approach for adenocarcinoma directly at the esophagogastric junction (AEG II) is still under debate. This study aims to evaluate the differences between right thoracoabdominal esophagectomy (TAE) (Ivor-Lewis operation) and transhiatal extended gastrectomy (THG) for AEG II.

METHODS

From a prospective database, 242 patients with AEG II (TAE, n = 56; THG, n = 186) were included and analyzed according to characteristics and perioperative morbidity and mortality and overall survival (chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, log-rank, Cox regression).

RESULTS

Groups were comparable at baseline with exception of age. Patients older than 70 years were more frequently resected by THG (p = 0.003). No differences in perioperative morbidity (p = 0.197) and mortality (p = 0.711) were observed, including anastomotic leakages (p = 0.625) and pulmonary complications (p = 0.494). There was no significant difference in R0 resection (p = 0.719) and number of resected lymph nodes (p = 0.202). Overall median survival was 38.4 months. Survival after TAE was significantly longer than after THG (median OS not reached versus 33.6 months, p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed pN-category (p < 0.001) and type of surgery (p = 0.017) as independent prognostic factors. The type of surgery was confirmed as prognostic factor in locally advanced AEG II (cT 3/4 or cN1), but not in cT1/2 and cN0 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our single-center experience suggests that patients with (locally advanced) AEG II tumors may benefit from TAE compared to THG. For further evaluation, a randomized trial would be necessary.

Prognostic value of resected lymph nodes numbers for Siewert II gastroesophageal junction cancer

We aim to evaluate whether resected lymph nodes (RLNs) numbers have prognostic value in patients with gastroesophageal junction cancers (GEJ, Siewert type II). Patients with gastroesophageal junction cancers were identified from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry between 1988 to 2013. Multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan–Meier method were performed to analyze risk factors for overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival(CSS). A total of 8396 patients who underwent surgeries and had reginal lymph nodes examined were identified. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that more numbers of resected lymph nodes (RLNs) were associated with better survival. The five-year OS rates for 1–20 and 21–90 RLNs were 26.8% and 32.4%, with a median survival time of 62 and 72 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The five-year CSS rates were 32.2% and 37.2% in each group, with median survival time of 90 and 101 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Cox regression multivariate analysis showed that year of diagnosis, age, sex, marital status, grade, seer histology, tumor histology, lymph node ratio (LNR) and RLNs as a categorical variable were all significant prognostic factors for both OS and CSS. RLN count is an independent prognostic factor for Siewert type II GEJ cancer patients and patients can achieve better overall and cancer-specific survival with more than 20 RLNs dissected.

Comparison of survival outcomes between transthoracic and transabdominal surgical approaches in patients with Siewert-II/III esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: a single-institution retrospective cohort study

Objective

To compare the survival outcomes of transabdominal (TA) and transthoracic (TT) surgical approaches in patients with Siewert-II/III esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in patients with Siewert-II/III esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma who underwent either TT or TA operations in the West China Hospital between January 2006 and December 2009.

Results

A total of 308 patients (109 in the TT and 199 in the TA groups) were included in this study with a follow-up rate of 87.3%. The median (P25, P75) number of harvested perigastric lymph nodes was 8 (5, 10) in the TT group and 23 (16, 34) in the TA group (P<0.001), and the number of positive perigastric lymph nodes was 2 (0, 5) in the TT group and 3 (1, 8) in the TA group (P<0.004). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 36% in the TT group and 51% in the TA group (P=0.005). Subgroup analysis by Siewert classification showed that 5-year OS rates for patients with Siewert II tumors were 38% and 48% in TT and TA groups, respectively (P=0.134), whereas the 5-year OS rate for patients with Siewert III tumors was significantly lower in the TT group than that in the TA group (33% vs. 53%; P=0.010). Multivariate analysis indicated that N2 and N3 stages, R1/R2 resection and a TT surgical approach were prognostic factors for poor OS.

Conclusions

Improved perigastric lymph node dissection may be the main reason for better survival outcomes observed with a TA gastrectomy approach than with TT gastrectomy for Siewert III tumor patients.

Esophagojejunal anastomosis leakage after total gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: options of treatment

BACKGROUND

Esophagojejunal anastomosis leakage after total gastrectomy (TG) for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma (ADC) constitutes one of the most serious and sometimes life-threatening complications. Management remains controversial and still challenging.

METHODS

A total of 198 patients operated for type I and II EGJ ADC were reviewed. Diagnosis of leakage was based on a combination of clinical and radiological findings. It was classified including objective endoscopic and clinical parameters requiring different type of treatment.

RESULTS

Anastomotic leakage was diagnosed in 14 patients (7%). Two cases recovered with conservative therapy. Six cases underwent endoscopy with clips placement in 2 and partially covered self-expandable metal stent placement in 4. Other two cases underwent reoperation with reconstruction of anastomosis and primary repair respectively. In the last four cases emergency surgery with total esophagectomy and diversion was required. Mortality occurred only in 3 of these patients and overall treatment was successful in 11 patients (78.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

No consensus has been reached on the best method of esophagojejunal anastomosis leakage management and the rate of failure remains significant. Different options of treatment are available but early detection and multidisciplinary approaches are the keys to obtain successful results irrespective of the employed strategy.

Differences in prognosis of Siewert II and III oesophagogastric junction cancers are determined by the baseline tumour staging but not its anatomical location

BACKGROUND

The anatomical Siewert classification for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) was dictated by the potential differences in tumour epidemiology and pathology. However, there are some uncertainties whether the distinction of true carcinoma of the cardia (type II) and subcardial gastric cancer (type III) is of clinical value.

METHODS

Using a multicentre data set, we studied 243 patients with OGJ adenocarcinomas who underwent gastric resections between 1998 and 2008. Postoperative complications and long-term survival were compared to evaluate the potential differences in clinically relevant outcomes.

RESULTS

A group of 109 patients with Siewert type II and 134 with Siewert type III OGJ adenocarcinoma was identified. Both groups showed similar baseline characteristics, including clinical symptoms and duration of diagnostic delay. However, the prevalence of node-negative cancers and superficial (T1-T2) lesions was significantly higher among type II tumours, i.e. 42% vs 21% (P = 0.003) and 43% vs 20% (P = 0.045), respectively. Morbidity and mortality rates were 25% and 3.7%, respectively, but types and incidence of postoperative complications were not affected by the anatomical location of the tumour. The overall median survival was significantly longer for Siewert type II tumours (42 vs 16 months; P < 0.001). However, only patients' age >70 years, depth of tumour infiltration, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, and radical resection were identified as independent prognostic factors using the Cox proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSION

The topographic-anatomic sub-classification of OGJ adenocarcinomas does not correspond to relevant differences in clinical parameters of safety and efficacy of surgical treatment.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy with regional lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy has been applied to the treatment of gastric cancer. However, there have been few reports on the laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer, mainly because of the difficulty of the procedure.

METHODS

Here, we report a series of cases where the hand-assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomies with regional lymph node dissection were performed successfully.

RESULTS

The average operative time was 245 minutes. The mean blood loss was 110 mL. The number of dissected lymph nodes per patient was beyond 15 nodes satisfying a reliable evaluation of nodal status. All resection specimens had no residual tumor at the proximal or distal resection margins. The mean oral feeding was 3.6 days. The mean postoperative length of stay was 8.7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer is both technically feasible and safe.

Functional outcomes and quality of life after proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy using a narrow gastric conduit

BACKGROUND

The best surgical approach for tumors of the proximal stomach remains controversial. For proximal gastrectomy (PG), the evidence regarding quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes is controversial. Moreover, there are limited data from non-Asian settings.

METHODS

All patients who underwent PG from September 2005 to July 2013 were identified from an institutional database. Demographic, perioperative and pathologic characteristics were retrieved. Symptom scores (0 = best/4 = worst) for reflux symptoms, dysphagia and validated QoL metrics (FACT scale, where a higher score is better) were assessed during early and late follow-up. Eligible patients for analysis were those with no evidence of recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 465 upper gastrointestinal cancer resections, 50 were PG for adenocarcinoma (42; 84%), neuroendocrine carcinoma (5; 10%) or other pathologies (3; 6%). R0 resection was achieved in 44 (89.8%) of 49 patients with malignant tumors. Median lymph node collection was 32 (range 7-57). QoL scores did not differ from preoperative to early follow-up but increased compared to both at late follow-up [preoperative, 125 (interquartile range 105-140); early follow-up, 122.5 (97-142); late follow-up, 147 (132-159); p < 0.05]. At early and late follow-up, 9 (21.4%) of 42 and 10 (33.3%) of 30 patients reported reflux symptoms, but most were mild. Endoscopic signs of esophagitis were found in 7 (29%) of 24 patients, but only two of these reported reflux symptoms. Conversely only three of eight patients with reflux symptoms had esophagitis on endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Global QoL is not reduced early after PG, and increases compared to baseline at late follow-up. Although reflux symptoms are reported by a quarter of patients, most are mild, and there is little correlation with esophagitis. PG should remain a viable option in the management of proximal gastric tumors.

Transthoracic vs transhiatal surgery for cancer of the esophagogastric junction: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of the transthoracic and transhiatal approaches for cancer of the esophagogastric junction.

METHODS: An electronic and manual search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, EmBase and the Cochrane Library for articles published between March 1998 and January 2013. The pooled data included the following parameters: duration of surgical time, blood loss, dissected lymph nodes, hospital stay time, anastomotic leakage, pulmonary complications, cardiovascular complications, 30-d hospital mortality, and long-term survival. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding single studies.

RESULTS: Eight studies including 1155 patients with cancer of the esophagogastric junction, with 639 patients in the transthoracic group and 516 in the transhiatal group, were pooled for this study. There were no significant differences between two groups concerning surgical time, blood loss, anastomotic leakage, or cardiovascular complications. Dissected lymph nodes also showed no significant differences between two groups in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs. However, we did observe a shorter hospital stay (WMD = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.63-2.22, P < 0.00001), lower 30-d hospital mortality (OR = 3.21, 95%CI: 1.13-9.12, P = 0.03), and decreased pulmonary complications (OR = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.95-4.45, P < 0.00001) in the transhiatal group. For overall survival, a potential survival benefit was achieved for type III tumors with the transhiatal approach.

CONCLUSION: The transhiatal approach for cancers of the esophagogastric junction, especially types III, should be recommended, and its long-term outcome benefits should be further evaluated.

Comparison of Clinicopathological Characteristics in the Patients with Cardiac Cancer with or without Esophagogastric Junctional Invasion: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. This study addresses clinicopathological differences between patients with gastric cardia and subcardial cancer with and without esophagogastric junctional invasion. Methods. We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study. We studied patients who underwent curative surgery for gastric cardia and subcardial cancers. Tumors centered in the proximal 5 cm of the stomach were classed into two types, according to whether they did (Ge) or did not (G) invade the esophagogastric junction. Results. A total of 80 patients were studied; 19 (73.1%) of 26 Ge tumors and 16 (29.6%) of 54 G tumors had lymph nodes metastases. Incidence of nodal metastasis in pT1 tumors was significantly higher in the Ge tumor group. No nodal metastasis in cervical lymph nodes was recognized. Only two patients with Ge tumors had mediastinal lymph node metastases. Incidence of perigastric lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in those with Ge tumors. Ge tumors tended to be staged as progressive disease using the esophageal cancer staging manual rather than the gastric cancer staging manual. Conclusion. Because there are some differences in clinicopathological characteristics, it is thought to be adequate to distinguish type Ge from type G tumor.

Clinicopathological characteristics and optimal management for esophagogastric junctional cancer; a single center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Esophagogastric junctional (EGJ) cancer occurs in the mucosa near the esophagogastric junction, and has characteristics of both esophageal and gastric malignancies; its optimal treatment strategy is controversial.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of the patients who underwent curative surgery with lymphadenectomy for EGJ cancer. Tumor specimens were categorized by histology and location into four types-centered in the esophagus < 5 cm from EGJ (type E), which were subtyped as (i) squamous-cell carcinoma (SQ) or (ii) adenocarcinoma (AD); (iii) any histological tumor centered in the stomach < 5 cm from EGJ, with EGJ invasion (type Ge); (iv) any histological tumor centered in the stomach < 5 cm from EGJ, without EGJ invasion (type G)-and classified by TNM system; these were compared to patients' clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 92 EGJ cancer patients were studied. Median follow-up of surviving patients was 35.5 months. Tumors were categorized as 12 type E (SQ), 6 type E (AD), 27 type Ge and 47 type G; of these 7 (58.3%), 3 (50%), 19 (70.4%) and 14 (29.8%) and 23 patients, respectively, had lymph node metastases. No patients with type E (AD) and Ge tumors had cervical lymph node metastasis; those with type G tumors had no nodal metastasis at cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes. Multivariate analysis showed that type E (AD) tumor was an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

We should distinguish type Ge tumor from type E (AD) tumor because of the clinicopathological and prognostic differentiation. Extended gastrectomy with or without lower esophagectomy according to tumor location and lower mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenectomy are recommended for EGJ cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan, UMIN000008596.

Lower Mediastinal Lymph Node Metastasis is an Independent Survival Factor of Siewert Type II and III Adenocarcinomas in the Gastroesophageal Junction

We examined clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes in patients with adenocarcinoma in the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), while also analyzing the survival factors that have a prognostic impact. Between 1991 and 2009, 61 patients with tumors in the GEJ (Siewert type II and III) underwent primary surgical resection. Thirty of 61 patients had type II tumors (49.2%) and 31 had type III tumors (50.8%). The tumor size was larger in type III tumors than type II tumors ( P = 0.0026). The overall 5-year survival rates in patients with type II tumors and type III tumors were 44.2 per cent and 41.4 per cent, respectively, with no significant differences ( P = 0.1888). The independent survival factors were lower mediastinal lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.0323) and a noncurative resection ( P = 0.0442). The independent survival factors for patients who underwent curative resections were the tumor size ( P = 0.0422), M category ( P = 0.0489), and lower mediastinal lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.0482). This study showed lower mediastinal lymph node metastasis to be an independent survival factor, and also suggested that lower mediastinal lymph node metastasis was associated with distant metastasis in patients with adenocarcinoma in the GEJ (Siewert type II and III). Therefore, the preoperative early detection of such metastasis is important to improve patient survival.

Outcomes of Abdominal Total Gastrectomy for Type II and III Gastroesophageal Junction Tumors: Single Center's Experience in Korea

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of abdominal total gastrectomy, without mediastinal lymph node dissection for type II and III gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed surgical outcomes in 67 consecutive patients with type II and III GEJ cancers that were treated by the surgical resection between 2004 and 2008.

Results

Thirty (45%) patients had type II and 37 (55%) had type III tumor. Among the 65 (97%) patients with curative surgery, 21 (31%) patients underwent the extended total gastrectomy with trans-hiatal distal esophageal resection, and in 44 (66%) patients, abdominal total gastrectomy alone was done. Palliative gastrectomy was performed in two patients due to the accompanying peritoneal metastasis. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 21.4% and 1.5%, respectively. After a median follow up of 36 months, the overall 3-years was 68%, without any differences between the Siewert types or the operative approaches (transhiatal approach vs. abdominal approach alone). On the univariate analysis, the T stage, N stage and R0 resection were found to be associated with the survival, and multivariate analysis revealed that the N stage was a poor independent prognostic factor for survival.

Conclusions

Type II and III GEJ cancers may successfully be treated with the abdominal total gastrectomy, without mediastinal lymph node dissection in the Korean population.

Gastric tube reconstruction reduces postoperative gastroesophageal reflux in adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction

BACKGROUND

The anastomosis of gastric remnant to esophagus after proximal gastrectomy is the traditional surgical treatment procedure for patients with types II and III adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction. However, the postoperative complications such as gastroesophageal reflux are frequent.

AIMS

To assess the outcome of the intraperitoneal anastomosis of the reconstructed gastric tube to esophagus after proximal gastrectomy for types II and III adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction.

METHODS

Seventy-six consecutive patients with preoperative diagnosis of type II or type III adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction were recruited. Forty-one patients had the traditional anastomosis of gastric remnant to esophagus and 35 patients underwent an anastomosis of esophagus to a gastric tube that was constructed from the gastric remnant after proximal gastrectomy.

RESULTS

Twenty-three (56.1%) versus 12 (28.6%) patients (p = 0.016) complained various discomforts and/or were diagnosed with complications in the traditional group and gastric tube group, respectively, although there were no significant differences between the two groups in demographic data and pathological characteristics. Fourteen (34.1%) versus five (14.3%) patients (p = 0.046) complained of heartburn or acid regurgitation and nine (22.0%) versus two (5.7%) patients (p = 0.045) were confirmed reflux esophagitis in the traditional group and the gastric tube group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraperitoneal anastomosis of the reconstructed gastric tube to esophagus demonstrates less complaints of gastroesophageal reflux and reflux esophagitis than the traditional anastomosis of gastric remnant to esophagus in the surgical treatment of types II and III adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction in 1-year follow-up.