Preservation of the vagus nerves in subtotal esophagectomy without thoracotomy

ADVANCED MEGAESOPHAGUS TREATMENT: WHICH TECHNIQUE OFFERS THE BEST RESULTS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

BACKGROUND

Advanced megaesophagus predisposes to risks of malnutrition infections and cancer, in addition to having a significant impact on quality of life. There is currently no consensus in the literature regarding the best surgical option for advanced megaesophagus, although there is a predilection for esophagectomy, despite this surgery being associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Other surgical procedures, such as esophageal mucosectomy and Heller cardiomyotomy, have been proposed with good results.

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the surgical treatment of advanced megaesophagus.

METHODS

Databases used included PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs), Embase and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MedLine), as well as reference research. Two reviewers selected the articles independently.

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles were chosen, which included 1,862 patients. The studies were divided into two groups: laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with fundoplication (213 patients) and major surgeries (1,649 patients). The studies yielded mostly good or excellent results regarding late outcomes in both groups. However, there was significant morbidity associated with the major surgeries group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy can be performed on patients with advanced megaesophagus, with lower rates of complications and mortality compared to major surgeries, with reservations regarding late outcomes results.

[Minimally invasive esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases: results of a two-center study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of thoracoscopic esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 78 patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy between 2011 and 2019. Peptic and burn strictures of the esophagus were diagnosed in 53 patients, achalasia - in 24 patients. Minimally invasive esophagectomy and esophagoplasty with isoperistaltic gastric tube and esophagogastrostomy on the neck was performed in 68 patients, Ivor Lewis esophagectomy - in 1 patient, coloesophagoplasty - in 9 patients. We used manual technique of anastomosis in 58 patients, stapling device - in 19 patients. In 1 case, surgery was finished with esophagostomy and gastrostomy.

RESULTS

Mean blood loss was 200 ml (10-1200), surgery time - 450 min (265-765 min). Early postoperative complications occurred in 37 patients including anastomotic leakage in 24 cases. In long-term period, anastomotic strictures developed in 9 patients. No mortality was observed.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for benign esophageal diseases ensures favorable clinical outcomes. However, no consensus in the choice of surgical approach and indications, as well as small number of these patients cause challenges in implementation of this technique. There are different opinions regarding technique of anastomosis on the neck and surgical access in thoracoscopic esophagectomy.